What is the difference between the ISEE, SSAT, and HSPT?

Navigating the various entrance exams for U.S. private schools can feel a bit like learning a new language, right? Let’s break down the main differences between the ISEE, SSAT, and HSPT so it feels a little less overwhelming.

First off, you’ve got the ISEE, and that one’s offered to students from grades 2 all the way up to 12. It’s made up of five sections, designed to check out skills in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, math achievement, and, yes, essay writing.

Now, the SSAT is pretty similar to the ISEE, but it’s more for students in grades 3 to 11. Its sections include math (they call it quantitative), verbal, reading, a writing sample, and some experimental questions that are a bit of a mixed bag. The biggest difference between the ISEE and SSAT really comes down to how the questions are structured. The SSAT actually has two math sections and tends to ask questions using analogies, while the ISEE usually sticks to full sentences.

Then there’s the HSPT, which is definitely the most different of these tests. This one’s typically only seen as a requirement for 8th-grade students who are applying to Parochial or Catholic high schools. As for its format, the HSPT has five main subtests: Verbal Skills, Quantitative Skills, Reading, Mathematics, and Language. Plus, sometimes schools can add optional Science and Catholic Religion subtests, depending on their preference. All in all, you’ll find a total of 298 multiple-choice questions on this exam.

Understanding these distinctions can really help you figure out which test your child needs to prepare for and how to best approach it!