What Are the ISEE and SSAT? The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) and SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) are two of the most widely accepted private school admissions tests in the U.S. Both assess a student's verbal, reading, math, and writing abilities, but they differ in structure, scoring, question styles, and school preferences. ISEE vs. SSAT: At a Glance Comparison Feature ISEE SSAT Full Name Independent School Entrance Exam Secondary School Admission Test Grad

Failed Your EOC or FSA? Don’t Panic If you’ve failed a Florida End-of-Course (EOC) exam or the FSA (Florida Standards Assessment) — particularly in Algebra 1, Geometry, Biology, U.S. History, or English Language Arts (ELA) — you're not alone, and there are approved alternatives that can help you meet graduation requirements. What Is the FSA and EOC? FSA: Measures English Language Arts (ELA) and Math skills for grades 3–10 EOC Exams: Subject-specific standardized tests for Alg

SSAT vs. ISEE: Retake Limits Explained The SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) and ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) are widely accepted standardized tests for private and independent school admissions. While both allow for multiple test attempts, their retake policies are very different — and understanding them is essential for strategic test planning. How Often Can You Take the SSAT? The SSAT allows students to take the test multiple times per year, depending on th

Why These Florida Private Schools Are Highly Competitive Florida is home to some of the most prestigious private schools in the southeastern U.S. These schools are known for academic rigor, low acceptance rates, and a strong track record of college placements, including Ivy League and top-tier universities. Families from Miami to Palm Beach and beyond compete for limited seats in these elite institutions, thanks to their reputation for academic excellence, advanced STEM progr

What Counts as a Good SSAT or ISEE Score? When applying to competitive private or independent schools, a "good score" on the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) or ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) depends on: The selectivity of the school The applicant’s grade level The strength of the overall application While there’s no official “passing score”, most top-tier schools look for students scoring in the 75th–90th percentile or above. SSAT Scoring Overview Level Grades

What Is the Character Skills Snapshot? The Character Skills Snapshot is a 20–30-minute online behavioral assessment offered by the Enrollment Management Association (EMA). It’s designed to give private and independent schools a holistic view of a student’s personal strengths, beyond academic ability measured by the SSAT. It evaluates essential character traits that support success in rigorous school environments, and is often required or strongly recommended by many top-tier

SSAT vs. ISEE: Retake Limits Explained The SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) and ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) are widely accepted standardized tests for private and independent school admissions. While both allow for multiple test attempts, their retake policies are very different — and understanding them is essential for strategic test planning. How Often Can You Take the SSAT? The SSAT allows students to take the test multiple times per year, depending on th

Why These Private High Schools Stand Out The most competitive private high schools in America are known for ultra-low acceptance rates, Ivy League feeder reputations, and exceptional academics. These elite institutions are not only difficult to get into — they’re also built to prepare students for success in the top universities worldwide. Top 20 Most Competitive Private High Schools (2025) Here are the top-ranked private high schools in the U.S. based on prestige, selectivit

Why New York’s Private Schools Are So Elite New York City is home to some of the most prestigious and competitive private schools in the world. These institutions are known for academic excellence, Ivy League college placements, historic legacies, and ultra-selective admissions. Whether you're applying to elite prep schools in Manhattan or top day schools across NYC, expect rigorous standards, low acceptance rates, and holistic evaluations that go far beyond test scores. Top

SSAT Exam Duration at a Glance The SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) is a standardized entrance exam for students applying to private middle and high schools. It’s offered at three levels: Elementary, Middle, and Upper, with test lengths varying by level. The Upper and Middle Level SSAT lasts approximately 3 hours and 5 minutes, including breaks. The Elementary Level SSAT takes about 2 hours and 5 minutes. SSAT Exam Timing by Section Upper & Middle Level SSAT Timing (Gra

Why These California Private Schools Are So Competitive California is home to some of the most prestigious private schools in the country. These schools boast low acceptance rates, Ivy League–level academics, top-tier college placement, and highly selective admissions processes. Families compete for limited spots at these elite institutions because of their academic excellence, state-of-the-art facilities, and robust extracurricular opportunities in sports, arts, and innovati

Why Westminster Christian School Stands Out in Palm Beach County Westminster Christian School is a Christian, college-preparatory PK–12 day school on a scenic 31-acre campus in Palmetto Bay, serving approximately 1,070 students with a small-class, personalized learning environment (student-teacher ratio ~9:1). Known for its strong academics, spiritual foundation, athletics, and award-winning fine arts programs. Westminster is the only school in the U.S. recognized as a Micros

Why The Harker School Is Among California’s Top Private Schools Located in San Jose, The Harker School is a prestigious independent day school serving Pre‑K through Grade 12, with about 2,050 students and a 9:1 student-teacher ratio, offering Tier‑1 academics, research-driven STEM, fine arts, and leadership programs. Approximately 25% of seniors are National Merit semifinalists, and the school boasts strong financial aid commitments. Admissions Timeline & Key Steps (2025–26 C

Why Choose Scheck Hillel for Your Child’s Education Scheck Hillel Community School, located in North Miami Beach, is the largest Jewish co-ed PK–12 day school in South Florida, serving around 1,350 students. Recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School, it delivers a dual-curriculum integrating rigorous academics, Judaic studies, advanced STEM and Design programs, arts, athletics, Capstone research, and dual enrollment opportunities — with 100% college placement. Admissions Pr

Why Choose Lakeside School in Seattle? Lakeside School is a prestigious independent day school for grades 5–12, located in Seattle’s Haller Lake neighborhood. It enrolls around 876 students and boasts a low 9:1 student–teacher ratio, fostering personalized academic growth.  It is consistently ranked #1 private high school in Washington and among the top 3 in the nation for STEM education, making it a desirable choice for college-bound scholars.  Admissions Timeline & Applicat

Why Choate Stands Out Among Elite New England Prep Schools Choate Rosemary Hall is a prestigious co-ed boarding and day school in Wallingford, Connecticut, serving grades 9–12 with ~860 students and a 7:1 student‑teacher ratio. Known for its rigorous academics, vibrant global community, signature environmental research center, and strong financial aid program that meets 100% of demonstrated need. Step Timeline Action Inquiry & Interview Scheduling Sept–Jan Submit candidate pr

Why BB&N Is One of Boston’s Most Prestigious PreK–12 Schools Buckingham Browne & Nichols (BB&N) is a coeducational independent day school in Cambridge, MA, serving PreK through Grade 12 with about 1,000 students and a low 6:1 student-teacher ratio. Known for academic excellence, deep global education initiatives, and need-based financial aid awarded to roughly 25% of students. BB&N graduates matriculate at top-tier universities across the U.S. Admissions Timeline & Key Applic

Why Horace Mann Is NYC’s Premier K–12 Private School Horace Mann School, located in Riverdale, Bronx, is a leading private, nonsectarian independent day school (PK–12) with over 1,700 students and an 8:1 student‑teacher ratio. It’s part of the Ivy Preparatory School League, offers a challenging liberal-arts curriculum, stellar athletics and arts programs, and robust college counseling. Admissions Timeline & Key Steps (Grades 6–11) Application & Interview Registration Opens: A

Why Hotchkiss Is Among the Top Boarding Schools in New England Hotchkiss School is a prestigious co-ed boarding and day school in Lakeville, Connecticut, on a scenic campus with 614 students, a 6:1 student-teacher ratio, and a strong focus on academic rigor, character, and global awareness. It’s known for generous financial aid, meeting full demonstrated need and offering tuition-free admission to many families. Office-approved Admissions Timeline & Checklist Based on the 202

Why Phillips Exeter Academy Is Among the Most Prestigious in the U.S. Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire is a renowned co-ed boarding and day school serving grades 9–12, enrolling around 1,000 students, with a 7:1 student-teacher ratio and the innovative Harkness method. About 60% of students board, nearly half receive need-based financial aid, and admissions remain exceptionally selective. Step Deadline Action Summary Inquiry & Candidate Profile Fall Start via