When parents begin considering a school change for their children—not due to relocation, but as a deliberate choice—they often explore private day or boarding schools. Before diving into options, one of the first hurdles they encounter is standardized testing requirements, such as the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) or ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam).
While tuition costs, commuting logistics, and school resources are all part of the decision-making process, the admission exams often feel like the most daunting and least controllable aspect. For many students, especially those in middle school or younger, these tests represent their first experience with high-stakes academic evaluation. Unlike regular classroom learning, which focuses on core curriculum, these exams assess testing skills—a different set of competencies that can be unfamiliar and even intimidating.
Why Do Private Schools Require SSAT or ISEE Scores?
Private schools aim to build a strong, consistent community aligned with their values and academic standards. To do this, they evaluate applicants holistically, using several components:
- Transcripts from the current and previous school years
- Standardized test scores (SSAT or ISEE, not public school tests like NJSLA)
- Essays that reflect the student’s character and voice
- Activity lists showcasing extracurricular involvement
- Teacher and personal recommendations
- Parent statements
- Interviews to assess personality and school fit
Among these, the test scores serve as a benchmark to compare academic readiness across a wide pool of applicants. They help schools understand how a student performs in a standardized setting, beyond the variability of school grading systems.
How Are SSAT and ISEE Scores Evaluated?
Admission officers don’t just look at raw scores—they interpret them through multiple lenses:
- Raw score: Number of correct answers
- Scaled score: Adjusted using statistical models to account for test difficulty
- Percentile ranking: Comparison to other test-takers, especially those applying to independent schools
The SSAT uses a normal distribution model (bell curve) to generate scaled scores, while the ISEE uses stanines, which divide scores into nine categories. These methods ensure fairness and consistency across different test dates and student populations.
Understanding these scoring systems can be complex, but they’re designed to help schools make informed decisions about which students will thrive in their academic environment.
To get reference for how to read score – SSAT or ISEE, please see the link.
https://www.ssat.org/about/scoring/ssat-score-report
https://www.iseetests.com/a-guide-to-the-isee-test
Why Test Prep Is Essential
Most students haven’t encountered exams like the SSAT or ISEE before. These tests require:
- Critical thinking
- Verbal reasoning
- Reading comprehension
- Math problem-solving
- Time management
These skills aren’t always emphasized in traditional classrooms, especially in the early grades. That’s why test preparation is crucial—not just to improve scores, but to build confidence and familiarity with the testing format.
Test prep is highly individualized. Factors like prior learning experience, study habits, maturity, and motivation all influence how much preparation a student needs. Some may require months of focused training, while others may need targeted support in specific areas.
Parental Awareness and Engagement
Parents play a vital role in this process. Choosing a private school is a parent-driven decision, and understanding their child’s academic profile, learning style, and emotional readiness is key to successful preparation.
It’s important for parents to recognize that verbal reasoning and vocabulary, heavily tested in SSAT and ISEE, are often underdeveloped in today’s digital classrooms. Post-pandemic changes—like shorter reading assignments and increased reliance on devices—have reduced opportunities for deep reading and verbal skill development.
Balancing Academics and Extracurriculars: A Parental Perspective
Parents should be thoughtful about how they allocate their child’s time, especially during the crucial period of preparing for private school admissions. While extracurricular activities are undeniably valuable for personal growth and well-rounded development, academic excellence remains the cornerstone of private school admissions.
If parents choose to dedicate only 20% of their child’s after-school time to academics, in favor of various extracurriculars, they must carefully reflect on whether that limited time is sufficient to showcase the student’s academic readiness. Admissions committees are looking for candidates who demonstrate strong intellectual potential and academic achievement. Balancing academics with other activities is important, but the priority must be academic preparedness—because ultimately, students are applying to schools that emphasize academic goals.
Private schools are not just looking for students who participate in many activities; they are seeking learners who are ready to thrive in a rigorous academic environment. If a student can manage their time effectively and still reach top percentile scores on admission exams while maintaining a healthy balance of activities, they will be warmly welcomed by these institutions. However, that balance must be intentional and aligned with the student’s academic aspirations.
How to Approach Test Prep Effectively
Think of test prep like athletic training. Just as athletes train for specific events, students must train for the unique demands of these exams. Here’s how to approach it:
- Start early: Give your child enough time to build skills gradually.
- Assess strengths and weaknesses: Use diagnostic tests to identify focus areas.
- Choose the right prep method: Whether it’s tutoring, group classes, or self-study, tailor the approach to your child’s needs.
- Practice regularly: Consistency is key. Short, frequent sessions are often more effective than cramming.
- Simulate test conditions: Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and reduce anxiety.
- Support emotional readiness: Encourage a growth mindset and celebrate progress, not just scores.
The Bigger Picture: Preparing for Life Beyond Admissions
Private school applications are more than just a gateway—they’re a preview of the college admissions process. Students learn how to present themselves holistically, manage deadlines, and advocate for their strengths. This experience builds maturity and self-awareness that will serve them well in future academic and personal pursuits.
Final Thoughts
SSAT and ISEE scores are just one part of the private school admissions puzzle, but they carry significant weight. With thoughtful preparation, parental support, and a clear understanding of the process, students can present their best selves and gain access to schools that align with their goals and values.
Private school is a choice—and with that choice comes responsibility. By investing time and effort into test prep and the overall application process, families can open doors to transformative educational experiences.
Warmly,
Ann Ahn
Head Academic Counselor, MEK Review
