How does the HSPT differ from the SSAT or ISEE?

While all three—the HSPT, SSAT, and ISEE—are standardized entrance exams for private schools in the US, they have distinct differences. The most significant distinction is their primary purpose: the HSPT is almost exclusively used by Catholic high schools, whereas the SSAT and ISEE are more broadly accepted by independent private schools (both boarding and day schools). In terms of format and scoring, a key difference is the guessing penalty. The HSPT generally has no guessing penalty, meaning students should always answer every question. In contrast, the SSAT has a guessing penalty (points are deducted for wrong answers), requiring a more strategic approach to skipping questions. The ISEE also has no guessing penalty. Content-wise, while all three test verbal, reading, and math skills, the specific question types vary. For example, the HSPT’s verbal section often includes analogies, synonyms, classifications, and logical reasoning. The ISEE’s verbal section focuses on synonyms and sentence completions, while the SSAT uses synonyms and analogies. Math content and emphasis can also differ, with the ISEE sometimes featuring more advanced math topics or unique quantitative comparison questions. Lastly, the HSPT is typically taken only once, usually at the target school, while the SSAT and ISEE offer multiple testing opportunities throughout the year.