The ISEE vs. The SSAT vs. The HSPT

What's the difference between these exams? Most private, independent, and boarding schools require either the ISEE or the SSAT for admission - some accepting either exam! The HSPT is specifically used for admission to a Private Catholic High school. Read below for more info on each.

The ISEE
The Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE), developed by the Educational Records Bureau, is an entrance exam used by many private and independent schools in the United States. The ISEE has four levels of examinations: the Primary Level, for entrance to grades 2-4, the Lower level, for entrance to grades 5–6; Middle level, for entrance to grades 7–8; Upper level, for entrance to grades 9–12. All three levels (aside from the primary level) consist of five sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics Achievement, and a 30-minute essay section. The ISEE costs around $100+, depending on registration method & testing location. You can only take the ISEE up to a maximum of 3 times in a 12-month admission cycle. For more information on upcoming test dates, and section breakdown, click here. 

The SSAT
The Secondary School Admissions Test, know as the SSAT, is a standardized test used to assess the abilities of students seeking to enroll in an independent school. Many schools will accept either the ISEE or the SSAT for admission. The SSAT measures the basic verbal, math, and reading skills students need for successful performance in independent schools. Results give admission professionals a way to assess and compare applicants, regardless of their experience or background. There are currently three levels of SSAT testing. The SSAT middle/upper level test fee is $127 and the international fee is $247. For more information on upcoming test dates, and section breakdown, click here. 

The HSPT
The High School Placement Test, HSPT, is a comprehensive placement test for placement in grades 9-12 at a private Catholic high school. Each school uses your HSPT result to assist with admissions, scholarship selection & curriculum placement. Criteria determined by one school to assist with academic decisions may not be the same for another school. The cost of the test can range from $20 to $40, depending on the school. Schools can also require optional sections that the HSPT offers: Mechanical Aptitude, Science, and Catholic Religion. Results from optional sections are reported separately and not included on the basic HSPT score report. Students should closely review testing requirements at each school in which they plan to apply to. It is strongly recommended that you only take the HSPT once. For more information on upcoming test dates, and section breakdown, click here. 

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