What’s the difference between the SSAT and ISEE? Which test should my child take?

This is a very common and important question for families applying to US boarding schools, as many institutions accept both the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) and the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Examination). The first step is always to check the specific requirements of the schools your child is applying to, as some might prefer one over the other, or only accept one. If your target schools are flexible, then understanding the differences between the two tests can help you decide which one might better highlight your child’s strengths.

The SSAT and ISEE cover similar core academic areas: verbal reasoning, reading comprehension, and mathematics. However, they differ in their question formats and scoring. The SSAT’s verbal section includes synonyms and analogies, which can require a broader vocabulary knowledge without much context. It also has a guessing penalty, meaning points are deducted for incorrect answers, so strategic guessing is crucial. 

The ISEE, on the other hand, features synonyms and sentence completions in its verbal section, often allowing for more context clues. Crucially, the ISEE does not have a guessing penalty, so students are encouraged to answer every question. 

In terms of math, the ISEE often includes a “Quantitative Reasoning” section with unique question types like quantitative comparisons, which can be different from standard school math problems. The SSAT’s math sections tend to be more straightforward problem-solving. Some students find the SSAT’s math more abstract, while the ISEE’s math can extend to slightly more advanced topics for upper levels. 

Ultimately, if your child excels in vocabulary and strategic thinking under a guessing penalty, the SSAT might be a better fit. If they are strong in math and prefer to answer every question without penalty, the ISEE could be more advantageous. Taking a diagnostic practice test for both can often provide the clearest indication of which exam suits your child best.