ISEE | ERB | HSPT | SSAT
Test Preparation Programs
ISEE | ERB | HSPT | SSAT
Our Approach
Diagnostic Test
Every student needs a starting point.
We always begin our testing journey with a practice test to determine what content must be refreshed. It’s not about everyone else.
It’s about your child and your family’s goals.
Practice
Learn the exams through practice.
Practice, practice, and more practice. That is how our students strengthen their abilities and their knowledge of the exams for exam day.
Refresh
These tests ultimately “test” knowledge.
The information is not based on tricks or information they can’t prepare for. Our students learn the information. So much of what is tested on test exams can be learned and scaffolded.
It’s important to understand that going in.
Mindset
Believing in yourself is the other key.
The mythology of these exams is often more intimidating than the actual test. We use our founder’s mindset techniques for performance even with our youngest students.
Strategy
Strategy is only a fifth of the battle.
It all begins with knowledge and then we go from there. But, without prior knowledge, strategy is useless.
Once our students have refreshed on the content, we can work on timing and individual strategies to boost their score.
Our Results
Appointment Options
One-on-one Coaching (Signature Program)
Our testing programs all have 1-on-1 programming that follows our specific curriculum and proprietary books.
Workshops (Small Group Forums)
Some of our families inquire about group formats for the HSPT. We do offer private group tutoring in groups of 2-5 students on the HSPT.
FAQs about the ISEE, ERB, SSAT & HSPT
We wanted to bring you our most frequently asked questions.
What is the ISEE?
The ISEE is the most popular Independent School (private school) entrance exam in the country. It’s offered three times per year: Fall, Winter and Spring. Students are permitted to take the test three times but only once per season. Many private schools require their applications be completed by January which means that Spring/Summer (after the application deadline) is too late for the application. Be careful to check when your private school application is due when considering what test dates to sign up for.
Why take the ISEE?
If you are thinking about applying to private school, the ISEE is the most heavily used entrance exam. It is important to contact the list of private schools you are thinking about applying to in order to determine which tests they accept: ISEE, HSPT or SSAT. If you need assistance contacting private schools, or want more information about which private schools accept this exam, contact us directly at 310.684.2543.
What is on the ISEE?
The test is roughly 2 hours and 55 minutes. There are 5 sections in the following order: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Math Achievement, and the Essay.
Please note that the essay is not graded. The schools you apply to however do review the essay and use it to gauge your student’s writing abilities.
Verbal Reasoning: This section focuses on knowledge of vocabulary, synonyms and sentence completion.
Quantitative Reasoning: Math; numbers, algebra, geometry, statistics and measurement. This section asks students to evaluate word problems as well as compare and equate two different math equations to find an answer.
Reading comprehension: This section tests your child’s ability to read effectively.
Math Achievement: Math; numbers, algebra, geometry, statistics and measurement.
The Essay: This section includes a personal statement that asks students to comment on an area of their life.
When should your child start studying for the ISEE?
We recommend starting as soon as possible as the ISEE often tests math that is one or two levels above your student’s current grade level. What this means is that if your student is rising into 6th grade, the test includes 7th and 8th grade math topics. And if your student is rising into 9th grade, it tests high school math.
What is the difference between the ISEE AND ERB?
The ERB tests how well their students are performing at grade level. Students in each year sit down to take a comprehensive exam that tests reading, grammar, vocabulary and math. Scores are then sent after this week of exams to the parents house to indicate how well the student has learned the topics at grade level. The ISEE is much more difficult in that it tests well above grade level often asking 6th grader to solve 7th and 8th grade math.
