Do Private Schools Prefer the ISEE or SSAT?

The Quick Answer

Most private schools accept both the ISEE and SSAT, but many have a preference. That preference usually depends on the school's history and regional norms, not on one test being "better" than the other.

Schools That Prefer the ISEE

The ISEE is administered by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB), which has longstanding relationships with independent schools. Schools that tend to prefer or require the ISEE include:

• ERB member schools — many require the ISEE exclusively
• Schools in the Northeast — particularly in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut
• Highly selective day schools — especially those with a long history of using ERB assessments
• Schools that also use ERB's CTP (Comprehensive Testing Program) for enrolled students

Schools That Prefer the SSAT

The SSAT is administered by the Enrollment Management Association (EMA) and is widely used by:

• Boarding schools — the SSAT has traditionally been the standard for boarding school admissions
• Schools outside the Northeast — West Coast, Southern, and Midwest schools are more likely to default to the SSAT
• Schools that are EMA members — similar to ERB membership, EMA schools often prefer their own test

Schools That Accept Both

Many schools accept either test and do not favor one over the other. These schools typically:

• State clearly on their website that "ISEE or SSAT scores are accepted"
• Convert scores from both tests to a common scale for comparison
• Consider the strongest score if a student submits both

How to Find Out Which Test Your School Wants

The only reliable way to know is to check each school's admissions page directly. Look for:

1. The admissions requirements page — most schools list required tests explicitly
2. The admissions FAQ — often addresses "Do you accept the ISEE or SSAT?"
3. The application checklist — the required items list will specify which test
4. Contact the admissions office — if the website is unclear, call or email

Do this research early. You don't want to prepare for and take the wrong test.

What If You're Applying to Schools With Different Preferences?

If your child is applying to multiple schools and some prefer the ISEE while others prefer the SSAT:

Option 1: Take both tests. This is the safest approach if you have time to prepare for both. The tests are similar enough that ISEE preparation transfers well to the SSAT and vice versa.

Option 2: Take the one most schools on your list prefer. If 4 out of 5 target schools accept both but one requires the ISEE specifically, take the ISEE.

Option 3: Check if all schools will accept either. Many schools that "prefer" one test will still accept the other. Confirm before committing.

Does It Matter Which Test You Score Higher On?

If a school accepts both tests, they will evaluate whichever score you submit. Some considerations:

• The ISEE and SSAT use different scoring scales (stanines vs. percentiles), so raw comparisons don't work
• Practice tests are the best predictor — take a practice version of each test and see where your child performs better
• The SSAT has an analogy section that the ISEE does not — some students find analogies particularly difficult or easy
• The ISEE has quantitative comparison questions that the SSAT does not — these require specific preparation

For a detailed comparison of the two tests, see our ISEE vs SSAT guide.

The Bottom Line

Don't choose a test based on which one you think is "easier." Choose based on:

1. What your target schools require or prefer
2. Where your child performs better on practice tests
3. What's logistically practical (test dates, locations, prep time)

Once you know which test to take, start with a diagnostic test to establish a baseline and build your study plan from there.