SSAT, ISEE and CTP 5

Scoring:

The SSAT gives scores as percentiles (1st through 99th). This type of scoring is called “norm-referencing” because it compares each student to the performances of other test-takers over the past three years.

For example, students who receive a score of in the 80th percentile on the Reading Comprehension section have performed better than 80% of the similar population who took the test in those years.

On the Middle-Level and Upper-Level SSAT students earn one point for every correct answer, lose ¼ of a point for every wrong answer, and get zero points for questions that are left blank. Students earn one point for every correct answer and there is no penalty for incorrect answers on the Elementary-Level SSAT.

Test Dates:

Students have a few testing options for the SSAT:

• • Computer-Based testing at-home: Live remote proctoring. The same test delivered on a computer, in the student’s own home. The 2024-25 SSAT test dates are open for registration.

Many students take this test more than once, and there is no limit on the number of tests a student may take. However, submitted scores must be from the same school year as the application. Students can choose which set of scores to send to schools and do not have to send all scores.

Accommodations Request Deadlines: A list of testing accommodations and deadlines can be found here.

Accommodations:

For a complete list of SSAT testing accommodations, please click here. Common accommodations include extended time, use of assistive technology, and distraction-free rooms.

To request accommodations for the SSAT, create a student account on the official SSAT website. Families will also need to provide the contact information of a psychologist or medical doctor who can provide documentation. The SSAT will approve/deny the request once they receive and process all the required documentation.

Note: This process takes up to two weeks after receipt of the completed file. Students should not register for a test date before receiving the accommodations decision. Registration deadlines for registering SSAT with accommodations are earlier than regular testing deadlines. For more information on SSAT accommodations, click here.

Registration:

To register for the SSAT, click here.

Administered by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB), the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) consists of five sections: writing sample (not scored), verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, and mathematics achievement.  The length and difficulty of these sections depend on which grade the student is applying to.

Levels:

• Primary Level-students applying to grades 2, 3, or 4 (online only)
• Lower Level-students applying to 5th or 6th grade (offered online and on paper)
• Middle Level-students applying to 7th or 8th (offered online and on paper)
• Upper Level-students applying to 9th through 12th (offered online and on paper)

Test Format & Timing:

Test Format and Timing for the ISEE is dependent on level.

• Primary level – Entering Grade 2: 53 minutes + untimed writing
• Primary level – Entering Grade 3: 54 minutes + untimed writing
• Primary level – Entering Grade 4: 60 minutes + untimed writing

• Lower level – Entering Grades 5-6: 2hr 20min

• Middle level – Entering grades 7-8: 2hr 40min

• Upper level – Entering Grades 9-12: 2 hr 40 min

Scoring:

This type of scoring is called “norm-referencing” because it compares each student to the performances of other test-takers.

For example, students who receive a score of 75th percentile (stanine of 6) on the Verbal Reasoning section have performed better than 75% of the similar population who took the test.

There is no wrong penalty for wrong answers on the ISEE.

Test Dates:

Students have a few testing options for the ISEE:

• Computer-Based testing at-home: Live remote proctoring. The same test delivered on a computer, in the student’s own home.
• Computer-Based testing at Prometric Test Center: Live remote proctoring. Delivered on a computer, but students register through Prometric.
• Small-group or individual testing at a testing office: See list of available testing offices. Paper or online depends on location.
• Large-group testing at a school: Largely paper-based. This is coordinated by the school itself.

Test dates can be viewed upon registration.

Many students take this test more than once. Crucially, students may only take the ISEE once in each “testing season.” These seasons are: Fall (August-November), Winter (December-March), and Spring/Summer (April-July). Due to this logistical restriction, students need to plan ahead.

Accommodations:

Common accommodations for the ISEE include extended time (1.5x or 2x) and taking the test in a private room. For a full list of accommodations, please click here.

To request accommodations for the ISEE, create a parent account online at the official ISEE site. Formal documentation is required, and once the request is processed, students will automatically receive the ISEE Accommodations Request Form via email.

Note: This process takes up to two weeks after the ERB has received the completed file. Students should not register for a test date before receiving a decision about the accommodations decision. For more information on ISEE accommodations, click here.

Registration:

To register for the ISEE click here.