What are the key differences between the SSAT, ISEE, and HSPT, and which one should my child take?

The SSAT, ISEE, and HSPT are all standardized entrance exams for private schools in the U.S., but different schools prefer different tests. The SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) is widely used by independent and often boarding schools. It has sections on verbal, quantitative, reading, math, and an unscored essay, and here’s a heads-up: there’s a penalty for wrong answers, which means strategic guessing is key. The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Examination) is also popular with independent schools, including many day schools. It covers similar subjects but doesn’t penalize incorrect answers, so students are encouraged to answer every question. The ISEE also comes in different levels (Lower, Middle, Upper) depending on the grade your child is applying for. Lastly, the HSPT (High School Placement Test) is primarily used by Catholic high schools. It’s known for being very fast-paced with a lot of questions in a short time, covering verbal, quantitative, reading, math, and language skills. The best way to know which one your child should take is to check the specific requirements of the schools you’re interested in – they’ll always specify their preferred test!