ABOUT SUMMIT EDUCATIONAL GROUP LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Experience Matters Summit Portal For 30 years, Summit Educational Group has been This valuable tool allows families to manage their preparing students to maximize their scores on tutoring programs online. They can monitor Dear Colleagues, Parents, and Students, standardized tests. Summit’s customized one-on-one homework records, score practice tests, view results, tutoring service helps students prepare for the SAT, and submit feedback. Not many events in a young person’s life produce as much stress, angst, and confusion ACT, PSAT, SAT Subject Tests, SSAT, ISEE, and even as do school admissions and standardized testing. The onslaught of information and academic subjects. Our proven approach centers on School Partnerships questions can be overwhelming. both skill-building and test-taking strategies to help Whether it is SAT, ACT, or SSAT prep, the answer is • What score do I need to get into School Z? students reach their full potential. simple: no other company offers the quality, results, • How important are my test scores? and care found in a Summit program. We currently Personalized Service partner with many of the most demanding • How much preparation do I need for the test? We deliver exceptional service to all of our families. independent and public schools in the Northeast. At Summit, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional test preparation and tutoring, but From the first phone call, we make certain to But no two schools are alike, and neither are any we also strive to be a trusted resource for counselors and families navigating this process. understand the needs and score goals of the two Summit programs. We know that every school Our complimentary annual SSAT/ISEE Testing Guide is a valuable tool that will answer the student. After recommending the appropriate has a unique student body with different needs, and above questions and many others. Hang onto it, and refer to it often as you make this journey. program, we’ll match him or her with a highly skilled we’ll work with them to customize the best program tutor. Maintaining strong relationships with our for their students and culture. When it comes to admission tests, we have always counseled students and parents to clients and those who recommend our services is maintain perspective and to craft a sensible, individualized testing plan early in the process— important to us, so we encourage and actively solicit Course Materials and Services a plan that addresses which tests you’re going to take, when you’re going to take them, and feedback throughout the Summit experience. Summit has developed, and continues to perfect, how and when you’re going to prepare for them. A good testing plan is customized to the a suite of proven, results-driven course materials student. It puts the student’s well-being front and center, prioritizes school work, and doesn’t Expert Tutors which helps students improve critical thinking give the tests more life than they deserve. We carefully match each student with an expert skills and develop effective test-taking strategies, As you plan and prepare, try not to bring unnecessary stress to the process. Look ahead so tutor to ensure the best fit possible. A tutor who leading to higher scores. Our course books, that you can avoid unwelcome surprises and rest assured that you know what is coming. understands the student, engages and motivates, test analysis, and professional development makes the lessons fun, and builds confidence makes have helped hundreds of schools and tutoring This process can be confusing and it always creates some anxiety. However, don’t lose sight all the difference. This individualized approach companies worldwide generate higher test of the positives. This should also be a time of excitement! These school applications are an allows students of all learning styles to achieve their scores for their students. important step in setting up students for future opportunities. testing and academic goals. What’s more, our tutors If you’re looking for professional, thoughtful, personal guidance, expert tutors and teachers, come directly to the family’s home, or to a school Practice Testing and exceptional test preparation, we are here for you. We have been for 30 years. We offer a campus, to work with students at their convenience. Each program begins with a diagnostic test and variety of test preparation and tutoring programs, and I’m very proud that over 80% of our detailed score report that identifies strengths and families are referred to us by their friends, school counselors, private consultants, learning Online Tutoring areas for improvement. This allows our tutors to specialists, and others. It means we’re doing well by our students and families and the rest of For those families outside of our geographic customize their instruction accordingly. Real practice our constituents. footprint, we are pleased to offer live, online tutoring. tests throughout the program allow students to Our commitment is to your testing success, on your terms. I encourage you to contact us. Our remote tutoring tools and technologies bring practice what they’ve learned and provide valuable We’d be delighted to help in any way we can. all the conveniences of our one-on-one, in-home information on how they’re progressing. We also tutoring to your laptop or tablet. Your online offer free proctored practice tests in the community, Sincerely, tutoring program includes all that makes a Summit affording students the opportunity to take “dress program successful: personalized services with rehearsal” tests, so they know exactly what to expect a Program Director, access to our expert tutors, on the real thing. and a customized testing plan that is right for you. CHARLIE O’HEARN President/Founder Summit Educational Group TABLE OF CONTENTS
Standardized Testing & Admission 1-8 Standardized Testing & Admission 2 Grades & Standardized Testing Scores 3 The Competitive Landscape 4-5 The Competitive Testing Population 6 Superscoring & Sending Multiple Scores 7
Test Prep & Planning 9-18 Considerations for Test Preparation 10 Foundations of Good Test Preparation 11 Test Dates & Administrations 12-13 Admission & Testing Timeline 14-15 SSAT & ISEE Accommodations 16-17 Character Skills Snapshot 18 MASSACHUSETTS SSAT 19-30 61R Chapel Street The SSAT 20 Newton, MA 02458 SSAT Levels & Structure 21 800-698-8867 SSAT Scoring 22-23 Process of Elimination 24 CONNECTICUT SSAT Quantitative 25-26 237 Elm Street New Canaan, CT 06840 SSAT Reading Comprehension 27 800-843-8867 SSAT Verbal 28-29
SSAT Writing 30 NEW YORK 611 W Hartsdale Avenue, Suite 201 ISEE 31-40 White Plains, NY 10607 The ISEE 32 800-391-8435 ISEE Levels & Structure 33 ISEE Scoring 34-35 mytutor.com ISEE Verbal Reasoning 36 ISEE Quantitative Reasoning 37 ISEE Reading Comprehension 38 ISEE Math Achievement 39 ISEE Essay 40
Comparison of the SSAT & ISEE 41-44 References & Resources 45-48
Copyright © 2018 by Summit Educational Group, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or retransmitted in any form or by any means without the express written permission of Summit Educational Group, Inc. *For all references herein, SSAT is a trademark owned by the Enrollment Management Association, and ISEE is a trademark owned by the Educational Records Bureau, neither of which were involved in the production of, and do not endorse, these materials. HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
We’ve listed some of the most common questions and where you can find the answers. Of course, we welcome the chance to talk directly to you about these or other independent school admission testing questions.
QUESTIONS PAGES
STANDARDIZED How important are my test scores? 2 TESTING & ADMISSION What do my test scores represent? 3
What scores are needed to get into my choice of schools? 4-5
TEST PREP & When should I start preparing? 14-15 PLANNING When should I take the test? 14-15
Should I take the test more than once? 10, 15
Can I get testing accommodations for the SSAT or ISEE? 16-17
How expensive are registration fees? 12-13
SSAT What’s on the SSAT? 25-30
How do the SSAT levels differ? 20-21
How is the SSAT scored? 22-23
Are some test dates harder than others? 22
Should I guess on the SSAT or leave a question blank? 24
What math topics are covered on the SSAT? 26
How important is the SSAT essay? 30
ISEE What's on the ISEE? 36-40
How do the ISEE levels differ? 32-33
How is the ISEE scored? 34-35
Are some test dates harder than others? 34
Should I guess on the ISEE or leave a question blank? 34
How important is vocabulary on the ISEE? 36
How important is the ISEE essay? 40 STANDARDIZED TESTING STANDARDIZED& ADMISSION TESTING & ADMISSION
800 MY TUTOR | mytutor.com 1 STANDARDIZED TESTING & ADMISSION
SSAT and ISEE test scores are an important part of all areas as they look for reasons to accept students. your independent school application, but they are For example, a great personal interview or strong just one of many criteria for admission. The proper teacher recommendations might offset lower test role of standardized tests in the admission process is scores. to complement the use of school grades and other Independent schools consider a variety of factors factors. when deciding whether to admit a student. While Today’s independent school admission process is a each school weighs admission factors differently, holistic one. Your SSAT or ISEE scores are just one most independent schools admit students based on aspect of a multi-faceted application. Rather than the factors shown below, in general order of look for reasons to reject students, admission importance. directors read applications supportively, considering
Admission Factors in General Order of Importance
• School grades and rigor of curriculum
• Teacher recommendations
• Test scores
• Personal interview
• Extracurricular activities
• Application essays
• Demonstrated interest STANDARDIZED TESTING TESTING & ADMISSION STANDARDIZED
TAKE-HOME MESSAGE
Test scores are not the most important consideration for independent school admission. Admission offices review applications holistically and read them supportively.
2 Summit Educational Group | Independent School Admission Testing Guide 2018 – 2019 GRADES & STANDARDIZED TESTING SCORES
Performance in a rigorous school curriculum is the consistent distribution of scores. The ISEE and SSAT most important factor in admission decisions, but it is are scored on a bell curve so that most students an imperfect metric for evaluating students. This is achieve scores in the middle of the curve. This score because course difficulty and grading vary from distribution allows admission offices to compare how teacher to teacher and school to school. The SSAT students perform relative to the entire test-taking and ISEE address the primary problems with school population. The chart below illustrates the bell-curve grades. Each test provides a common baseline for all distribution of SSAT scaled scores. Note that very few students and is designed to provide a useful and students achieve scores near the top of the scale.
The Bell Curve of SSAT Scaled Scores
20 STANDARDIZED& ADMISSION TESTING
15
10 Percent
5
0 500-530 531-560 561-590 591-620 621-650 651-680 681-710 711-740 741-770 771-800
Quantitative Verbal Reading Source: Enrollment Management Association 2016-2017, grade 8 scores
TAKE-HOME MESSAGE
Most students score in the middle of the SSAT and ISEE scales. On average, students earn only about 50% of the possible raw points on the SSAT and ISEE. This distribution is very different from that of typical school grades, which tend to be weighted toward higher scores.
800 MY TUTOR | mytutor.com 3 THE COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
The following table shows admission information for For international students, most schools also require a small sample of independent schools. Use this data the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). to get a general sense of competitiveness for Note: Available SSAT data is typically self-reported by independent school admission. As mentioned, test schools or based on students' reported scores and scores are not the only consideration in admission may be innaccurate. Many schools do not elect to decisions. You can still get accepted into schools if publish admission data. We recommend contacting your test scores are lower than the schools’ averages, the schools you are interested in applying to when especially if your application has other strengths. evaluating admission data.
AVERAGE ACCEPT BOARDING/ SCHOOL SSAT LOCATION GRADES SSAT/ISEE REQUIRED RATE DAY PERCENTILE
Avon Old Farms 59 Avon, CT 48% Both 9-12 SSAT required (grades 9-10)
Belmont Hill 82 Belmont, MA 28% Day 7-12 SSAT required (grades 9-10)
Berkshire School 65 Sheffield, MA 27% Both 9-12 SSAT required (grades 9-10)
Brooks School 65 North Andover, MA 24% Both 9-12 SSAT required (grades 9-10)
Brunswick School 70 Greenwich, CT 25% Day preK-12 SSAT or ISEE required
Canterbury School 55 New Milford, CT 37% Both 9-12 SSAT required (grades 9-10)
Chase Collegiate 51 Waterbury, CT Day preK-12 SSAT required (grades 6-12)
Choate Rosemary Hall 85 Wallingford, CT 22% Both 9-12 SSAT or ISEE required (grades 9-10)
Concord Academy 82 Concord, MA 28% Both 9-12 SSAT or ISEE required (grades 9-10)
Cushing Academy 60 Ashburnham, MA 48% Both 9-12 SSAT required (grades 9-10)
The Dalton School 93 New York, NY 13% Day K-12 SSAT or ISEE required
Dana Hall School 58 Wellesley, MA 43% Both 5-12 SSAT required (grades 9-10)
Deerfield Academy 85 Deerfield, MA 16% Both 9-12 SSAT or ISEE required (grades 9-10) STANDARDIZED TESTING TESTING & ADMISSION STANDARDIZED
Emma Willard School 66 Troy, NY 36% Both 9-12 SSAT, PSAT, or SAT required
The Governor’s Academy 76 Byfield, MA 23% Both 9-12 SSAT or ISEE required
Greenwich Academy 70 Greenwich, CT 30% Day preK-12 SSAT or ISEE required (grades 5-11)
Groton School 86 Groton, MA 12% Both 8-12 SSAT (preferred) or ISEE required
The Gunnery 50 Washington, CT 50% Both 9-12 SSAT, PSAT, SAT or ACT required
SSAT, WISC-IV, or WISC-V required Holderness School 65 Holderness, NH 45% Both 9-12 (grades 9-10)
Hoosac School 70 Hoosick, NY 40% Both 8-12 No test requirement
Hopkins School 75 New Haven, CT 46% Day 7-12 SSAT or ISEE required (grades 7-10)
Horace Mann School 94 Bronx, NY 10% Day preK-12 SSAT or ISEE required (grades 6-11)
The Hotchkiss School 85 Lakeville, CT 21% Both 9-12 SSAT or ISEE required (grades 9-10)
Kent School 70 Kent, CT 42% Both 9-12 SSAT required (grades 9-10)
Kimball Union Academy 50 Meriden, NH 55% Both 9-12 SSAT, PSAT, SAT or ACT required
4 Summit Educational Group | Independent School Admission Testing Guide 2018 – 2019 AVERAGE ACCEPT BOARDING/ SCHOOL SSAT LOCATION GRADES SSAT/ISEE REQUIRED RATE DAY PERCENTILE Kingswood Oxford (upper 51 West Hartford, CT 60% Day 9-12 SSAT required school)
Lawrence Academy 65 Groton, MA 44% Both 9-12 SSAT required (grades 9-10)
Loomis Chaffee School 79 Windsor, CT 27% Both 9-12 SSAT or ISEE required (grades 9-10)
Middlesex School 87 Concord, MA 18% Both 9-12 SSAT or ISEE required (grades 9-10)
Millbrook School 67 Millbrook, NY 38% Both 9-12 SSAT or ISEE required (grades 9-10)
Milton Academy 90 Milton, MA 19% Both 9-12 SSAT required (grades 9-10) (upper school)
Miss Hall’s School 66 Pittsfield, MA 49% Both 9-12 SSAT required
Miss Porter’s School 68 Farmington, CT 48% Both 9-12 SSAT or ISEE required (grades 9-10)
Noble and Greenough 82 Dedham, MA 24% Both 7-12 SSAT required (grades 9-10) School
Northfield Mount Hermon 73 Mount Hermon, MA 30% Both 9-12 SSAT or ISEE required (grade 9)
Phillips Academy Andover 94 Andover, MA 13% Both 9-12 SSAT or ISEE required (grades 9-10) STANDARDIZED& ADMISSION TESTING
Phillips Exeter Academy 94 Exeter, NH 19% Both 9-12 SSAT or ISEE required (grades 9-10)
Pomfret School 62 Pomfret, CT 39% Both 9-12 SSAT required (grades 9-10)
Portsmouth Abbey School 66 Portsmouth, RI 37% Both 9-12 SSAT required (grades 9-10)
Proctor Academy 54 Andover, NH 50% Both 9-12 SSAT required (grades 9-10)
Rivers School 78 Weston, MA 15% Day 6-12 SSAT required (grades 9-11)
Rye Country Day School 77 Rye, NY 20% Day preK-12 SSAT or ISEE required (grades 5-12)
SSAT (preferred), ISEE, PSAT, SAT, or Salisbury School 54 Salisbury, CT 37% Both 9-12 ACT required
St. George’s School 70 Middletown, RI 25% Both 9-12 SSAT, ISEE, PSAT, or SAT required
ISEE (preferred), SSAT, or PSAT St. Luke's School 61 New Canaan, CT 33% Day 5-12 required
St. Mark’s School 83 Southborough, MA 27% Both 9-12 SSAT (preferred) or ISEE required
St. Paul’s School 89 Concord, NH 16% Boarding 9-12 SSAT (preferred) or ISEE required
St. Sebastian's School 61 Needham, MA 18% Day 7-12 SSAT required (grades 9-10)
Suffield Academy 68 Suffield, CT 29% Both 9-12 SSAT required (grades 9-10)
Tabor Academy 67 Marion, MA 43% Both 9-12 SSAT required
The Taft School 83 Watertown, CT 21% Both 9-12 SSAT required
Thayer Academy 59 Braintree, MA 38% Day 6-12 SSAT required (grades 9-10)
Trinity-Pawling School 50 Pawling, NY 60% Both 7-12 SSAT required (grades 9-10)
Vermont Academy 50 Saxtons River, VT 68% Both 9-12 SSAT required (grades 9-10)
Westminster School 75 Simsbury, CT 25% Both 9-12 SSAT required (grades 9-10)
Westover School 60 Middlebury, CT 46% Both 9-12 SSAT required
Wilbraham & Monson 68 Wilbraham, MA 50% Both 9-12 SSAT, PSAT, or SAT required Academy (upper school) Williston Northampton 61 Easthampton, MA 33% Both 7-12 SSAT required (grades 7–10) School
Winsor School 85 Boston, MA 25% Day 5-12 SSAT required (grades 9-10)
Source: boardingschoolreview.com, privateschoolreview.com, startclass.com, and self-reported data
800 MY TUTOR | mytutor.com 5 THE COMPETITIVE TESTING POPULATION
The group of students taking the ISEE and SSAT is According to the ERB, ISEE test-takers are “a very particularly well-educated and well-prepared. Most select group of students who are applying to students taking these tests are currently attending competitive schools. Therefore, ISEE percentile ranks independent schools, as demonstrated in the chart are generally lower—anywhere from 10 to 40 below. Thus, achieving a better-than-average percentile points lower—than those on other tests percentile rank in this group of especially competitive that use national norms.” and skilled test-takers is a great challenge. Both the According to the EMA, “the SSAT norm group is highly Educational Records Bureau (ERB) and the competitive; your results are compared only with Enrollment Management Association (EMA, formerly other students (same grade/gender) who take the the SSAT Board) caution that your percentile ranks for SSAT to apply for admission to some of the most these tests may seem surprisingly low. selective independent schools in the country.”
Most SSAT Students Are Already Attending Independent Schools
90 Public 80
70
60
50 Private
Percent 40 Public
30 STANDARDIZED TESTING TESTING & ADMISSION STANDARDIZED
20
Private 10 Charter Parochial Charter Parochial 0 Total national students Students taking the SSAT
Source: National Center for Education Statistics and Enrollment Management Association, 2013
TAKE-HOME MESSAGE
Your SSAT or ISEE percentile ranks may be lower than expected. Rest assured that schools understand the competitive nature of the SSAT and ISEE. Your test preparation can help improve your standing among this group of test-takers.
6 Summit Educational Group | Independent School Admission Testing Guide 2018 – 2019 SUPERSCORING & SENDING MULTIPLE SCORES
Which scores should I send, and when What is "superscoring"? should I send them? Some schools will allow "superscoring"—that is, they
It is generally a good idea to avoid sending test will consider your highest section scores from scores immediately. Most students benefit from multiple tests to generate a total score that reflects taking 2-3 official tests, analyzing the scores, your highest potential. Not all schools use this reviewing admission policies of their chosen schools, method of score consideration. Contact admission and then deciding which scores to send to each offices to determine whether you should send school. multiple scores.
Some schools request that you send all test scores. Neither the EMA nor ERB (who create the SSAT and These schools may discourage "overtesting," in which ISEE, respectively) offers superscoring. Rather, case you should limit your testing to a few, well- superscoring is done by schools' admission offices. STANDARDIZED& ADMISSION TESTING prepared attempts. In some cases, it is preferable to withhold a test score that would be useful for superscoring. For example, if The SSAT score report indicates whether the student a student achieved a high math score but a very low has taken the test more than once. If you have taken reading score, the benefit of using the math score for multiple SSATs but only send one score, schools superscoring may not outweigh the negative will be aware that they have not received all of your impression given by the reading score. Talk to one of scores. Typically, this is not a problem and will not Summit's Program Directors, a guidance counselor, or impact admission decisions. an educational consultant to help make these decisions.
TAKE-HOME MESSAGE
The best plan for most students is to take the official SSAT or ISEE twice after they have fully prepared. Taking 2-3 official tests reduces the risk of a bad testing experience and provides opportunities for higher scores. However, taking the test too many times may place unnecessary stress on students.
800800 MYMY TUTORTUTOR || mytutor.commytutor.com 7 TEST PREP &
PLANNING TEST PREP & PLANNING
9 CONSIDERATIONS FOR TEST PREPARATION
What is a "good" score? SSAT or ISEE? Don’t become fixated on a certain score. The goal of Some schools only accept one of these tests. The test preparation is to help you reach your potential. SSAT is most commonly used when applying to 9 Each school determines its own standards for what th-12th grade, while the ISEE is most commonly are considered strong SSAT or ISEE scores. Contact used for lower grades. school admission offices to determine how Schools that prefer one test may still accept the competitive your scores are. other. If you are considering both tests, your test
Remember that standardized test scores are not the preparation should begin with a diagnostic SSAT and ISEE only consideration for your applications. The to determine which you prefer. importance of test scores is determined by each Refer to pages 42-43 for more information on schools' admission policies. deciding between the SSAT and ISEE.
When should I take the test? How many times should I take the test? As a general rule, it is best to take the test as late as Take 2-3 official tests to make sure you reach your possible within the window of application deadlines. highest potential. As time goes on, you will learn more skills in school Depending on your testing experience and the and in your test prep, which will improve your scores. content on the test, your test score can fluctuate. If Test dates between November and January are you take the test only once, it may not be the best popular because most application deadlines are in representation of your skills. TEST PREP & PLANNING PREP TEST January. Avoid over-testing. Taking the test too many times will not guarantee higher scores and will cause unnecessary stress.
10 Summit Educational Group | Independent School Admission Testing Guide 2018 – 2019 FOUNDATIONS OF GOOD TEST PREPARATION
Good test prep strengthens underlying skills, develops comfort and confidence, and ultimately enables students to meet their potential. While there are many components to a successful test preparation program, there are three key fundamentals.
T MASTER NTEN Y CO
Students who score best on the Just as with a scrimmage or a dress SSAT and ISEE have a firm grasp rehearsal, the more your test prep of the academic skills that are simulates the real thing, the better.
tested. Reviewing content areas TEST PREP & PLANNING Taking a practice test under realistic and reinforcing necessary skills conditions removes the mystery of the are essential for improving your test, reduces anxiety, and increases score. No amount of test-taking confidence. The results of these tests strategy can compensate for also provide a valuable tool for gaps in foundational knowledge. tracking your progress and assessing what areas still need improvement.
P Y R G A E C T T A I C R E T S T E S T Successful test-takers not only S possess the necessary academic skills but also understand how to take a standardized test. Pacing, process of elimination, and question-type recognition are all strategies that will help you maximize your score. Having an arsenal of tools at your disposal puts you in control of the test.
800 MY TUTOR | mytutor.com 11 SSAT TEST DATES & ADMINISTRATIONS
Standard Testing Flex Testing
A Standard test is a group administration of the SSAT A Flex test is a group or individual administration of held at sites worldwide on eight Saturdays during the SSAT on any date other than the Standard dates. each testing year. Most students will take SSAT on Families may prefer the scheduling convenience of a Standard dates. To view available test dates, go to Flex test, and students may find Flex administrations ssat.org/about-ssat/registration/fees-deadlines. more comfortable. You may take only one Flex test in a testing year (August 1 - July 31). You may take as many Standard tests as are available. "Open" Flex tests are given by schools and are available to all registrants. The following is a list of SSAT registration fees: "Closed" Flex tests may be given by educational • Upper/Middle Level: $127 consultants or schools. To register, you must make • Elementary Level: $80 arrangements with the consultant or school in order • Late registration (2-3 weeks before test date): to receive an access code for the test administration. additional $45 Go to ssat.org/flex to find a list of educational • Rush registration (from two weeks to the consultants who provide Flex tests. Wednesday before test date): $85
• Change registration date or location: $35 TEST PREP & PLANNING PREP TEST
12 Summit Educational Group | Independent School Admission Testing Guide 2018 – 2019 ISEE TEST DATES & ADMINISTRATIONS
Choosing a Test Site The following is a list of ISEE registration fees: • Online or mail registration: $105 To view available testing sites and begin registration, go to www.erblearn.org/parents/admissions-testing- • Phone registration: $130 isee. The ISEE is offered at schools, Prometric test • Small group testing at testing office: $175 centers, and testing offices. • Individual testing at testing office: $200
To register at a testing office, contact the office • Prometric center testing: $185 directly. To register at a school site or Prometric test center, use the registration links at www.erblearn. org/parents/admissions-testing-isee. Choosing a Test Date
At Prometric test centers, the ISEE is only There are no standard dates for ISEE testing. administered in an online format. A parent or Availability is based on what is offered by the guardian must stay at the Prometric site for the different testing providers in your area. duration of the test administration. Prometric also requires original identification documents—copies are You are able to take the ISEE once per 4-month TEST PREP & PLANNING not accepted. testing window: Fall (Aug-Nov), Winter (Dec-Mar), and Spring/Summer (Apr-Jul).
ISEE TESTING WINDOWS
FALL WINTER SPRING/SUMMER
Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul
800 MY TUTOR | mytutor.com 13 ADMISSION & TESTING TIMELINE
The calendar below shows how a typical testing plan Early in the applications process, craft a testing plan fits into the larger timeline of independent school that addresses which tests you’re going to take, applications. Planning for applications should begin when you’re going to take them, and how and when in the summer, about 18 months before you expect you’re going to prepare for them. to enroll in your new school.
MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER
Consider what schools would Schedule visits and interviews. Prepare for the personal
be the best fit for you. • Schedule interviews no earlier interviews. • Culture - the personality or than October so you have time • Be ready to answer questions “vibe” of the student to gain experience in your about academics and interests. population and faculty classes and extracurriculars, • Prepare your own questions which can be brought up • Academic Rigor - intensity of about each school. during the interviews. workloads and amount of • Dress appropriately. academic support • Ideally, you will be finished with interviews by the end of • Some schools require you to • Offerings - courses, athletic November. complete a writing sample competitiveness and facilities, during the visit, so be ready! and extracurricular • Try to schedule interviews early opportunities in the day, when you and your • Write a thank-you note to your interviewer will have more interviewer. • Student/Teacher Ratio - energy. personalized instruction and ADMISSION TIMELINE ADMISSION teacher availability Attend open houses and school Stay organized. events, if interested. • Logistics - geography, financial aid, and boarding options • Keep records of different • Schools will often host optional admission policies, dates, and open houses, allowing you to TEST PREP & PLANNING PREP TEST registration information. tour the campuses, visit classrooms, and meet faculty and students.
Consider taking an official test Create your testing plan. Begin your test preparation at
in spring. Before your begin your • Contact admission offices to the beginning of the school test preparation, you may take an see what standardized test year. scores are required. official SSAT or ISEE as a • Start with a diagnostic test, diagnostic. Use this test as a • Register for the SSAT or ISEE. which will establish a baseline score and identify areas for low-stakes opportunity to • You may also need to register improvement. familiarize yourself with the for the TOEFL if English is your testing experience and get a second language. • Balance your test preparation with your class work. Your sense of your scoring potential. • Allow for a sufficient amount of school grades are the highest practice and study before your TESTING TIMELINE TESTING priority. test dates. Depending on students’ needs, a full prep program may last from 8-15 weeks.
14 Summit Educational Group | Independent School Admission Testing Guide 2018 – 2019 A good testing plan is sensible and strikes a balance With the information provided in this guide, you can with the student’s academic and extracurricular confidently navigate the considerations and tasks activities. It eliminates the need for overtesting and involved in making a testing plan. helps students and families maintain perspective through what can be a stressful admission process.
NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL
Complete your applications. Submit your completed school Wait patiently for responses
• Finish school visits and applications. from schools. Most schools will interviews by the end of • Complete your financial aid notify you on March 10. November. forms. Depending on the school, this
• Give recommendation forms to • Review the requirements for notification may be sent by mail teachers in November or early each school to make sure you or made available online. December. This is early enough haven’t forgotten anything. ADMISSION TIMELINE TEST PREP & PLANNING for application deadlines and • Try to submit your applications late enough to ensure that Finalize your choice. Schools with a few days to spare before teachers know you well. the deadlines. You will want to will usually send you an invitation • Write your application essays. leave a buffer in case anything to revisit campus. Consider You will be able to write a more goes wrong. looking at these schools again to knowledgeable and effective help make your decision. essay after you have done your interviews and school visits.
Notify schools of your decision. Whether you accept or decline, Begin your financial aid forms. most schools need to be notified • Inquire about loans, payment by April 10. plans, or merit aid. Offerings and applications differ.
Take the SSAT or ISEE. Take the SSAT or ISEE again, if Relax! Congratulate yourself on
• We recommend taking your needed. all of your hard work. You earned first test in November so you • We recommend taking the test it!
can take it again in December twice to make sure you reach TESTING TIMELINE or January. your highest potential.
• The ISEE can be taken once • Avoid overtesting. Taking the per 4-month testing window. test too many times will not Take the ISEE in November, guarantee higher scores and which is in the fall window, so will bring unnecessary stress. you can take the test again in the winter window.
800 MY TUTOR | mytutor.com 15 SSAT & ISEE ACCOMMODATIONS
Students who have documented learning differences until July 31st. Accommodations applications, along are eligible for accommodations from both the with full documentation, must be submitted at least Enrollment Management Association (EMA) and the 4 weeks before the testing date. Educational Records Bureau (ERB). Because these For the ISEE, once accommodations are approved, are distinct institutions with their own application the approval is valid for 15 months. processes, approval from one organization does not
guarantee approval from the other. The chart below is intended as a guide to help families navigate the application process. Families For the SSAT, an accommodations application needs should review the official guidelines and school to be approved only once per testing season (from timelines early in the process to ask questions and to August 1st to July 31st). For example, if you are ensure that the required documentation is gathered approved for accommodations for an SSAT in and submitted in a timely fashion. November, your approval is valid for any other SSAT
SSAT ISEE
ssat.org/about-ssat/testing- www.erblearn.org/parents/ INFORMATION accommodations accommodations-isee
You must have an identified disabling You must have complete and specific condition or impairment which substantially documentation that establishes a current limits your ability to perform a major life need for the requested accommodations. ELIGIBILITY activity, including sight, hearing, speech, You must currently receive and utilize reading, concentration, thought, accommodations, due to your disability, for communication, and learning. school-based testing in your school.
1.y Appl online for accommodations and 1. Create an online ERB account and list the TEST PREP & PLANNING PREP TEST provide the contact information of your accommodations you currently receive in approver (professional who can confirm the school. validity of your accommodations). 2. Submit your current school statement form, 2. Provide documentation, if necessary. as well as supporting documentation.
3. After being contacted by the Enrollment 3. The ERB processes request and submits Management Association (EMA), your approval (this may take up to 3 weeks). approver submits approval and identification 4. Register for a testing location and testing forms. APPLICATION date. Schools, testing offices, and Prometric PROCESS 4. If necessary, documentation is reviewed by centers have different accommodation the EMA. offerings. You can view available accommodations online when registering. If 5. The EMA processes request and sends your accommodations are not offered at any confirmation (this may take up to 2 weeks). locations, arrange for an individual test 6. Register to take the SSAT with administration at a school that is registered accommodations. as a testing site. 5. On test day, bring a copy of the verification email from the ERB.
Source: ssat.org Source: erblearn.org
16 Summit Educational Group | Independent School Admission Testing Guide 2018 – 2019 SSAT ISEE
• Individualized Education Program (IEP) • Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) • Section 504 Accommodation(s) Plan • Section 504 Accommodation(s) Plan • Testing results or documentation from a • Psycho-Educational Testing Evaluation qualified professional • School Accommodation Plan from current • Private School Service Plan or other formal calendar year documentation on letterhead DOCUMENTATION • Physician Letter detailing accommodations TYPES • Private or school-based evaluation reports required due to a medically-treated issue (vision impairment, deafness, paralysis, ADD, • Documentation of accommodations for ADHD, etc.) or a physical disability. other standardized tests or school-based testing (Documents must be dated within the last six months to three years, depending on (Documents must be dated within the last documentation type) three years of the date your request is submitted)
An approver must confirm your requested The student’s current school must verify that TEST PREP & PLANNING accommodations are valid. the accommodations requested are currently being used in classroom and testing If your approver is from your school and the situations. The school should initial the list of documentation is an Individualized accommodations the student requires. If the Educational Plan (IEP), 504 plan, or private student’s needs are not listed, then check SCHOOL OR school documentation, you will NOT need to “other” and explain on the lines provided. If for PROFESSIONAL submit the documentation to the EMA. CONFIRMATION some reason the student does not currently If your approver is a doctor or practitioner receive the accommodations requested in the involved with your diagnosis, treatment, current school setting, this should also be testing, or care but is not from your school, explained (such as the school already you will need to submit the documentation to incorporating an adapted curriculum). the EMA.
If your approver denies your If your accommodations are denied, appeals accommodations, you may resend the can be emailed to the ERB at request or indicate a different qualified [email protected] for approver. further consideration. APPEAL PROCESS If the EMA denies your accommodations, the EMA will explain the aspects that affected the decision and provide instructions for submitting further documentation or filing an appeal.
• 50% additional time • Extended time (Prometric Test Centers offer extended time for the ISEE Online only) • Answer directly in test booklet • Answer directly in test booklet COMMON • Large print test booklet • Large print test booklet ACCOMMODATIONS • Calculator • Calculator • Personal laptop with spell check for Writing Sample • Computer with spell check for Essay
Source: ssat.org Source: erblearn.org
800 MY TUTOR | mytutor.com 17 CHARACTER SKILLS SNAPSHOT
What is the Snapshot? What are the logistics for the test?
The Character Skills Snapshot is a test measuring The test can be taken online at home. It is untimed, character and judgment skills widely valued by but must be completed in one sitting. Students independent schools. The Snapshot has been typically take 20-30 minutes to complete the test. developed through the Enrollment Management Students are permitted to take the test only once Association (EMA) to complement cognitive during the testing year. assessments, such as the SSAT, and provide a more The Snapshot is free for students registered to take holistic view of applicants. It is not meant to replace the SSAT. Otherwise, the fee for Snapshot is $25. other pieces of the application process, such as recommendation letters or the personal interview. Students should take Snapshot without outside input Some schools request all applicants take the or aid. Coaching or prep is not needed. The test Snapshot to create more well-rounded applications. should present authentic insights into the student.
What is on the test? What skills are measured?
Forced-Choice Questions (19 questions) – Students are rated as "Emerging," "Developing," or " These questions present 3 statements and ask Demonstrating" in each of 8 areas: students to choose which are most or least Resilience – rebounds from setbacks, learns during representative of their personal judgments. failures
For example, a Forced-Choice question may provide Open-mindedness – contemplates other viewpoints, the statements "I enjoy being challenged," "I always open to new experiences, receptive to new ideas
have a backup plan," and "I get overwhelmed when I Responsibility – does not make excuses for actions, have many options," and ask students to choose one takes ownership, follows through on commitments that is most like them and one that is least like them. Teamwork – works with others, contributes ideas, TEST PREP & PLANNING PREP TEST Situation Judgments (10 questions) – considers thoughts and feelings of team members
These questions present scenarios with 4 different Social Awareness – recognizes appropriate ways to responses. Students must rate the appropriateness interact, adapts behavior, resolves conflicts
of each response. Self-control – remains in control of emotions when For example, a Situation Judgment question may stressed, controls impulses, considers outcomes describe a team project with a friend who is not Intellectual Curiosity – seeks to understand, enjoys contributing, provide 4 ways to address the issue, challenge, explores conflicting ideas and ask the student to rate each solution on a scale Initiative – starts tasks without needing a push, between "Not Appropriate" and "Very Appropriate." recognizes when to act, takes charge of situations
TAKE-HOME MESSAGE
Not all schools require or recommend the Snapshot. Contact admission offices for each school's preference.
You do not need to prepare for the Character Skills Snapshot. This test is not designed to be challenging, like the SSAT or ISEE. Instead, it simply requires your honest personal feedback.
18 Summit Educational Group | Independent School Admission Testing Guide 2018 – 2019 SSAT SSAT
19 THE SSAT
The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) is Different Grades, Different Testing created by the Enrollment Management Association Experiences (formerly the SSAT Board) and is administered at Taking the SSAT can be a very different experience three levels based on the applicant’s grade: depending on the grade level of the student. For Elementary, Middle, and Upper. Each level of the test example, students in grades 8 to 11 take the Upper is intended for multiple grades: Level SSAT, so 8th graders will likely encounter • Elementary Level some material that is more advanced than what they Students in grades 3-4, applying to grades 4-5 have learned in school. On the other hand, 11th • Middle Level graders will likely be familiar with all of the material Students in grades 5-7, applying to grades 6-8 on the test.
• Upper Level Keep in mind that your scores are compared only to Students in grades 8-11, applying to grades 9-12 those of students in the same grade, so there is no scoring advantage or disadvantage to taking the test The SSAT measures verbal, math, and reading skills at a certain grade level. needed for successful performance in independent schools.
The SSAT is designed to be a critical thinking test, as opposed to the curriculum-based exams commonly seen in schools. The SSAT is not intended to reflect the content seen in typical schoolwork. SSAT
20 Summit Educational Group | Independent School Admission Testing Guide 2018 – 2019 SSAT LEVELS & STRUCTURE
TIME SCALED TEST LEVEL SECTION QUESTIONS (MINUTES) SCORES
QUANTITATIVE 30 30 300-600 VERBAL 30 20 per section
Elementary Level 15-minute break 900-1800 Students in grades 3-4, READING 28 30 total applying to grades 4-5 WRITING 1 15 Essay not scored TOTAL TIME: 1 hour 50 minutes
WRITING 1 25
5-minute break 440-710 QUANTITATIVE 25 30 per section READING 40 40 Middle Level SSAT 1320-2130 10-minute break Students in grades 5-7, total applying to grades 6-8 VERBAL 60 30 Essay not QUANTITATIVE 25 30 scored EXPERIMENTAL* 16 15
TOTAL TIME: 3 hours 5 minutes
WRITING 1 25
5-minute break 500-800 QUANTITATIVE 25 30 per section Upper Level READING 40 40 1500-2400 10-minute break Students in grades 8-11, total applying to grades 9-12 VERBAL 60 30 Essay not QUANTITATIVE 25 30 scored
EXPERIMENTAL* 16 15
TOTAL TIME: 3 hours 5 minutes
*The SSAT Middle and Upper Level tests also include a 15-minute Experimental section, which is used to test newly created questions. This section includes 16 questions, comprised of 6 verbal, 5 reading, and 5 quantitative questions. The Experimental section is not scored, so it will not affect the competitiveness of your application.
800 MY TUTOR | mytutor.com 21 SSAT SCALED SCORES VS PERCENTILES
Both the SSAT and ISEE report scaled scores. However, independent school admission offices have historically relied more on percentile ranks than on scaled scores.
SSAT essays are not scored. Copies of your essay are sent to schools along with your score report. The importance of your essay in admission decisions varies from school to school, but it is generally much less important than your percentile rank.
Raw Scores Percentiles
Every question on the SSAT is worth one raw point. Your section scaled scores and total scaled score The easiest question is worth just as much as the are given percentile ranks, indicating how well you cored compared to other test-takers of the same most difficult question. There are no points for s skipped questions. Each incorrect answer results in a grade and gender. For example, a 60th percentile ¼ point penalty. The total number of correct score indicates that you performed the same as or than 60% of test-takers. Your percentile rank is answers, minus the total penalty for incorrect better answers, is the raw score. based on scores from all students in your grade who have taken the test over the past three years.
Scaled Scores Percentile Ranks in Perspective Your raw score is converted to a scaled score. Each
SSAT Your SSAT percentile might seem quite low because SSAT has a slightly different scale to account for any your scores are being compared to those of other small differences between tests. As a result, no test SSAT students, a very competitive group. date is easier or harder than any other. A 600 on one
test indicates the same level of performance as a The good news is, depending on where you are on 600 on another test. the scoring scale, a small difference in raw scores can result in a large difference in percentile ranking. You receive a scaled score in each of the three For example, a student who gets a raw score of 25 sections: Quantitative, Verbal, and Reading. (out of 60) on the Verbal section of the Upper Level Your scaled scores are added to create a total score. SSAT will increase by nearly 20 percentile points by getting only 5 more correct answers. Having an effective plan of attack, building skills, and learning test-taking strategies can bring a large improvement to your SSAT percentile rank.
TAKE-HOME MESSAGE
Getting just a few more questions right can make a significant difference in your scaled and percentile scores.
22 Summit Educational Group || IndependentIndependent SchoolSchool AdmissionAdmission TestingTesting GuideGuide 20182018 – 2019 SSAT SCORING
Raw scores for each section are calculated by Scaled scores are assigned percentile ranks based adding one point for each correct answer and then on the percentage of students who scored at or subtracting a quarter of a point for every incorrect below that level, as shown below. answer.
Scaled scores for each section are calculated using a conversion table, as shown in the abridged table below. These scaled scores are added together to create a total score.
RAW SCORE TO SCALED SCORE CONVERSION SCALED SCORE TO PERCENTILE RANK CONVERSION
Raw Verbal Quantitative Reading Total Percentile Total Percentile Score Scaled Score Scaled Score Scaled Score Score Rank Score Rank
15 615 640 619 1800 12 2120 80 16 620 648 623 1820 16 2140 84 17 625 656 628 1840 19 2160 85 18 630 661 635 1860 22 2180 90 19 635 665 643 1880 27 2200 91 SSAT 20 641 667 651 1900 32 2220 93 21 646 676 657 1920 37 2240 95 22 651 683 662 1940 42 2260 96 23 656 687 667 1960 47 2280 97 24 662 690 672 1980 51 2300 98 25 667 692 681 2000 54 2320 99 26 671 698 685 2020 58 2340 99 27 675 704 690 2040 64 2360 99 28 681 708 700 2060 66 2380 99 29 687 713 706 2080 71 2400 99 30 692 716 711 2100 76 31 696 725 716 32 700 730 721 33 705 734 730 These conversion tables are estimated based on data for 8th grade students taking the Upper Level SSAT. 34 711 738 737 35 717 740 745 36 720 747 751 37 723 752 757 38 726 755 761 39 730 759 781 40 735 764 800 41 742 767 42 750 770 43 757 777 44 763 784 45 767 790
800 MY TUTOR | mytutor.com 23 PROCESS OF ELIMINATION
Each SSAT problem is a mini-mystery to be unraveled from a range of clues: the question, a diagram or passage, the answer choices, and your knowledge of what content is tested and how it is tested. You should never ignore information from any of these potential clues. Eliminating answer choices that you know are wrong gets you closer to finding the right answer. It also means that you will do better if you need to guess. Improving your ability to make educated guesses is an important step toward a higher score.
STUDENT A STUDENT B STUDENT C
1 A B C D E 1 A B C D E 1 A B C D E 2 A B C D E 2 A B C D E 2 A B C D E 3 A B C D E 3 A B C D E 3 A B C D E 4 A B C D E 4 A B C D E 4 A B C D E 5 A B C D E 5 A B C D E 5 A B C D E 6 A B C D E 6 A B C D E 6 A B C D E 7 A B C D E 7 A B C D E 7 A B C D E 8 A B C D E 8 A B C D E 8 A B C D E 9 A B C D E 9 A B C D E 9 A B C D E 10 A B C D E 10 A B C D E 10 A B C D E 11 A B C D E 11 A B C D E 11 A B C D E
SSAT 12 A B C D E 12 A B C D E 12 A B C D E 13 A B C D E 13 A B C D E 13 A B C D E 14 A B C D E 14 A B C D E 14 A B C D E 15 A B C D E 15 A B C D E 15 A B C D E 16 A B C D E 16 A B C D E 16 A B C D E 17 A B C D E 17 A B C D E 17 A B C D E 18 A B C D E 18 A B C D E 18 A B C D E 19 A B C D E 19 A B C D E 19 A B C D E 20 A B C D E 20 A B C D E 20 A B C D E
All Blank Random Educated Guesses Guesses correct 0 4 7 incorrect 0 16 13 blank 20 0 0
raw score 0 4 - (16 × ¼) = 0 7 - (13 × ¼) = 3 ¾ Raw Points Raw Points
Student C has used a methodical and consistent Process of Elimination (POE) strategy and scores significantly higher than Student A or Student B based on POE alone. By not guessing, Student A gets 0 raw points. While Student B answers every question, the student doesn’t use POE and therefore doesn’t improve the odds of getting questions right. Furthermore, the SSAT’s guessing penalty reduces the student's earned points.
24 Summit Educational Group | Independent School Admission Testing Guide 2018 – 2019 SSAT 25
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Easy Easy AT SSAT QUANTITATIVE OVERVIEW QUANTITATIVE SSAT istakes 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 MINUTES TOTAL FOR SECTION5 QUESTIONS, FOR 4 MINUTES 30 TOTAL uesses nd ou should put your time and energy into the questions m g a y Many students can raise their Quantitative scores by simply slowing down and focusing on fewer problems. TEST STRATEGIES limits. your Know MIDDLE STRUCTURE AND UPPER LEVEL SSAT SECTION QUESTIONS, FOR 25 1 MINUTES 30 TOTAL the questions themsel those The wha SS 2 SSAT QUANTITATIVE SKILLS
The SSAT tests math skills ranging from arithmetic to algebra and basic geometry. Be on the lookout for nonstandard presentation of questions, which may cause difficulty.
Test-takers are not allowed to use calculators, so computational skills are vital.
Some math concepts are only tested on the Upper Level test. In addition to the Upper Level skills listed below, the Upper Level test may include more advanced applications of skills that also appear on the Middle Level test.
COMPLETE LIST OF SSAT MATH SKILLS
Number Concepts and Operations Geometry
• Number properties • Angles • Divisibility and remainders • Triangles • Multiples and factors • Area and perimeter • Fractions • Circles • Decimals and place value • Volume • Rounding and estimation • Spatial reasoning • Percents • Coordinate plane SSAT • Ratios and proportions • Slope • Order of operations • Graphing lines • Sequences, patterns, and logic • Transformations
Algebra Data Analysis
• Absolute value • Averages • Exponents and roots • Median, mode, and range • Algebraic expressions and equations • Probability • Simultaneous equations (Upper Level) • Permutations (Upper Level) • Inequalities • Sets • Functions • Charts and graphs • Quadratic equations (Upper Level)
26 Summit Educational Group | Independent School Admission Testing Guide 2018 – 2019 SSAT READING COMPREHENSION OVERVIEW
The Reading Comprehension section requires students to understand what’s explicitly stated and what’s implied in a broad range of texts. The Reading Comprehension section on the Middle and Upper Level SSAT includes 8-9 short reading passages, each 250-350 words in length.
MIDDLE AND UPPER LEVEL SSAT STRUCTURE 40 QUESTIONS, 40 MINUTES TOTAL
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 Not in order of difficulty
Passage Types • Fact passages address topics using details and • Prose passages tell a story, either fictional or objective information. For example, a passage biographical. For example, a passage might might include a description of the way a volcano include a musician’s memories of how she erupts or a biography of Florence Nightingale. learned to play an instrument.
• Opinion passages express an opinion on a topic. • Poetry passages tell a story, express an idea, or SSAT For example, the author might argue that drinking describe an imagined scene. Examples might water should contain fluoride. include a poem about the ocean, the emotion of love, or a person’s struggle.
Question Types • Identify details • Determine the author’s purpose • Determine the main idea • Evaluate opinions and arguments • Derive the meaning of vocabulary from context • Make inferences • Determine the author's attitude or tone • Make predictions
TEST STRATEGY
Read with your pencil. As you read, take notes, underline, and write down the main idea of each paragraph. If you have an organized understanding of the passage, you will be able to answer the questions with speed and confidence.
800 MY TUTOR | mytutor.com 27 SSAT VERBAL OVERVIEW
The Verbal section contains two types of vocabulary-based questions: synonyms and analogies. Synonyms progress from easy to difficult, as do analogies.
Since vocabulary is best learned through context, you can prepare for the test by reading regularly. Focus on texts that are somewhat challenging, and record and study the definitions of new words you encounter.
MIDDLE AND UPPER LEVEL SSAT STRUCTURE 60 QUESTIONS, 30 MINUTES TOTAL
SYNONYMS
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Easy g Medium g Difficult
ANALOGIES
31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 Easy g Medium g Difficult
SSAT Synonyms Analogies Synonym questions test your ability to determine the Analogy questions ask you to identify the meaning of words without contextual clues. You relationships between words and demonstrate a must choose the word that is most nearly the same nuanced understanding of their meanings. You must in meaning to the stem word in the question. choose the pair of words with a relationship that best matches the relationship between the stem words in the question.
TEST STRATEGY
Know what you’re looking for before checking the answer choices.
Synonyms: Consider the definition of the word before Analogies: State the relationship between the given looking at the answer choices. Note that some pair of words first. Then, search for an answer choice questions test secondary or tertiary meanings. Then that has that same relationship. Be specific. If you use find the answer choice that matches best. For words a vague relationship, more than one answer choice you don't know, consider the "charge" (does the word may seem correct. have a positive or negative connotation?).
28 Summit EEducationalducational Group | Independent School Admission Testing Guide 2018 – 2019 SSAT ANALOGY TYPES
The SSAT repeats several analogy types from test to test. Familiarizing yourself with these common stems will help you quickly and confidently identify the relationships in analogy questions on the test.
Synonym
frenetic is to energetic (frenetic means energetic)
Antonym
impudent is to respectful (impudent is the opposite of respectful)
Function or Use
aviary is to birds (an aviary houses birds)
Person and Activity, Tool, or Creation
cobbler is to shoe (a cobbler makes shoes) SSAT
Action/Result
insult is to offended (an insult will make someone offended)
Characteristic
menace is to threatening (a menace is threatening)
Type
fly is to insect (a fly is a type of insect)
Part/Whole
novel is to chapter (a chapter is a part of a novel)
Degree of Intensity
cold is to frigid (frigid means extremely cold)
800 MY TUTOR | mytutor.com 29 SSAT WRITING OVERVIEW
The Writing section of the SSAT requires you to write an essay in 25 minutes (15 minutes for the Elementary Level SSAT). Practice with timed essays is essential for creating a well-structured, well-supported, and well- written essay. Writing an essay under such time constraints is an unusual assignment. Be sure to time yourself while writing practice essays so you can find the right pace.
While the SSAT essay is not scored, it is sent to school admission committees, and it can still be an important part of your application.
Middle Level The Middle Level SSAT gives students a choice between two creative prompts. Students should choose one prompt as inspiration for a short story.
Middle Level Writing directions:
"Schools would like to get to know you better through a story you tell using one of the ideas below. Please choose the idea you find most interesting and write a story using the idea as your first sentence. Please fill in the circle next to the one you choose."
Upper Level The Upper Level SSAT gives students a choice between a creative prompt and a formal prompt. The formal SSAT prompt asks a question that usually relates to students’ thoughts or opinions.
Upper Level Writing directions:
"Schools would like to get to know you better through an essay or story using one of the two topics below. Please select the topic you find most interesting and fill in the circle next to the topic you choose."
Sample Prompts Creative prompts:
• She had never seen something so beautiful.
• They were all waiting for me to speak.
• She had always been a hard worker, but she had never faced such a difficult challenge.
Formal prompts:
• What class or subject in school do you enjoy most? Why?
• Who is someone you respect? Explain why you feel this way.
• Which two historical figures would you like to meet and why?
30 Summit Educational Group | Independent School Admission Testing Guide 2018 – 2019 ISEE ISEE ISEE
800 MY TUTOR | mytutor.com 31 THE ISEE
The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is Different Grades, Different Testing created by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB) Experiences and is administered at three levels based on the Taking the ISEE can be a very different experience applicant’s grade: Lower, Middle, and Upper. Each depending on the grade level of the student. For level of the test is intended for multiple grades: example, students in grades 8 to 11 take the Upper • Lower Level Level ISEE, so 8th graders will likely encounter some Students in grades 4-5, applying to grades 5-6 material that is more advanced than what they have • Middle Level learned in school. On the other hand, 11th graders Students in grades 6-7, applying to grades 7-8 will likely have previously encountered all of the material on the test. • Upper Level Students in grades 8-11, applying to grades 9-12 Keep in mind that your scores are compared only to those of students in the same grade, so there is no The ISEE measures verbal, math, and reading skills scoring advantage or disadvantage to taking the test needed for successful performance in independent at a certain grade level. schools.
The ISEE contains elements of both aptitude (like the SSAT) and curriculum-based testing. ISEE
32 Summit Educational Group | Independent School Admission Testing Guide 2018 – 2019 ISEE LEVELS & STRUCTURE
TIME SCALED TEST LEVEL SECTION QUESTIONS* (MINUTES) SCORES
VERBAL REASONING 34 20
QUANTITATIVE REASONING 38 35 760-940 5-10-minute break in each of Lower Level 4 READING COMPREHENSION 25 25 Students in grades 4-5, sections applying to grades 5-6 MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT 30 30
5-10-minute break Essay not scored ESSAY 1 30
TOTAL TIME: 2 hours 20 minutes
VERBAL REASONING 40 20
QUANTITATIVE REASONING 37 35 ISEE 760-940 5-10-minute break in each of Middle Level 4 READING COMPREHENSION 36 35 sections Students in grades 6-7, MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT 47 40 applying to grades 7-8 5-10-minute break Essay not scored ESSAY 1 30
TOTAL TIME: 2 hours 40 minutes
VERBAL REASONING 40 20
QUANTITATIVE REASONING 37 35 760-940 5-10-minute break in each of Upper Level 4 READING COMPREHENSION 36 35 Students in grades sections 8-11, applying to MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT 47 40 grades 9-12 5-10-minute break Essay not scored ESSAY 1 30
TOTAL TIME: 2 hours 40 minutes
* Each section of the ISEE (excluding the essay) includes several experimental questions that will not be scored but may be used on future editions of the test. You will not be notified of which questions are experimental.
800 MY TUTOR | mytutor.com 33 ISEE SCALED SCORES, PERCENTILES, STANINES
Both the ISEE and SSAT report scaled scores. However, independent school admission offices have historically relied more on percentile ranks than on scaled scores. The ISEE also provides stanine scores (explained below), which some schools use as the primary consideration for ISEE results.
ISEE essays are not scored. Copies of your essay are sent to schools along with your score report. The importance of your essay in admission decisions varies from school to school, but it is generally much less important than your percentile rank or stanine score.
Raw Scores Percentiles Your raw score is the total number of correct Your scaled scores are given percentile ranks answers. Every question on the ISEE is worth one indicating how well you scored compared to other point, so the easiest question is worth just as much test-takers of the same grade. For example, a 60th as the most difficult question. There are no points for percentile score indicates that you performed the skipped questions. There is no penalty for incorrect same as or better than 60% of test-takers. Your answers, so you should guess aggressively on the percentile rank is based on scores from all students ISEE. Do not leave any answers blank. in your grade who have taken the test over the past three years.
Scaled Scores Your percentile might seem quite low because your scores are being compared to those of other ISEE ISEE Your raw score is converted to a scaled score. Each ISEE has a slightly different scale to account for any students, a very competitive group. small differences in difficulty between tests. As a result, no test date is easier or harder than any other. Stanines An 840 on one test indicates the same level of Ranging from 1-9, stanines are groupings of performance as an 840 on another test. percentile scores. See the table on the next page for The ISEE provides scaled scores in each of 4 how percentiles are grouped into stanines. sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, A relatively small percent of students will achieve Reading Comprehension, and Mathematics stanine scores that are very high or very low. Stanine Achievement. The ISEE does not provide a combined scores create a bell curve, so that the majority of total score. students achieve “average” stanine scores of 4-6. The section score range for the ISEE is 760-940.
TAKE-HOME MESSAGE
Getting just a few more questions right can make a significant difference in your scaled and percentile scores.
34 Summit Educational Group || IndependentIndependent SchoolSchool AdmissionAdmission TestingTesting GuideGuide 20182018 – 2019 ISEE SCORING
Raw scores for each section are calculated by Scaled scores are assigned percentile ranks based adding one point for each correct answer. There are on the percentage of students who scored at or no point deductions for incorrect answers. below that level.
Scaled scores for each section are calculated using Percentile ranks are then grouped into stanine a conversion table, as shown in the abridged table scores, ranging from 1 to 9, as shown below. below.
RAW SCORE TO SCALED SCORE CONVERSION SCALED SCORE TO PERCENTILE RANK CONVERSION
Verbal Quantitative Reading Mathematics Raw Reasoning Reasoning Comprehension Achievement Percentile Score Section Scaled Score Scaled Score Scaled Score Scaled Score 25th 50th 75th 15 842 859 843 852 Verbal 847 863 879 16 845 862 848 854 Reasoning 17 848 866 852 857 Quantitative 853 867 882 18 852 869 856 859 Reasoning
19 855 873 860 862 ISEE Reading 20 858 876 865 865 844 865 884 Comprehension 21 862 879 869 867 22 865 883 873 870 Mathematics 858 871 884 Achievement 23 868 886 878 872
24 871 889 882 875 These conversion tables are estimated based on data 25 875 893 886 877 for 6th grade students taking the Middle Level ISEE. 26 878 896 891 880 27 881 899 895 882 PERCENTILE STANINE SCORE 28 884 903 899 885 RANK
29 887 906 903 887 1-3 1 30 891 909 908 890 4-10 2 31 894 913 893 11-22 3 32 897 916 895 33 900 898 23-39 4
34 904 900 40-59 5 35 907 903 60-76 6 36 905 77-88 7 37 908 38 910 89-95 8
39 913 96-99 9 40 915 41 918 Stanine groupings stay the same for each test level and for every administration of the ISEE. 42 921
800 MY TUTOR | mytutor.com 35 ISEE VERBAL REASONING OVERVIEW
The Verbal Reasoning section contains two types of vocabulary-based questions: synonyms and sentence completions. Synonyms progress from easy to difficult, as do sentence completions.
Because vocabulary is best learned through context, you can prepare for the test by reading regularly. Focus on texts that are somewhat challenging, and record and study the definitions of new words you encounter.
MIDDLE LEVEL ISEE STRUCTURE 40 QUESTIONS, 20 MINUTES TOTAL
Synonyms (17-23 questions) Easy g Medium g Difficult
Sentence Completions (17-23 questions) Easy g Medium g Difficult
Synonyms Sentence Completions Synonyms test your ability to determine the meaning Sentence completions test your ability to understand ISEE of words without contextual clues. You must choose words in context. You must choose the word(s) that the word that is most nearly the same in meaning to works best within a given sentence. the word in the question.
TEST STRATEGIES
Consider multiple definitions for Anticipate the answer. words. Before you look at the answer choices, use clues in Trickier synonym questions will use less common the sentence to anticipate what needs to go into the definitions. For example, the word “train” can mean a blank to complete the sentence. You don't need to locomotive, a part of a dress, or the act of preparing have an actual word in mind; a general idea is for an event. enough. Then, see which answer choice matches best with your anticipated answer.
36 Summit Educational Group | Independent School Admission Testing Guide 2018 – 2019 ISEE QUANTITATIVE REASONING OVERVIEW
Quantitative Reasoning is the first of two math sections on the ISEE and is designed to test problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The questions often require little or no calculation because the emphasis is on your ability to reason mathematically.
On the Middle and Upper Level tests, the Quantitative Reasoning section has two types of questions: word problems and quantitative comparisons. On the Lower Level test, this section has only word problems.
MIDDLE LEVEL ISEE STRUCTURE 37 QUESTIONS, 35 MINUTES TOTAL
Word Problems (18-21 questions) Easy g Medium g Difficult
Quantitative Comparisons (14-17 questions) Easy g Medium g Difficult
Word Problems Quantitative Comparisons ISEE Word problems require logic and higher-order The quantitative comparison questions present thinking. They may be different from the standard quantities in two columns: Column A and Column B. questions seen in typical math classes. All comparison questions have the same four answer choices, as shown below.
(A) The quantity in Column A is greater. (B) The quantity in Column B is greater. (C) The two quantities are equal. (D) The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.
TEST STRATEGIES
Plan the steps you’ll need to get to the Test different values for variables. answer. Quantitative comparisons ask you to determine When trying to figure out how to solve a word which quantity is greater in all possible cases. When problem, ask yourself, “What information do I need a quantity involves variables, test different values to to find the answer?” and “What can I calculate with see if one quantity is always greater. For example, try the information I’ve been given?” a fraction, a negative number, a positive number, and zero.
800800 MYMY TUTORTUTOR || mytutor.commytutor.com 37 ISEE READING COMPREHENSION OVERVIEW
The Reading Comprehension section requires students to understand what’s explicitly stated and what’s implied in a broad range of texts. The passages cover topics in literature, history, science, and modern life.
The Lower Level test has five reading passages, each followed by five questions. The Middle and Upper Level tests have six reading passages, each followed by six questions.
MIDDLE LEVEL ISEE STRUCTURE 36 QUESTIONS, 35 MINUTES TOTAL
Passage 1 Passage 2 Passage 3
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Passage 4 Passage 5 Passage 6
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Not in order of difficulty
Question Types
ISEE • Main Idea questions ask you to identify the primary • Vocabulary questions ask you to define a word in purpose, message, or focus of the passage. the context in which it is used.
• Supporting Ideas questions ask for specific facts • Inference questions ask you to draw logical and explicit ideas from the passage. conclusions based on information in the passage.
• Tone/Style/Figurative Language questions ask • Organization/Logic questions ask you to recognize you to identify the author’s attitude, describe the the structure of ideas in the passage or the purpose mood of the passage, or determine the meaning of of portions of the passage. a metaphor.
TEST STRATEGY
Be an active reader. As you read, you should summarize, make connections, and analyze the passage. Take notes, underline, and write down the main ideas of each paragraph. If you have an organized understanding of the passage, you will be able to answer the questions with speed and confidence.
38 Summit Educational Group | Independent School Admission Testing Guide 2018 – 2019 ISEE MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT OVERVIEW
Mathematics Achievement is the curriculum-based math section on the ISEE. Whereas the questions in the Quantitative Reasoning section are often abstract, the questions in the Mathematics Achievement section are more straightforward and often require knowledge of specific math terminology and procedures. The questions in this section are more likely to be similar to what you have seen in school math courses. Depending on your grade level, however, you may encounter concepts on the ISEE that you have not yet learned in school.
MIDDLE LEVEL ISEE STRUCTURE 47 QUESTIONS, 40 MINUTES TOTAL
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47
Easy g Medium g Difficult
Math Content WHOLE NUMBERS The Middle Level Mathematics Achievement section 7-10 Questions spans the math areas shown below. Sample topics • Add, subtract, multiply, divide from each content area are listed. • Positive and negative • Odd and even
GEOMETRY ISEE 4-6 Questions 15-21% • Angles • Triangles DECIMALS, PERCENTS, 9-13% • Circles AND FRACTIONS • Coordinate plane 7-10 Questions 15-21% • Percent-decimal-fraction 9-13% conversion MEASUREMENT • Rounding and estimation 4-6 Questions • Area 11-19% • Volume 19-28% • Surface area
DATA ANALYSIS AND ALGEBRAIC PROBABILITY CONCEPTS 5-9 Questions 9-13 Questions • Mean, median, mode, range • Equations • Probability • Functions • Data plots • Inequalities
TEST STRATEGY
Check your work after each question. Instead of waiting until the end to review your answers, do a quick check after you solve each question. Did you answer the question asked? Did you make any careless mistakes? Is your answer reasonable?
800 MY TUTOR | mytutor.com 39 ISEE ESSAY OVERVIEW
The Essay section of the ISEE requires you to write an essay in 30 minutes. Practice with timed essays is essential for creating a well-structured, well-supported, and well-written essay. Writing an essay under such time constraints is an unusual assignment. Be sure to time yourself while writing practice essays so you can find the right pace.
While the ISEE essay is not scored, it is sent to school admission committees, and it can still be an important part of your application.
Essay Directions "The essay is designed to give you an opportunity to show how well you can write. You should try to express your thoughts clearly. How well you write is much more important than how much you write, but you need to say enough for a reader to understand what you mean.
You will probably want to write more than a short paragraph. You should also be aware that a copy of your essay will be sent to each school that will be receiving your test results. You are to write only in the appropriate section of the answer sheet. Please write or print so that your writing may be read by someone who is not familiar with your handwriting."
Sample Prompts
ISEE Lower Level prompts:
• What are the best qualities of a person you admire?
• Explain a hobby you have that makes you special.
Middle Level prompts:
• Describe your ideal future career.
• Discuss a problem in the world that you would like to solve and how you would solve it.
Upper Level prompts:
• What accomplishment are you most proud of? Describe this accomplishment and why it makes you feel proud.
• Describe an experience that has inspired you.
40 Summit Educational Group | Independent School Admission Testing Guide 2018 – 2019 COMPARISON COMPARISON OF THE SSAT & ISEE OF THE SSAT & ISEE
800 MY TUTOR | mytutor.com 41 SSAT-ISEE COMPARISON
Depending on where you are applying, you may or may not have a choice of which test to take. Upper schools often have a preference for the SSAT, and middle schools often prefer the ISEE, but many schools have no preference and will accept either test.
Neither test is easier or harder than the other. Most students score comparably on both tests. However, some students perform significantly better on one test or have a strong personal preference.
When choosing between the SSAT and ISEE, consider the tests’ content as well as your confidence and comfort with the format and material. If you have the time, take a practice test for each test to see if you scored better on one or have a personal preference. Do not try to prepare for both of the tests at the same time; by overstretching yourself, you will prevent yourself from performing up to your potential on either test.
Format and Length Test Sections — The SSAT and ISEE have similar structures. Both tests feature math, reading, and verbal sections. Additionally, both tests feature an unscored writing sample, which is sent directly to schools. While the ISEE is a bit longer, both tests are about 2 hours long.
Pacing — The average time per question is almost identical on either test. The major exception is for the math sections, where the SSAT offers slightly more time per question.
Experimental Questions — The SSAT may include an experimental section at the end of the exam. This section includes unscored questions that are being tested for future SSAT forms. The ISEE also includes experimental questions, but spreads them throughout the test.
Scoring
COMPARISON OF THE SSAT & ISEE THE SSAT OF COMPARISON Guessing Penalty — The SSAT penalizes students ¼ raw point for incorrect answers. Therefore, students must be more careful about guessing on questions. The ISEE has no penalty for incorrect answers, so students should guess aggressively and never leave an answer blank.
Scores — Both tests convert raw scores to scaled scores, which are then given percentile ranks based on the student's ranking among other test-takers. In addition to percentiles, the ISEE also gives a stanine score.
Relative Weight — The SSAT and ISEE place different relative weight on the math and English scores. The SSAT reports two English scores (Verbal and Reading Comprehension) and one math score. The ISEE reports two English scores (Verbal Reasoning and Reading Comprehension) and two math scores (Quantitative Reasoning and Mathematics Achievement). Students who feel anxious about their math skills may prefer the SSAT, which has only one of its three section scores based on math. In comparison, half of the ISEE's section scores are based on math.
42 Summit Educational Group | Independent School Admission Testing Guide 2018 – 2019 Math Scope — The SSAT and ISEE have similar scopes of math concepts that are tested. Both tests focus primarily on arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. The Upper Level ISEE may include more advanced concepts, such as trigonometry.
Straightforward vs Abstract — Many of the math questions on the SSAT are different from what students see in standard math courses. SSAT math questions can be abstract and complex, requiring problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. The ISEE's Quantitative Reasoning section also has abstract and complex questions, while the ISEE's Mathematics Achievement section has more straightforward, curriculum-based questions.
Reading
Length — SSAT reading passages are typically 250-350 words long. ISEE passages are typically longer, about COMPARISON OF THE SSAT & ISEE 300-600 words long.
Prose and Poetry — The ISEE Reading Comprehension passages cover topics related to history, science, literature, and contemporary life. The SSAT covers similar topics, but the SSAT may also include poetry passages.
Verbal Analogies vs Sentence Completions — The SSAT Verbal section includes analogies, which require you to determine the relationship between words. These questions are a test of vocabulary and critical thinking. The ISEE Verbal Reasoning section includes sentence completions, which require you to determine which word fits best within a given sentence. These questions generally require a stronger vocabulary than the SSAT's analogies, but also require less critical thinking.
Essay Creative vs Formal — For the Upper Level SSAT, you have a choice between a formal prompt and a creative prompt. For lower levels of the SSAT, you have a choice between two creative prompts. For all levels of the ISEE, you are given a single formal prompt.
TAKE-HOME MESSAGE
If you have the choice between sending SSAT or ISEE scores, begin by taking one of both practice tests. Use your practice test scores and your preference for the different features of the tests to choose which will the be focus of your test preparation.
800800 MY MY TUTOR TUTOR | mytutor.com | mytutor.com 43 REFERENCES AND RESOURCESREFERENCES AND REFERENCES & REFERENCES & RESOURCES RESOURCES
800 MY TUTOR | mytutor.com 45 SUMMIT LEADERSHIP
Kristine Chochrek Drew Heilpern Marketing Director Chief Brand Ambassador Kristine received a BA in English Drew graduated cum laude from from Middlebury College. With Duke University with degrees in over 15 years of marketing Biology and Education. After experience, she is excited to be teaching middle school science, part of the continued growth of Summit. Kristine Drew earned his Ph.D. in Immunology from Tufts believes in the educational benefits of travel and has University. Soon after, Drew began tutoring for enjoyed studying abroad and traveling all over the Summit where his passion as an educator quickly world. In her free time, Kristine volunteers with Horizons made him one of Summit’s most requested tutors. for Homeless Children, a charity helping to improve As Summit’s Chief Brand Ambassador, he gets to the lives of homeless children in Massachusetts. pursue his passion of helping to guide educational consultants, school counselors, and families through Michael Dean the standardized testing process. Executive Director Michael received a BA in Film from Allison Kaplan Emerson College and MA in Library Managing Director, Tutor Services and Partnerships and Information Science from Massachusetts Simmons College. He has held several different management positions during his 10+ Allison grew up in Framingham, years at Summit, and his customer service focus and MA. She earned an integrity make him well-suited to his latest role as undergraduate degree at UMass Amherst and a Executive Director. Michael is highly regarded among Master’s in Counseling Psychology at The Ohio State school and independent counselors throughout New University. She has around 20 years of experience in England and New York as a trusted test prep partner Higher Education, as an Academic Advisor, Academic who does all he can on behalf of his clients. Counselor, and also as a Director of the Tutoring
REFERENCES & RESOURCES REFERENCES Services at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Alysha Hearn Health Sciences. Allison has tutored for Summit Managing Director, steadily for the last several years. She loves jigsaw Operations and Outreach puzzles, cooking, and reading. Massachusetts
Alysha attended Earlham College Katherine Lee where she earned a BA in Art, Chief Financial Officer graduated with honors and was a Bonner Community Katherine received a BS in Service Scholar. She later pursued an MS in Global Economics from MIT and has a Studies and International Relations at Northeastern graduate certificate for Special University where she gained admission to the Sigma Studies in Administration and Epsilon Rho Honor Society. Alysha has been Management from Harvard University. Before joining committed to the field of education management for Summit, she worked as an independent financial many years, working with middle school age students management consultant for various clients. She has through adult learners. Her personal and professional over 25 years of experience working for both large mission is to help people reach their life goals through corporations and small high-tech startups, which education. includes prior positions as Co-Founder & CFO at Modo Labs, Inc. and CFO & EVP of Online Environs, Inc. She enjoys teaching at Korean school on weekends.
46 Summit Educational Group | Independent School Admission Testing Guide 2018 – 2019 Whitney Longworth James Saelee Managing Director, Managing Director, Partnerships and Outreach Operations and Tutor Services Connecticut and New York Connecticut and New York Whitney graduated cum laude James is a graduate of the from Connecticut College where University of California, Berkeley, she was a selected scholar for the Holleran Center for where he double majored in Music and Political Community Action and Public Policy. Her professional Science. While there, he worked as a volunteer tutor background has focused on client relations in the in math and reading for Berkeley Unified School both the retail and entertainment fields. She started District. Including his time at Summit, James has over as a tutor with Summit before joining the team full a decade of experience in the tutoring and test prep time. Whitney enjoys collaborating with our school industry. In his role as Managing Director, Operations and independent counselors. Outside of work, she and Tutor Services, James enjoys working closely freelances in the film and entertainment fields and with families to customize tutoring programs to suit enjoys planning elaborate theme parties. each student’s specific needs and goals. REFERENCES & RESOURCES
Jeff McClure Joshua White General Manager, Course Director of Curriculum, Materials and Services Instruction, and Training Jeff graduated summa cum Joshua oversees the development laude from Boston College and implementation of Summit’s with a degree in economics and curriculum, instruction, and concentration in finance. He went on to complete the training. Prior to his role as Director of Curriculum, CFA Charter program while working in the financial Joshua spent 3 years as a Summit tutor and services industry. Originally from Philadelphia, Jeff classroom teacher, preparing students for the SAT, has worked for several large brokerage and banking ACT, SSAT, ISEE, and essay writing. With over 10 years firms, where he specialized in educating clients on of tutoring experience, Joshua has taught students products and best practices. Outside of work, he from kindergarteners to senior citizens in everything enjoys playing ice hockey and spending time with his from cooking to computers. wife and two young children.
Charlie O’Hearn President/Founder While an undergraduate at Yale University, Charlie provided personalized, in-home tutoring services to students in the New Haven area. Seeing a need for one-on-one, in-home tutoring and test preparation, he launched Summit Educational Group in Wellesley, MA, in 1988. Charlie has written a number of highly regarded test preparation books, which are used by tutoring companies and schools around the country. He is a frequent speaker and panelist at education conferences, forums, and schools around the country.
800 MY TUTOR | mytutor.com 47 RESOURCES
ISEE
(800) 446-0320
Register for the ISEE: www.erblearn.org/parents/admissions-testing-isee
Free ISEE guide and official practice test: isee.erblearn.org/guide.aspx
SSAT
(609) 683-4440
Register for the SSAT: www.ssat.org/test/registration
Purchase the official SSAT guide: www.ssat.org/test-prep/official-guide
Association of Independent Schools in New England
www.aisne.org
Information on enrollment, applications, and school programs
National Association of Independent Schools
www.nais.org
Information on applications, costs, and financial aid
Summit Educational Group REFERENCES & RESOURCES REFERENCES www.mytutor.com
Although parts of the site are designed specifically for Summit students, we maintain an extensive free set of testing resources, admission links, and preparation tips for all students, parents, and counselors.
Summit’s Blog
www.mytutor.com/blog
A frequently updated resource for all information regarding admission tests.
Services for organizing and sending applications
Standard Application Online (SSAT only): www.ssat.org/sao
Gateway to Prep Schools: www.gatewaytoprepschools.com
Ravenna: www.ravennasolutions.com/parents.php
48 Summit Educational Group | Independent School Admission Testing Guide 2018 – 2019 ABOUT SUMMIT EDUCATIONAL GROUP LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Experience Matters Summit Portal For 30 years, Summit Educational Group has been This valuable tool allows families to manage their preparing students to maximize their scores on tutoring programs online. They can monitor Dear Colleagues, Parents, and Students, standardized tests. Summit’s customized one-on-one homework records, score practice tests, view results, tutoring service helps students prepare for the SAT, and submit feedback. Not many events in a young person’s life produce as much stress, angst, and confusion ACT, PSAT, SAT Subject Tests, SSAT, ISEE, and even as do school admissions and standardized testing. The onslaught of information and academic subjects. Our proven approach centers on School Partnerships questions can be overwhelming. both skill-building and test-taking strategies to help Whether it is SAT, ACT, or SSAT prep, the answer is • What score do I need to get into School Z? students reach their full potential. simple: no other company offers the quality, results, • How important are my test scores? and care found in a Summit program. We currently Personalized Service partner with many of the most demanding • How much preparation do I need for the test? We deliver exceptional service to all of our families. independent and public schools in the Northeast. At Summit, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional test preparation and tutoring, but From the first phone call, we make certain to But no two schools are alike, and neither are any we also strive to be a trusted resource for counselors and families navigating this process. understand the needs and score goals of the two Summit programs. We know that every school Our complimentary annual SSAT/ISEE Testing Guide is a valuable tool that will answer the student. After recommending the appropriate has a unique student body with different needs, and above questions and many others. Hang onto it, and refer to it often as you make this journey. program, we’ll match him or her with a highly skilled we’ll work with them to customize the best program tutor. Maintaining strong relationships with our for their students and culture. When it comes to admission tests, we have always counseled students and parents to clients and those who recommend our services is maintain perspective and to craft a sensible, individualized testing plan early in the process— important to us, so we encourage and actively solicit Course Materials and Services a plan that addresses which tests you’re going to take, when you’re going to take them, and feedback throughout the Summit experience. Summit has developed, and continues to perfect, how and when you’re going to prepare for them. A good testing plan is customized to the a suite of proven, results-driven course materials student. It puts the student’s well-being front and center, prioritizes school work, and doesn’t Expert Tutors which helps students improve critical thinking give the tests more life than they deserve. We carefully match each student with an expert skills and develop effective test-taking strategies, As you plan and prepare, try not to bring unnecessary stress to the process. Look ahead so tutor to ensure the best fit possible. A tutor who leading to higher scores. Our course books, that you can avoid unwelcome surprises and rest assured that you know what is coming. understands the student, engages and motivates, test analysis, and professional development makes the lessons fun, and builds confidence makes have helped hundreds of schools and tutoring This process can be confusing and it always creates some anxiety. However, don’t lose sight all the difference. This individualized approach companies worldwide generate higher test of the positives. This should also be a time of excitement! These school applications are an allows students of all learning styles to achieve their scores for their students. important step in setting up students for future opportunities. testing and academic goals. What’s more, our tutors If you’re looking for professional, thoughtful, personal guidance, expert tutors and teachers, come directly to the family’s home, or to a school Practice Testing and exceptional test preparation, we are here for you. We have been for 30 years. We offer a campus, to work with students at their convenience. Each program begins with a diagnostic test and variety of test preparation and tutoring programs, and I’m very proud that over 80% of our detailed score report that identifies strengths and families are referred to us by their friends, school counselors, private consultants, learning Online Tutoring areas for improvement. This allows our tutors to specialists, and others. It means we’re doing well by our students and families and the rest of For those families outside of our geographic customize their instruction accordingly. Real practice our constituents. footprint, we are pleased to offer live, online tutoring. tests throughout the program allow students to Our commitment is to your testing success, on your terms. I encourage you to contact us. Our remote tutoring tools and technologies bring practice what they’ve learned and provide valuable We’d be delighted to help in any way we can. all the conveniences of our one-on-one, in-home information on how they’re progressing. We also tutoring to your laptop or tablet. Your online offer free proctored practice tests in the community, Sincerely, tutoring program includes all that makes a Summit affording students the opportunity to take “dress program successful: personalized services with rehearsal” tests, so they know exactly what to expect a Program Director, access to our expert tutors, on the real thing. and a customized testing plan that is right for you. CHARLIE O’HEARN President/Founder Summit Educational Group SUMMIT EDUCATIONAL GROUP INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ADMISSION TESTING GUIDE 2018-2019 (800) MY-TUTOR(800)MYTUTOR.COM • 2018-2019 GUIDE SCHOOLTESTINGINDEPENDENTADMISSION EDUCATIONALSUMMIT GROUP
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