High School Entrance Exams: What Students Need to Know Plus How to Prepare

If you’re considering sending your child to a private high school, you might know that most require that students take a placement or admission test as part of the application process. What are these exams and what type of content is on them? When are these exams offered? Here’s an overview of three popular exams and what you and your child need to know to plan ahead:  

High School Placement Test (HSPT) – The HSPT is an exam for eighth grade students entering parochial high schools (mostly Catholic/Jesuit). Schools use exam results for admissions decisions, scholarship selection and course placement. Scholastic Testing Service is the creator of the HSPT.  

• Administration: School administered; students can take the test once (unless the school makes an exception) 
• Dates: Chosen by individual schools 

Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) – The ISEE exam is used by independent schools as part of the admissions process for students in grades 2-12. There are four levels, which are determined by the grade for which the student is applying for admission to the school: Primary (grades 2-4), Lower (grades 5-6), Middle (grades 7-8) and Upper (grades 9-12). Educational Records Bureau is the creator of the ISEE.  

Below are the details for the Upper Level ISEE for students applying to independent high schools:

• Administration: At school, in a test center, in an ISEE testing office, or at home online; students can take the test once per testing season—fall, winter and spring/summer—up to three times per year  
• Dates: Various options throughout the year  

Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) – The SSAT is used by private schools as part of the admissions process for students in grades 3-11. Schools use exam results for admissions decisions and course placement. There are three levels of the test: Elementary (students currently in grades 3–4), Middle (for students currently in grades 5–7) and Upper (for students currently in grades 8–11). Enrollment Management Association is the nonprofit associated with the SSAT.  

Below are the details for the Upper Level SSAT for students applying to private high schools: 

• Administration: At school, in a test center, at home online; U.S. students can take the Upper paper SSAT up to 7 times a year and the home/test center Upper SSAT up to 2 combined times per year (test year: August 1-July 31) 
• Dates: Various options throughout the year  

SSAT, HSPT or ISEE Tutoring 

Is your child applying to a high school (or an elementary or middle school) that accepts either ISEE or SSAT scores? Do you need help understanding the difference between these tests (and how they are scored)? Or do you know which test your child needs to take and want to make sure they are prepared to do well?  

Huntington can help. Our ISEE, SSAT and HSPT exam prep programs are designed to get students familiar with the test they are taking and build their knowledge and confidence to earn a good SSAT, HSPT or ISEE score. The Huntington approach to SSAT, HSPT or ISEE tutoring is simple, yet effective:  

• We administer a full-length ISEE/SSAT/HSPT practice test.  
• We analyze the results of that practice test to develop a targeted prep program for the student. 
• We address the students’ areas of strength and weakness, keeping their unique learning style in mind and building their understanding of the material they're likely to encounter.  
• We monitor progress along the way, keeping parents informed.  

Set your student up for success! Call 1-800-CAN-LEARN today to get your child started on SSAT, ISEE or HSPT test prep.