Similar to the college admissions process, many private elementary and secondary schools require prospective students to submit scores from standardized admissions tests. Along with other factors, the scores from these exams influence a student’s chance of admission. These tests include the Independent Schools Entrance Exam (ISEE) and the Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT).
The SSAT is the required test for students entering grades 4-12 who are seeking entrance to private schools. It is administered in three levels—elementary, middle and upper—and is designed to measure a student’s critical thinking and problem solving skills. The ISEE is a standardized test is the most advanced form of admissions test for independent schools. It is also administered at three levels for students entering grades 5-12, and is designed to measure a student’s verbal and quantitative skills.
With grade-level private school admissions applications increasing, the SSAT is gaining popularity in the Seattle area. This influx of prospective students is driven in part by two of the Northwest’s top independent institutions, Lakeside and Overlake. “The collective wisdom and experience in our office indicated that the SSAT is the best independent school admission test on the market,” said the Director of Lakeside School in a statement. “SSAT is focused on the future… the SSAT organization is committed to holistic evaluation—just as Lakeside is. That’s why the SSAT is a good fit for Lakeside.”
At Sandweiss Test Prep, we strive to create a comfortable environment for students and cater our teaching styles to each individual’s needs. Our qualified SSAT and ISEE tutors have extensive experience working with school-aged students.
Register here for a free ISEE or SSAT diagnostic test, which provides the student with an idea of what the test is like and shows us which areas your child needs the most help in. Take a look at a list of which exams are required for entrance to Seattle area schools.
Featured photo found here.