Admissions 101: ISEE vs. SSAT

Thoughts from Jacquie & Verona…

There’s no denying it, the independent and boarding school admissions process can be overwhelming: the to-do list looks endless, the multitude of components can be bewildering, and the number of hoops to jump through feels convoluted. But it’s important to point out that there’s intentionality behind every step along the way: each school is simply doing its due diligence to determine if your child will be successful in their community.

So, if a school search is on your horizon, we’ve compiled a series of mini-blogs over the coming weeks. Each article will focus on a key element of the process and is intended to give you an overview of what’s involved and help you manage your time more effectively. For additional pointers, you can also read our previous blog, Starting an independent school search? Use the four Rs ... 

For the first installment in our mini-series, we invited Business Development Director at Summit Educational Group, Whitney Longworth, to help answer the perennial question that parents frequently ask us, “Which is better for my child: ISSE or SSAT? “ Here’s what Whitney had to say …

This Week’s Lowdown: ISEE vs. SSAT - Five Key Differences

While many independent schools specify which test they prefer in the admission process, you may be in a situation where you have the choice of taking the Secondary School Admission Test or the Independent School Entrance Exam.  Here are some key differences to help you decide between the two tests:

1. Vocabulary

Both tests have sections devoted to vocabulary through identifying synonyms.  A key difference is that the other half of the verbal section on the SSAT is devoted to analogies, whereas the ISEE has sentence completions.  If your student struggles with vocabulary, they might find that the sentence completions section on the ISEE is less challenging because of the additional context within the sentences.

2. Essay

Each test has a timed writing sample component.  The SSAT provides students with a choice between two prompts and is the first section on the test.  The ISEE only provides a single prompt and is the final section of the test.  If your student struggles with writing, it may be worth considering the SSAT since they will be able to complete that section first, instead of having to wait until after they have completed the rest of the test on the ISEE.

3. Math

Both tests have similar math concepts, but the Upper Level ISEE includes more advanced concepts, including trigonometry.  The ISEE also has a Quantitative Reasoning section that can be more challenging for some students.

4. Guessing Penalty

The SSAT has a guessing penalty; if you answer a question incorrectly, you lose a ¼ point.  Students need to practice and strategize whether or not they should guess on a question or leave it blank.  The ISEE does not have a guessing penalty; you simply receive points for correct answers. 

5. Opportunities to Test

Students are allowed to take an ISEE test once during a testing window.  The windows are August – November, December – March, and April – July.  Students can take the SSAT on monthly standard test dates, as well as through flex tests and computer-based.  If you are working with a tight timeline, the SSAT may be more convenient as your student will have more opportunities to test.

Still unsure about which test might be the right choice for your student?  You can have them take a practice test of each and compare their results and experiences. 

A final word from KQ …

When it comes to deciding how best to navigate a school search with your child, don’t forget that KQ is here to help you devise a personalized admissions plan that includes building the school list, essay support, preparing for interviews, and ultimately determining the best fit for your child. We’re always just a phone call or email away.

We can’t wait to hear from you!

’ISEE vs. SSAT - Five Key Differences’ Written by Whitney Longworth | Director of Business Development | Summit Educational Group

Whitney graduated cum laude from Connecticut College where she was a selected scholar for the Holleran Center for Community Action and Public Policy. She started as a test prep tutor with Summit Education Group before joining the team full-time. She enjoys collaborating with school and independent counselor partners in her role at Summit. Whitney is a frequent expert panelist and guest speaker at industry conferences.

Reflections On The School Admissions Process

Independent school admissions decisions are out and deposits are in, and the verdict... accepted, waitlisted or denied. For some, the outcome was just what they wanted, a spot at the school of their dreams. For others the decision was disappointing because they are on  a waitlist , or worse yet, denied. So what does this all mean?

Before I go on, I should tell you that my approach to school admissions is centered on self reflection and acknowledgement. I challenge you as parents, to take a non-linear approach to the school search by not making the process about a means to an end. Instead, push yourselves outside the box and use this as an opportunity to help your child build life skills. Life skills? What do they have to do with applying to schools? First, let us think about a few: admissions interviews, applications, school research, writing a resume, and time management. These are skills that all of us have to develop and use throughout our lives. So, why not start early?

“Learning without reflection is a waste. Reflection without learning is dangerous.”

-Confucius

The first step in this exploration starts with your child and getting them to understand who they are as an academic, a person, and general member of society. At this point, you are probably wondering at what age children can start identifying these skills. A middle schooler, with coaching, can easily start pinpoint some of their characteristics and qualities. Do not underestimate your child’s ability to recognize their strengths and weaknesses! 

I would argue that regardless of the admission decision, it’s important to reflect on the school selection process. What did you learn about yourself as a parent? What did you learn about your child? And last but not least, what should you be doing as a family going forward? For parents of middle or high school students, this should be viewed as an opportunity for your child to reflect upon their profile. Okay, so this sounds interesting... but, where do I go from here?

Take a step back before you move forward and ask yourself or your child:

• What did I or my child learn about their character?

• Did I/they discover anything new about their academic profile?

• Are extracurricular activities a significant part of the child’s life?

• Should we consider academic support or enrichment?

• Have I/we adequately researched and addressed the school programs that are a “best fit” match?

• Did we put enough emphasis on the school community and environment?

• Was the application process an emotionally balanced experience?

• Did I empower my child in their school search?

Do not feel like you have to have one big conversation about this. Instead, use this as an opportunity to start a dialogue. You might want to consider putting pen to paper before engaging in conversation to show that you put time and thought into understanding their school search. We all know how hard it is to strike a conversation with our middle or high school students. Seize the moment!

While many of you might be thinking, “my child has a spot in their first choice school so what’s all of this reflection about?” These are questions every parent should be asking themselves periodically as their child navigates their educational journey. Take a pulse along the way, and make sure that your child’s school is still appropriate based on how they are developing not only as a student, but as a person.

For those of you who are still waiting for a spot or are planning on going through the school application process again next fall, turn a negative into a positive, and use this time to reassess your child, and their school list. You might find yourself wondering if you should have done things differently. Remember, it’s never too late to redirect your thought process, and change your plan.

Jacquie Quigley | Partner | Keating Quigley Educational Advisors

Zooming to a Great Admissions Interview!

Candidate interviews have always been a pivotal part of the independent high school, and in some cases college, application process. This year, however, schools have had to pivot to entirely virtual procedures due to the pandemic, resulting in limited campus visits, tours and shadow days. In the absence of the opportunity to meet in person, the interview is now, more than ever, a crucial component of the admission process.

As adults, we’ve all been in some situation that resembles an interview - for a job, a school, or even a date! These life experiences have equipped us with a solid base of knowledge about how to handle these encounters, but our children are just starting out and don’t have the same bank of wisdom to tap into. Nor can we hold them by the hand and be with them during the event itself. So just how do you prepare your child for the virtual interview to ensure they present their best self?

Even in ‘normal’ times, the admissions interview can evoke feelings of anxiety in a candidate as they reflect on who they are, what questions they will be asked, and their academic preparedness. Under current circumstances, candidates do not have the benefit of the usual social cues provided by the environment, body language, facial expressions, and eye contact that the in-person interview provides. Instead, they are   quite literally required to be ‘on’ at the flick of a button. This artificial situation may bring about anxiety in your child. This apprehension is 100% natural, so the best way to head off these concerns is to be prepared.  

On the good news front, we’ve all grown to appreciate the importance of technology - along with its quirks - since the pandemic started in March. Children have also become accustomed to speaking in front of a camera for classes, play dates, tutoring, family catch ups etc. In theory, this should make the virtual interview less daunting, but stage fright can still take hold, so here are some helpful tips to help you prepare for the interview with your child.

• Charge your device

• Test your internet connection

• Do an audio/video check - how does your child sound? 

• Make sure you have a good camera angle - don’t show them just a forehead!

• Do a test run - rehearse with a friend or family member who can give feedback

• Mark where the camera on device is so your child looks as if they’re speaking right at the interviewer

• Make sure your child avoids online browsing or typing during the interview

• Choose a quiet space that has a clear, simple background. It should be private with minimal distractions.

• Have everything needed at hand - pen, pencil, paper, notes, tissue, glass of water

• Dress code: Wear appropriate clothes. A virtual meeting is just as important as an in-person interview, so dress to impress!

• Posture: Make sure your child is comfortable in their chair so they don’t slouch. Remind your child not to rest their head on their hand when listening. And remind them to appear engaged at all times!

• Body language: Right up there with posture, body language tells the interviewer so much about whether the candidate is following the conversation, is interested in what they have to say, and if they are engaged in the process. It’s a lot to expect of your child, but remind them to smile when appropriate, focus on the conversation, and sit up straight (even we can hear our mothers saying that!).

• It sounds obvious, but research the school and make sure your child can answer the question: “Why Xyz School?” To do this, browse through the admissions section of the school’s website, do the online virtual campus tours, and read as many candidate resources as possible

• Have your child prepare a card with talking points on it - just a few, not a script!

• Come up with a few questions ahead of time for your child to ask the interviewer. If they’ve covered them during the interview, maybe ask one that is personal to them. The more engaged and interested your child sounds, the better!

• At the end of the interview, remind your child to take a breath, smile and give their heartfelt thanks to the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to learn more about the school

• Make sure your child sends a thank you note via email or mail

Hopefully, these pointers will help your child prepare for, and ultimately ace the admissions interview. We are available for one-on-one coaching if you feel like your child would benefit from independent, professional coaching. We are just an email away, so please click here to contact us!

---

Written by Verona Keating and Jacquie Quigley | Founding Partners of Keating Quigley Educational Advisors