Switzerland Private School Test Prep for U.S. Admissions

If your child is applying to U.S. private schools from Switzerland, you’ve likely come across the entrance exam alphabet soup: SSAT, ISEE, and HSPT. So what’s the actual difference? The SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) and ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) are the most commonly required by independent and boarding schools. The HSPT (High School Placement Test) is typically used by Catholic schools in the U.S.

Here’s the breakdown: The SSAT allows multiple test attempts and includes a guessing penalty on some levels—so test strategy is key. The ISEE allows up to three tries per year (Fall, Winter, Spring/Summer) and does not penalize wrong answers. The HSPT, by contrast, can only be taken once and has no writing section. Both the SSAT and ISEE include a writing sample sent to schools.

Swiss families should also plan ahead—testing centers are limited in Switzerland, and many students use online proctoring options to stay on schedule.

Generic test books and online courses might work in theory, but for Swiss students targeting elite U.S. private schools, a cookie-cutter approach won’t cut it. Personalized tutoring that accounts for the Matura, IB, or bilingual academic background is the gold standard.

At Cardinal Education, we specialize in preparing international students for exactly these exams. Our tutors understand how Swiss academic systems compare to U.S. expectations, and we tailor test prep accordingly. We don’t just review math and vocabulary—we build strategic thinking, confidence, and endurance. Our proprietary prep materials—created by our CEO and expert team—are only available to Cardinal clients and designed specifically for SSAT, ISEE, and HSPT success.

Whether your child attends Le Rosey, ZIS, TASIS, or any top school in Switzerland, we’ll help them prep with purpose and score with confidence.

In most cases, yes—but the rules vary by exam. The HSPT is the least flexible, allowing just one attempt, usually in 8th grade. That’s high-stakes, especially for students dealing with nerves or a rough test day.

The ISEE is more forgiving—you can take it up to three times per year, once per testing season. The SSAT is even more generous, with up to eight test dates available annually. This is particularly helpful for Swiss students managing schoolwork, language requirements, and unfamiliar test formats.

We recommend scheduling a practice test early to assess your child’s baseline. A lower score isn’t the end of the road, but a smart retake strategy can make a big difference. Our team helps families in Switzerland build a plan that’s both realistic and results-driven.

It depends on several factors: the schools you’re applying to, your child’s strengths, and their tolerance for sitting through standardized exams.

Some U.S. schools are now test-optional, but a strong score still adds weight to your application, especially for international students. If a school accepts both the SSAT and ISEE, we recommend taking diagnostic tests for both and choosing the one your child feels more comfortable with. If you’re applying to Catholic schools, the HSPT is often required.

Families in Switzerland should also factor in test logistics. Local testing centers are limited, and international registration deadlines can sneak up quickly. Many students in Geneva, Zurich, or Lausanne opt for online proctored versions to avoid travel. Don’t just guess which test is best—test, analyze, and build a strategy with our team.