--- title: Taking the ISEE or SSAT? Here’s how to choose between the digital and paper tests description: If your child is applying to a private high school, chances are they're taking the ISEE or SSAT. Here's how to use practice tests to prep. image: https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/Blog%20images%20(28).png --- [![arb-logo@2x](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/arb-logo@2x.png)](https://www.arborbridge.com/) - [Our Services](https://arborbridge.com/our-services/) - [Academic Support](http://arborbridge.com/academic-programs/) - [SAT](https://arborbridge.com/sat/) - [ACT](https://arborbridge.com/act/) - [Subject Tests](http://arborbridge.com/subject-test/) - [AP & IB](http://arborbridge.com/ap-ib/) - [ISEE & SSAT](http://arborbridge.com/isee-ssat/) - [GRE & GMAT](http://arborbridge.com/gmat-gre-programs/) - [TOEFL](https://www.arborbridge.com/toefl-prep/) - [About Us](https://arborbridge.com/about/) - [Library](https://testprep.arborbridge.com) - [Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/tutoring-pricing/) - [Academic Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/academic-pricing/) - [SAT Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/sat-pricing/) - [ACT Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/act-pricing/) - [Subject Test Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/subject-test-pricing/) - [AP & IB Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/ap-ib-pricing/) - [ISEE & SSAT Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/isee-ssat-pricing/) - [GRE & GMAT Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/gre-gmat-pricing/) - [TOEFL Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/toefl-pricing/) - [Contact Us](https://arborbridge.com/contact-us/) # Taking the ISEE or SSAT? Here’s how to choose between the digital and paper tests ![ArborBridge](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/ArborBridge_Resource_Library/Branding/AB_Leaf_200x200.jpg) by [ArborBridge](https://blog.arborbridge.com/author/arborbridge) November 03, 2026 ![](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/Blog%20images%20(28).png)   Is your student taking the ISEE or SSAT as part of their secondary school application? If so, you’ll not only need to decide which of the two tests they’ll take, but you’ll also need to choose whether they’ll test on paper or online. Which version is better? It depends on which one helps your student feel calm, focused, and able to show what they know on test day. For some students, digital testing feels natural and familiar. For others, paper testing provides a stronger sense of focus. Ideally, your child will take their exam in the format that allows them to perform at their best. Here are a few key factors that may help guide your decision. ## What are the similarities and differences between the online and paper exams? For both the ISEE and the SSAT, the core test content remains the same, whether a student is testing online or on paper. The sections, number of questions, and timing do not change based on format. What is different is the testing experience. How students read, annotate, solve math problems, manage time, write their essays, and stay focused changes. These differences can affect pacing and confidence, especially for students who strongly prefer one test format over the other. That’s why we recommend choosing a test format thoughtfully, ideally before your student is already deep into test preparation. ## **How to thoughtfully choose a test format** Before selecting the digital or paper exam, consider: How does my student usually do their best work? Some students perform better when they can physically underline, circle, cross out, and write directly on the page. Others feel more comfortable typing, navigating on a screen, and working in a digital environment. Consider, does your student: - focus better on a screen or on paper? - like to underline, circle, cross out, or mark up reading passages? - do math more confidently when they can write directly next to the problem? - type more clearly and fluently than they write by hand? - have strong stamina for reading and problem-solving on a screen? - feel calmer testing at home, at school, or at a test center? The answers to these questions can help you choose not only the test format, but also the testing environment that will set your child up for the strongest possible experience. #### **When online testing may be ideal** Students are more likely to benefit from taking an online test  if they: - type more easily than they write (this matters for the unscored essay) - are comfortable using digital tools - are comfortable looking at a screen for long periods of time - do not need to heavily annotate passages or problems - feel comfortable navigating between questions on a screen - are likely to feel calmer with an online testing option, especially at home When students “practice like they play,” the actual test feels less intimidating and more like a familiar routine. For some students, working on a screen feels familiar and efficient. However, they should be sure to take full online practice tests so they can get comfortable with the specific tools, layout, pacing, and navigation of the test platform. #### **When paper testing may be ideal** Students are more likely to benefit from taking a paper test if they: - focus better away from screens - rely on annotation or visible work - like to underline, circle, cross out, or mark up reading passages - tend to rush, mis-click, or lose focus online Some students perform better when they're able to physically mark up the page, mark up math problems, and interact with reading passages in a familiar way,  especially if they use annotation as an active reading strategy or feel more grounded when they can see their work laid out in front of them. #### Why testing environment matters Depending on the test and location, your student may have the option to test in several different settings, including: - Online at home - Online at a test center - On paper at a school - On paper at a test center Some students feel calmer testing at home, but others may find that they're distracted at home and thus perform better in a test center or at school. Some students prefer the comfort of a familiar school environment, while others may opt for a testing center. Ideally, your student will take the test with the combination of format and environment that reduces stress and helps them focus. #### Factoring the essay into your decision While the ISEE and SSAT essays are unscored, they are sent to schools. Admissions officers can use the essay to evaluate your student’s writing ability, organization, grammar, mechanics, and authentic voice. The essay can also provide a helpful snapshot of how a student writes in a timed setting without the assistance of AI. For that reason, some schools may look at the writing sample more closely than you expect. If your student's handwriting is frequently illegible or heavily edited, online testing may allow them to submit a cleaner, more readable writing sample. It’s important to note that  the available writing tools will vary by test and format: - The online ISEE embeds spellcheck in the essay section. - The online SSAT does not have spellcheck embedded unless a student receives certain specific testing accommodations. Families seeking accommodations should confirm requirements and apply early. The essay is only one factor in the decision, though. If a student performs more confidently and accurately on paper across the multiple-choice sections, paper may still be the stronger overall choice. ### After you choose a test format Whenever possible, your student should take practice tests in the same format they’ll see on test day. They’ll do their best work when the format feels predictable, familiar, and manageable. A last-minute switch from paper to digital, or digital to paper, can create unnecessary stress and may affect pacing, annotation habits, screen stamina, essay-writing comfort, and overall confidence. Remember, there is no universally ideal format for ISEE or SSAT test takers — only the format that’s best for your student and helps them feel prepared, steady, and confident enough to do their best work on test day. ### Need more individualized advice? The recommendations above are general suggestions. If you have specific questions, [reach out to our experts here](https://www.arborbridge.com/contact-us/). 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