When to begin prep for the ISEE or SSAT

If your child is planning to apply to private school or a magnet program in the fall, they'll likely be required to take an entrance exam such as the ISEE or SSAT. When should they begin prep? While it may feel like they have a lot of time, there’s no time like the present to get a head start on preparation!

How do I know which test my child needs to take?

The world of entrance exams can feel like learning a new language! We refer to SSAP, secondary school admissions preparation, as an umbrella term for a number of tests.

The best place to start is by reaching out to schools your student may be interested in applying to and finding out which test scores they look for. The main players are the SSAT and ISEE, as well as the HSPT for Catholic high schools and SHSAT for NYC’s specialized high schools. Other schools offer in-house tests specific to their school. For more information on which factors to consider, check out our tips on choosing between the SSAT and the ISEE.

Once you know which test(s) your student will need to take, start to make a game plan for their preparation.

When should my child start studying?

SSAP exams are, for many students, the first foray into a high-stakes standardized test. That can bring stress and anxiety. To alleviate the pressure, we recommend that students start their preparation early. A four-to-six month lead-up to the first real exam can help students acclimate to the test and get practice for test day. The summer before application season—or the spring, if your child will be away for the summer—can be a great time to start.

A diagnostic practice test is the first step in the process. This test will give a baseline for your child’s starting point and how much time they should put into test preparation. Because students will complete applications in the fall, spring is a great time to try that diagnostic.

How can I help my child prepare?

Test preparation involves multiple components that work together to help your child feel ready for test day. In addition to providing tutoring or test-specific practice, you can support your child by reinforcing strong study habits at home. Reading together and encouraging independent reading are excellent ways to build critical thinking and comprehension skills. You can also help your child study vocabulary words using books, flashcards, or interactive apps designed for test prep. To enhance vocabulary, consider using free online flashcards, such as those found on Quizlet. Engaging in problem-solving activities like puzzles, logic games, or real-world math applications can strengthen reasoning skills in a fun and interactive manner. Additionally, creating a structured study schedule and providing a quiet, distraction-free space for practice can set your child up for success.