SSAT, ISEE, HSPT Prep

Benefits of SSAT, ISEE and HSPT Tutoring at SLC
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Tutoring SSAT, ISSEE, HSPT

The SSAT, ISEE and HSPT are high stakes tests used for admission into competitive private schools.

What makes the SSAT, ISEE and HSPT tests so challenging?

  • The tests can contain material that goes beyond most students' grade level knowledge
  • Older and younger students can be administered the same version of a test (i.e. a student in grade 8 and grade 10 will take the same test)
  • The time limits on each test section require rigorous pacing
  • Calculators are not allowed
  • The testing population is very competitive, and percentile ranks are often lower than students expect or are used to
At SLC, our one-to-one preparation for the SSAT, ISEE and HSPT is designed to improve test taking skills and build confidence.  We first take the time to assess each student's individual strengths and weaknesses and to consult with families regarding each child's goals, timetable, and individual approach.  

We craft programs specifically tailored to each child's situation.  Each student is paired to work with a certified and highly qualified teacher who is an expert in test preparation.  Our teachers know how to motivate and encourage students while introducing new concepts and strategies.

The results speak for themselves: students obtain excellent test scores and admission into highly selective private schools in the New Jersey and New York area!

 

SSAT, ISEE and HSPT Approach

Skills
Improvement

Students review specific content based on their needs, and work on improving critical skills.  Experienced, certified teachers, who know the tests inside-out, provide individual instruction and homework follow up.

Effective
Strategies

Students learn test taking skills for each section that suit their individual abilities.  Time management strategies are especially important for these fast paced tests!

Practice,
Practice

Students practice timed test sections to develop stamina and mental endurance. Review and analysis of completed sections ensures that mistakes are not repeated on test day

Dramatic
Results

Our students develop confidence for these rigorous tests.  Optimism plus improved skills and test strategies consistently translate into excellent scores!

About the SSAT, ISEE and HSPT

SSAT
 

The SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test Board) is offered in three levels:
Elementary (students currently in grades 3-4)
Middle         (students currently in grades 5-7)
Upper         (students currently in grades 8-11)

The SSAT consists of multiple choice sections - verbal, quantitative (math), and reading comprehension, as well as an unscored writing sample.  There is a penalty (1/4 point) for each incorrect answer. Score reports show scaled scores for each section, as well as SSAT percentile rank and national percentile rank.  The SSAT can be taken multiple times. 

ISEE

The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam), is offered in three levels:
Lower   (students currently in grades 4-5)
Middle  (students currently in grades 6-7)
Upper   (students currently in grades 8-11)

The ISEE consists of 4 multiple choice sections - Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics Achievement, and an essay (not scored).  There is no penalty for incorrect answers.  Score reports show scaled scores (between 760-940), percentile scores, and stanines.  Students can take the ISEE up to three times.

HSPT
 

The HSPT (High School Placement Test) is used by Catholic high schools for entrance into 9-12 grade.  The HSPT is comprised of 5 multiple choice sections - Verbal Skills, Language Skills, Reading, Quantitative, and Mathematics.

The HSPT has no penalty for incorrect answers.  Scores are reported on a scale ranging from 200 to 800.  The HSPT can only be taken once.

Test Format

SSAT (Upper Level)


Verbal

  • 30 minutes, 60 questions
  • Vocabulary (synonyms) and analogies

Quantitative (2 sections)

  • 30 minutes, 25 questions (2 sections)
  • Problem solving involving algebra, geometry, data analysis, and number concepts and operations

Reading

  • 40 minutes, 40 questions, 7-8 reading passages
  • Comprehension of literary and expository passages

Essay

  • 25 minutes, not scored

ISEE (Upper Level)


Verbal Reasoning

  • 20 minutes, 40 questions
  • Vocabulary (synonyms) and sentence completions

Quantitative Reasoning

  • 35 minutes, 37 questions
  • Word problems and quantitative comparisons

Reading Comprehension

  • 35 minutes, 36 questions
  • Understanding of challenging passages and vocabulary

Mathematics Achievement

  • 40 minutes, 47 questions
  • Advanced concepts and word problems

Essay

  • 30 minutes, unscored

 



Verbal

  • 30 minutes, 60 questions
  • Vocabulary (synonyms) and analogies

Quantitative (2 sections)

  • 60 minutes, 50 questions
  • Problem solving involving arithmentic, elementary algebra, geometry, and data analysis/probability

Reading

  • 40 minues, 40 questions
  • Comprehension of fiction, humanities and science

Essay

  • 25 minutes, not scored

HSPT

 

Verbal Skills

  • 16 minutes, 60 questions
  • Synonyms, antonyms, analogies, logic, verbal classifications

Quantitative

  • 30 minutes, 52 questions
  • Series, geometric and non-geometric comparisons, number manipulations

Reading

  • 25 minutes, 62 questions
  • Understanding of main ideas and details

Mathematics

  • 45 minutes, 64 questions
  • Concepts and problem solving of arithmetic, elementary algebra, and basic geometry

Language

  • 25 minutes, 60 questions
  • Capitalization and punctuation, spelling, usage, composition

 

 


What Parents Are Saying...

Thank you so much for your help in prepping both my boys for their high school entrance tests and most recently, the SAT exam. Without a doubt, their high scores would not have been possible without the prep sessions at your center. It has always been a pleasure working with Somerset Learning Center over the past four years. You and your staff are the utmost professionals, and your exceptional tutoring, coupled with the faith you have in your students, allows them to excel on the standardized tests as well as in the classroom. I wish you continued success in all you do.
Chris R - mother, Chatham NJ
Rory is a semifinalist for admission to Regis and a Regis scholarship! We are very excited and very grateful to you and and your teachers for all the help with his HSPT test preparation!  Thank you all very much!
Rory’s mother, grade 8, Summit NJ
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