SSAT & ISEE
SSAT vs. ISEE
Some independent private and boarding schools accept either the
SSAT
or
ISEE
, although many schools insist on one specific exam. Before deciding on whether to take the SSAT or ISEE for private school admissions, check the specific admissions requirements at the schools to which you are considering applying.
SSAT Options
The SSAT is offered in print format across 8 administration dates annually. Under some circumstances, it may be taken remotely – see
SSAT At-Home Testing
for more information.
FLEX Exams
are SSAT exams offered on any day other than the 8 designated administration dates. Learn more about the SSAT on
The Official SSAT Site.
SSAT Levels & Format
The SSAT is offered at three levels: the
Lower Level SSAT
Elementary Level SSAT
suited to students in grades 3-4, the
Middle Level SSAT
Middle Level SSAT
suited to students in grades 5-7, and the
Upper Level SSAT
suited to students in grades 8-11.
| Quantitative | 30 Questions | 30 Minutes |
| Verbal | 30 Questions | 20 Minutes |
| BREAK | 15 Minutes | |
| Reading | 28 Questions | 30 Minutes |
| Writing Sample | 1 Prompt | 15 Minutes |
| Experimental | 15-17 Questions | 15 Minutes |
| Total | 87-89 Questions | 2 Hours 5 Minutes |
| Writing Sample | 1 Unscored Prompt | 25 Minutes |
| BREAK | 5 Minutes | |
| Quantitative | 25 Questions | 30 Minutes |
| Reading | 40 Questions | 40 Minutes |
| BREAK | 10 Minutes | |
| Verbal | 60 Questions | 30 Minutes |
| Quantitative | 25 Questions | 30 Minutes |
| Experimental | 16 Questions | 15 Minutes |
| Total | 167 Questions (150 Scored) | 3 Hours 5 Minutes |
ISEE Options
The ISEE is offered in print and online formats for all levels, but format availability may vary by location.
Learn more about the ISEE on
The ISEE Educational Records Bureau Page.
ISEE Levels & Format
The ISEE is offered at four levels: the Primary (2-4) ISEE suited to students entering grades 2-4, the Lower Level ISEE suited to students entering grades 5-6, the Middle Level ISEE suited to students entering grades 7-8, and the Upper Level ISEE suited to students entering grades 9-12.
| Auditory Comprehension | 6 Questions | 7 Minutes |
| Reading | 18 Questions | 20 Minutes |
| BREAK | 5-10 Minutes | |
| Mathematics | 24 Questions | 26 Minutes |
| Total | 48 Questions | 58-63 Minutes |
| Reading | 24 Questions | 28 Minutes |
| BREAK | 5-10 Minutes | |
| Mathematics | 24 Questions | 26 Minutes |
| Total | 48 Questions | 59-64 Minutes |
| Reading | 28 Questions | 30 Minutes |
| BREAK | 5-10 Minutes | |
| Mathematics | 28 Questions | 30 Minutes |
| Total | 56 Questions | 65-70 Minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning | 34 Questions | 20 Minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 38 Questions | 35 Minutes |
| BREAK | 5-10 Minutes | |
| Reading Comprehension | 25 Questions | 25 Minutes |
| Mathematics Achievement | 30 Questions | 30 Minutes |
| BREAK | 5-10 Minutes | |
| Essay | 1 Prompt | 30 Minutes |
| Total | 127 Questions + 1 Prompt | 2 Hours + 25-30 Minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning | 40 Questions | 20 Minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 37 Questions | 35 Minutes |
| BREAK | 5-10 Minutes | |
| Reading Comprehension | 36 Questions | 35 Minutes |
| Mathematics Achievement | 47 Questions | 40 Minutes |
| BREAK | 5-10 Minutes | |
| Essay | 1 Prompt | 30 Minutes |
| Total | 160 Questions + 1 Prompt | 2 Hours + 45-50 Minutes |