Full comparison between ISEE and SSAT

While ISEE and SSAT serve very similar purpose with similar test structure and content, there are still some major difference between these two test. Should you take ISEE or SSAT? That's a big question? First, we compare ISEE and SSAT for you in detail.

	ISEE	SSAT
Test content & Structure	Multiple choice sections: Math, Verbal, Reading + Essay	Multiple choice sections: Math, Verbal, Reading + Essay
Purpose	For admission assessment to independent schools	For admission assessment to independent schools ​
Levels	Primary: students applying to grades 3-4 Lower: students applying to grades 5-6 Middle: students applying to grades 7-8 Upper: students applying to grades 9-12	Elementary: students applying to grades 4-5 Middle: students applying to grades 6-8 Upper: students applying to grades 9-12
Essay	One expository essay	Middle: choice between 2 creative writing prompts Upper: choice between a creative prompt and an expository prompt.
Guess Penalty	No	1/4 point for wrong answer
Verbal Questions	Yes, synonyms and sentence completions	Yes, synonyms and analogies
Limited times of test-taking	1/ season, 3 / year	No
When to take	Several times a month, depending on test centers	Once a month
Online registration account	One per parent/ guidance, under which could have several independent test-takers' accounts available	One per test-taker
Paper or online	Both	Paper only
Score report submitting	Can choose which scores to submit to which schools	Can choose which scores to submit to which schools
Score report	Shows scores for each 4 sections Won't show to the recipient schools how many times you take the test Won't show to the recipient schools what other schools you send the report to.	Shows only 3 scores, combining 2 math sections together Won't show to the recipient schools how many times you take the test Won't show to the recipient schools what other schools you send the report to.

The major differences between ISEE and SSAT lie in scoring, content, guessing strategy, and test dates, as you can see from the above comparison table.
You might want to consider the followings when deciding which test to go.

• Which test(s) is accepted by the school(s) you are applying to?
• What's your strength? If you are good at math, ISEE might give you some advantages by showing both math sections individually. 
• How often you'd like to take the test?
• Are the test seat available? Would the test date match your application deadline?

However, as the decision of which schools to apply to, to take either ISEE or SSAT is very personal and depends on a number of factors. Also keep in mind that neither ISEE nor SSAT is the only factor for your school admission assessment. After reading our ISEE intro, SSAT intro, ISEE FAQ, and SSAT FAQ, we recommend to take the practice tests first to better understand the test format.
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At TrinityScholar, we offer ISEE/ SSAT prep in different ways:

• Self-Paced: Online test prep materials for you to access at all time. A self-paced and self-organized way of learning that best fits your schedule
• Self-Paced Package: Online test materials +  tutoring + extra practice tests
• 1-on-1 Tutoring: materials and hours at your choice, completely customized (time, location, focus) tutor program with veteran instructors
• Customized Groups: completely customized tutoring for 3 or more students.

Feel free to come to talk to our consultants by live chat, call: 886-2-2771-6002, Line: @mqz4477g, or email to [email protected]

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