Students applying to an independent or boarding school usually need to take either the SSAT or the ISEE. Parents who are new to the process have many questions about these tests and how to prepare for them.

Should my child take the SSAT or the ISEE?
Check with the schools you're considering; many accept either test. There are a variety of reasons to take one test over the other, and much of that has to ultimately do with your child's strengths and goals. Call us! Our educational consultants will guide you through the decision.

When should my child take the SSAT? How many times can it be taken?
The SSAT can be taken on any national test day and once a year as an individualized "flex test," scheduled at your convenience for an additional fee. While there is no limit to the number of times it may be taken, we recommend doing so no more than two or three times in total per grade. We can custom design a testing timeline for your child, which will help maximize success and minimize stress for both you and your child.

When should my child take the ISEE? How many times can it be taken?
The ISEE is given only on official test dates and can be taken only once every six months. Our educational consultants can create a testing timeline specifically for your child, focusing on maximizing success and minimizing stress for you and your child. 

What are the differences between the two tests?
They differ in both structure and content. The websites for the SSAT and offer plenty of general information, but the best way to make your way through the decision-making process and determine which test is right for your child is to speak to an Inspirica educational consultant.

Does my child really need to prepare for these tests?
These days, confronting increasingly competitive admissions standards, very few students approach either test without some form of preparation. Most young students have little experience with this type of test, and we have found that familiarizing them with the format can help ease their way. We also measure your child's baseline in reading, vocabulary, and math and determine whether and if help is needed in content areas. The confidence your child will gain through this experience will very likely carry over to future standardized tests such as the SAT.

In addition, Inspirica's test preparation will give your child a more solid footing in reading, vocabulary, and math.

In short, yes, there are many excellent reasons to prepare for these tests—and they go far beyond the benefit of succeeding at an admission requirement.

When should we start tutoring, and how many hours will it take?
Some parents call us a year in advance, which is ideal. Others call three or four months before the test. Either way, we will take advantage of all the time we have to assess where your child is in terms of the type of reading, vocabulary, and math covered on the test. It is critical to have a game plan, and the earlier the better. The first time you call you'll speak with your own specially trained educational consultant, your personal guide to the test preparation process at Inspirica. Your educational consultant will suggest the right time to start tutoring, and custom design a timeline and program to bring out the best in your child.

How will you work with my child to get a "good" score?
We start fresh with each student. After measuring your child's baseline test scores, we carefully select just the right tutor for your child. We then custom design a curriculum based on our two-pronged approach: we teach both test content and strategies. Your child will study core math and verbal skills, learn how to eliminate careless errors, master timing and testing strategies, and develop enhanced self-confidence. Along the way, you and your child both will have regular opportunities to monitor progress. Our unique, collaborative approach means that you'll have the benefit of our whole staff to guide you through the process.

With more than 20 years of experience, we can tell you that test preparation can be tremendously worthwhile. At Inspirica, we deliver your child to the door of the exam room ready to do his or her personal best, feeling as good as possible about facing this rite of passage. To us, and to the thousands of parents who have sought us out for the past two decades, this is success.

What does Inspirica offer for students with learning differences?
Many students with learning disabilities have tutors to help them master various subjects and skills,
but these tutors may not be knowledgeable about or trained in test preparation. At Inspirica, we have worked with hundreds of children with a wide variety of learning issues, successfully helping them to achieve their best scores. Our testing strategies are very effective for students with learning disabilities. Working one-on-one with each student allows our tutors to adapt a lesson to a student's learning style.

Starting early is the key. The sooner you call our educational consultants, the better. They can plot out a timeline for your child, custom-designed to achieve your goals. We will be delighted to advise you.

Why should we choose Inspirica?
Since 1983, Inspirica has been exceptionally successful in preparing students for standardized tests. With warmth, expertise, and even a bit of humor, an Inspirica tutor works with your child, and one of our educational consultants works with you. Years of experience have shown that our completely individualized approach, tailored to your child’s particular needs and goals, is the path to success. You will feel involved and supported every step of the way. Please call us. We welcome the opportunity to answer your questions.