Independent School Admissions Testing: An Introduction To ISEE, SSAT and HSPT

To help distinguish applicants, many DMV independent schools require standardized testing as part of the admissions process. The three tests families encounter most often are the ISEE, the SSAT, and the HSPT. Each independent school has a unique approach to admissions testing. Many DMV independent schools are test optional and some do not include admissions testing in their application process.

The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) and the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) are the most widely used admissions tests for independent schools. The HSPT is a test for entrance to high school for eighth grade students. The ISEE and SSAT tests offer multiple testing formats — paper and digital. The HSPT is an in-person paper test only. Testing accommodations for the HSPT, SSAT, and ISEE generally include extended time, small-group or private rooms, large-print or Braille materials, assistive technology, and medical support.

The ISEE has four levels: Primary, Lower, Middle, and Upper. The Primary Level (for students entering grades 2–4) is the shortest, covering reading and math, with an added listening section for students entering second grade — it does not include a writing sample. The Lower, Middle, and Upper levels are more extensive, each including verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, mathematics achievement, and an unscored essay.

ISEE: Where To Start -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YkHbtzcJ6Q&t=21s

The SSAT is a largely untimed, standardized test focused on verbal, math, and reading skills, plus an ungraded writing sample. Students have several opportunities throughout the year to test. The SSAT is offered at three levels: Elementary, Middle, and Upper.

SSAT Exam Explained: The Key to Private and Boarding School Admissions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np4CuiD-lAU

HSPT

The High School Placement Test (HSPT) is used by Catholic schools for entrance into ninth grade. It's administered at Catholic high schools. It tests verbal skills, quantitative skills, reading comprehension, math and language skills. Get To Know The HSPT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znH10UfXMLA

About the HSPT -
https://adwcatholicschools.org/high-school/placement-tests/about-hspt/

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