For many students, the ISEE or SSAT represents their first encounter with “high-stakes” testing. Preparation is designed to alleviate anxiety as well as improve test-taking skills. Compass tutors trained for the secondary school admission tests are an elite group within an already elite pool of instructors. They know how to motivate and encourage younger students while introducing new concepts and strategies. Students applying to Catholic high schools or NYC specialized high schools also benefit from working with Compass tutors to prepare for the HSPT and SHSAT.
Compass specializes in personalized test preparation, so you can be assured of an ISEE or SSAT program custom-fit to your needs. Rather than offering the same fixed program to everyone, we take the time to evaluate your test-taking strengths and weaknesses, then make personalized recommendations. Read more about our approach.
Before you sign up, you’ll receive a practice test, detailed score report, and complimentary director consultation, so you know exactly where you stand and how to improve. And even if you decide to prepare on your own, we’ll be glad to provide some guidance.
Talk to a Director About a Practice Test and Private Tutoring
ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam)
What is the ISEE?
What is the ISEE?
The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is published by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB), and the test itself is sometimes referred to as “the ERB” when in fact the ERB produces a number of different exams.
Who takes the ISEE?
The ISEE is offered in three levels: Lower, for entrance into grade 5 and 6; Middle, for entrance into grades 7 and 8; and Upper, for entrance into grades 9-12. The most popular version is the Middle Level test used by many secondary schools with grade 7-12 programs.
When is ISEE offered?
The ISEE is typically offered from late November to late February. The majority of students test in December or January. Unlike the SAT and ACT, the ISEE has testing “seasons” and can be taken only once per season. The three seasons are Fall (August-November), Winter (December-March), and Spring/Summer (April-July). Scores are typically released within a few days of the test date.
How is the ISEE scored?
The ISEE scoring system can be confusing. The scaled score for each section of the test ranges from 760 to 940, but admission officers typically discuss ISEE results in terms of stanines or percentile groups. Students receive a stanine score of 1 to 9 on each of the four multiple-choice sections – Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Mathematics Achievement. Scores are distributed in a bell-curve shape, with the majority of students falling into the 4th, 5th, and 6th stanines.
Click here to register for the ISEE.
More ISEE Information On Our Blog:
ISEE Fact and Fiction
We separate reality from the rumors when it comes to ISEE testing.
ISEE Retakes
Students can take the ISEE multiple times to avoid common issues like testing anxiety and score variability.
ISEE At-Home Testing
Everything you need to know about the at-home testing option for the ISEE.
SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test)
What is the SSAT?
What is the SSAT?
The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) is produced by the Secondary School Admission Test Board.
Who takes the SSAT?
The SSAT is offered in three levels: Elementary, for students currently in grades 3-4; Middle, for students currently in grades 5-7; and Upper, for students currently in grades 8-11. The Upper Level exam is used by a number of schools with grade 9-12 programs.
What is tested by the SSAT?
The Elementary Level SSAT consists of three multiple-choice sections—Verbal, Reading, and Quantitative—and an unscored writing sample. The Middle Level and Upper Level SSAT share the same format, each consisting of four multiple-choice sections—Verbal, Reading, and two Quantitative—plus an unscored writing sample. The Elementary Level SSAT runs 110 minutes, while the Middle and Upper Level SSAT clock in at 3 hours and 5 minutes.
How is the SSAT scored?
The SSAT score report provides scaled scores for all multiple-choice sections, which are rolled up into a cumulative score for the entire test. The scales are different for each test and can be confusing. Students who would like to know how they have performed vis-a-vis their peers should look to their Scaled Score Percentile Rank. This compares fifth-graders to fifth-graders, sixth-graders to sixth-graders, and so on. For this reason, it is important for students to correctly indicate their current grade level. It is also important to note that the SSAT testing population is very competitive, so percentile ranks may be lower than students expect on the basis of their performance on other exams.
Click here to register for the SSAT.
More High School Admission Tests
What is the HSPT?
What is the HSPT?
The The High School Placement Test (HSPT) HSPT is produced by the Scholastic Testing Service and used primarily by Catholic schools.
Who takes the HSPT?
The HSPT is used exclusively for entrance into 9-12 high schools.
What is tested by the HSPT?
Running approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes with breaks, the HSPT is comprised of five multiple-choice sections. Verbal Skills tests the understanding of relationships among words. Language Skills tests grammar, spelling, and composition. Reading tests comprehension and vocabulary. Quantitative Skills tests math “reasoning,” while Mathematics tests math knowledge in a more straightforward manner.
How is the HSPT scored?
As on the SAT, scores are reported along a 200- to 800-point scale. The HSPT score report also includes national and local percentile ranks and a Cognitive Skills Quotient. All of this information is sent to the schools indicated on the answer sheet.
What are the optional sections on the HSPT?
The HSPT offers optional sections—Mechanical Aptitude, Science, and Catholic Religion—that schools can require if they so choose. Results from optional sections are not included on the basic HSPT score report, but reported separately. We recommend that students closely research the testing requirements at each school to which they plan to apply.
Click here to register for the HSPT.
What is the SHSAT?
What is the SHSAT?
The Specialized High Schools Admission Test (SHSAT) is produced by the New York City Department of Education and used by NYC’s specialized high schools.
Who takes the SHSAT?
All students who are NYC residents in grades 8 or 9 are eligible.
What is the structure of the SHSAT?
The SHSAT runs for three uninterrupted hours, and students pace themselves through 57 Math questions and 57 Verbal verbal questions in the order of their choosing. The Verbal questions include reading comprehension and revising and editing. The Math questions are multiple choice and grid-in, and a calculator is not permitted.
How is the SHSAT scored?
The maximum score can vary from year to year, but typically falls around 350 for each section, which are added together for a composite score out of approximately 700. The cutoff scores for each specialized high school also vary each year.
Click here to register for the SHSAT.
Our Tutors
Ben P.
University of Pennsylvania
Ben graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania with a double major in English and History. As one of Compass’s most experienced tutors, Ben strives to provide his students with the rules, strategies, and tools they'll need to excel on standardized test day.
Brian C.
University of California, Berkeley
Brian earned his BA. in Economics with a minor in Physics from the University of California, Berkeley. As a tutor, he enjoys supporting and challenging students to do their very best. He started tutoring math and science as part of a mentorship program during his time in college and has loved it ever since. An avid sports fan, Brian also enjoys the occasional weekend of golf or day of biking.
Chuti T.
Northwestern University
Chuti graduated with a double BA in Political Science and Economics from Northwestern University. She has almost a decade of experience preparing students for the SAT, ACT, and SAT Subject Tests. In addition to tutoring, Chuti teaches classical piano and leads a variety of fitness classes.
Courtney R.
Northcentral University
Courtney works full-time for NASA and tutors part-time for Compass. She specializes in English and communications, and she possesses a doctoral degree in Education. She has taught various English courses for charter and public schools and has tutored for standardized tests, speech, and writing for over 10 years. Courtney loves helping and motivating students to be the best they can be.
Emily G.
Dartmouth College
Emily grew up in Petaluma and graduated magna cum laude from Dartmouth with a degree in physics. She tutored math and physics throughout her time at college and is thrilled to be part of the Compass family back home.
Joe K.
New York University
Joe graduated from NYU with a double major in English and Dramatic Writing. At Compass, he specializes in making the verbal sections of the SAT, PSAT, ACT and AP English exams as nonthreatening as possible. His mother would still to this day be proud to tell you that he achieved a perfect score on the verbal section of his SAT.
Jordan T.
University of California, Santa Cruz
Jordan graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a BS in Cognitive Science. He then moved to the Bay Area where he got his start in test prep and found a joy in working with children to help them achieve their goals. On the side, his interests include freelance writing, stand-up comedy, and writing in the third person.
Lisa G.
Stanford University
Lisa holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Stanford University. She has been a private, one-on-one SAT tutor working with Compass since 2002. In that time, she has successfully helped hundreds of students in meeting their college admissions testing goals.
Madhvi B.
Florida State University
Madhvi is a recent master's graduate in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, backed by a solid foundation in Biochemistry from her bachelor's degree. With hands-on experiences, she creates a supportive tutoring environment. She finds joy in witnessing students grasp concepts and achieve their academic aims, making tutoring a fulfilling journey for both her and her students.
Michael B.
Villanova University
Mike began his career as an actor and a singer in NYC, but soon developed a passion for teaching after working for a special needs preschool. In the decade and a half since, Mike has taught countless students from a variety of backgrounds. He now specializes in AP test prep, College Writing, the ACT, the SAT, and the ISEE.
Sarah D.
Clemson University
Sarah completed BA and MA degrees at Clemson University and a PhD in English at the Royal Holloway, University of London. Her warm support for her students is backed by 8 years of experience as a tutor and a member of Compass's research and development team. Sarah embraces the test's trickiest puzzles and opens them up to her students.
Zach F.
Northwestern University
Zach graduated from Northwestern University where he double majored in Cognitive Science and Theater. Zach is skilled and versatile, having worked with students from ages 5-25, ranging from the SAT/ACT and ISEE/SSAT to admission tests for Gifted and Talented programs, and even with adult learners for the GED.
