Parents often ask us whether their child should take the SSAT or the ISEE, two of the most common private school admissions tests, when applying to private or independent schools. As executive functioning coaches and academic tutors, one of our specialties is private school test prep. We’re here to give you clear, honest answers to the most common questions about the SSAT, ISEE, and admissions testing strategy.
How Many Times Can You Take the SSAT or ISEE?
- ISEE: Students can take the ISEE up to three times per year, once per testing season (Fall, Winter, and Spring/Summer).
- SSAT: Students can take the SSAT as many times as they’d like. There are typically eight official test dates each academic year.
Which Private School Admissions Test Should My Child Take: SSAT or ISEE?
Choosing the right test depends on your child’s strengths:
- If your child excels in math, the ISEE may be a better fit. Its Quantitative Reasoning and Mathematics Achievement sections are known to be challenging.
- If your child is stronger in vocabulary and reading comprehension, the SSAT may play more to their strengths. It includes analogies and emphasizes advanced verbal reasoning.
At Diversified Education Services, we often recommend aligning the test with the student’s stronger skill set to help balance their score profile and boost confidence.
Do Private Schools Prefer the SSAT or the ISEE?
Most private and independent schools accept both the SSAT and ISEE, but some institutions do state a preference. In some cases, a school may even publish their preferred exam directly on their admissions page, while others quietly lean toward one test based on long-standing tradition or the backgrounds of their applicant pool.
It’s also worth noting that regional trends can play a role. For example, schools in the Northeast have historically leaned more toward the SSAT, while certain schools on the West Coast and in larger metropolitan areas may be more familiar with the ISEE. These aren’t hard rules, but they can be helpful context as you consider which exam your child should prioritize.
The safest approach is to create a shortlist of target schools and confirm requirements with their admissions departments before registering for a test. Some families choose to have their child sit for both exams, especially if their strengths could produce a higher score on one test over the other. Taking both can keep more doors open, though it does require additional preparation time.
Ultimately, schools want to see an exam score that reflects a student’s ability to succeed in a rigorous academic environment, regardless of which test it comes from. Checking each school’s stated policies early on will help you make an informed decision and avoid surprises later in the application process.
How Long Should Students Prepare for the SSAT or ISEE?
The ideal timeline is 3–6 months of preparation, depending on the student’s starting point and target schools.
Our private school admissions tutoring programs focus on building executive functioning, test-taking confidence, and academic content mastery.
How Important are SSAT and ISEE Scores in the Admissions Process?
- Lower School applicants (Grades 2–4): Test scores are often weighed more heavily, since report cards are considered more subjective at this stage.
- Middle School and Upper School applicants: Grades, extracurriculars, and recommendations carry more weight, though test scores still matter.
“Middle school is about promise. Upper school is about potential.”In short, while strong test scores can open doors, they are not the whole story—especially for middle and secondary students.
Final Word: It’s Not Just About the Test
At Diversified Education Services, we remind families that admissions decisions are based on the full picture:
- Academic history
- Teacher recommendations
- Extracurricular involvement
- Character
And yes—standardized test scores.
The SSAT or ISEE is just one piece of the puzzle. We help students prepare without stress, improve their performance, and show their true potential.
Need help deciding between the SSAT and ISEE?
Schedule a free consultation today with our expert team. We work with students in Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan, Westchester, and beyond—offering in-home, in-office, and remote options for test prep and academic tutoring.