Most private high schools and middle schools, as part of the application process, require students to submit standardized test scores from either the ISEE or the SSAT.
The choice should be partially determined by the school to which your son or daughter is applying: Where schools state a strong preference for one or the other test, it is generally a good idea to use that test. If a student does particularly poorly on the test preferred by the school, though, it is often worth giving the other test a shot.
If the schools are willing to accept either test, the general rule of thumb is that students who’s verbal skills are stronger than their math skills should take the SSAT, while students whose math skills are stronger should take the ISEE.
That being said, there is enough overlap between the tests that we often use material from one to train for the other. And there are also situations where we recommend students prepare to take both tests, so as to maximize their chances of getting accepted to the school of their choice.
