Secondary School Admissions Exams

There are few things as confusing as navigating the network of all of the different secondary school standardized testing offerings available. We at Always Sunny Tutoring hear you!

At Always Sunny Tutoring, we can help differentiate between all of the different options, and work with the student and family to identify the best test(s) that will allow the student to be best positioned for admissions into secondary school. 

Three of the most commonly-taken tests that students consider are the ISEE, SSAT, and SHSAT. Fortunately, all three tests share some similarities and overlap in terms of content, which allows for simultaneous preparation for multiple tests; however, acknowledging that there are several distinct differences between the tests as well, we additionally work with students to develop specific strategies that allow students to leverage distinct techniques tailored for each individual test - as well as for each individual student.

Please contact us at 917-796-1191 to learn more about how Always Sunny Tutoring can help.

ISEE

The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is one of the three widely-accepted secondary school standardized tests. The ISEE consists of four different sections which focus on Math (Quantitative Reasoning & Mathematical Achievement) and English (Verbal Reasoning & Reading Comprehension).  

The ISEE is offered at three levels based on grade:

  • Lower Level (entering grades 5-6)
  • Middle Level (entering grades 7-8)
  • Upper Level (entering grades 9-12)

You can find more detailed information on the test can be found at the official ISEE website.

SSAT

The Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT) is another of the three established secondary school tests. The SSAT shares the greatest similarity with the traditional "old" SAT exam, although it is not an identical twin. The SSAT covers three main topics (through four graded sections), with English broken into Verbal & Reading Comprehension and Math (Quantitative Analysis).

The SSAT is offered at three levels based on grade:

  • Lower Level (entering grades 4-5)
  • Middle Level (entering grades 6-8)
  • Upper Level (entering grades 9-12)

You can find more detailed information on the test can be found at the official SSAT website.

SHSAT

The SHSAT is changing its format as of Fall 2017 to reflect the format of the SSAT and ISEE exams. Starting in Fall 2017, the SHSAT will focus on two main topics, English Language Arts (ELA), which consists of Sentence Editing/Revision (new from 2016) and Reading Comprehension (same as before), and Math, although the Math section will now contain 5 "grid-in" questions (rather than multiple choice).

Due to the nature of the test, it is intended for students entering high school (entering grade 9 or 10).

You can find more detailed information on the test can be found at the official SHSAT website.

Testimonials

“Whitney is an extremely talented tutor who works beautifully with children and adapts well to a variety of learning styles.  He worked with my two teenage daughters who have very different approaches to learning.  He managed to capture their attention with ease and helped them understand the importance of breaking lessons down to the basics so they could build from there in a logical manner.  Thus, the anxiety and overwhelm of large assignments and new material felt much more manageable for each of them and reduced stress levels.  By fostering this confidence in them, they were able to better absorb the material to complete the assignments successfully as well as learn how to better approach their work each day in the classroom on their own.  He has a special talent for helping kids feel comfortable and guiding them on how to best approach their next hurdle whether it be in Math, English or History.  We can't recommend him enough!”

-Beth, Parent of 8th grader, 10th grader

“My sons loved working with Whitney for test prep and general essay writing skills. Whitney has a wonderful way of making the learning fun and effective. He is able to connect writing skills and strategies to ideas that children find interesting. He also has a similar approach to math and keen ability to figure out a child’s strengths and learning styles in tackling advanced math topics. My sons and I would recommend Whitney highly!”

-Soumya, Parent of 6th grader, 4th grader

“Whitney tutored my son for the SAT & ACT - he was exactly what he needed - not the typical tutor - he figured out how my son learned best and that's how he taught him, and the result? My son increased his SAT score from his first SAT by more than 100 points, and it gave him the balance he needed since his overall school average was a B (curse of the specialized HS). He also tutored my daughter who has test anxiety and it helped her tremendously. I am going to hire him again, that's for sure!”

-Tahira, Parent of 12th grader, 7th grader

Whitney tutored me for the SAT this past summer and I can say without a doubt that his assistance in my score was a major boost to get me into college. Before he started teaching me the best way to take the test, I was getting mid 1200s on the PSAT and online practice exams, but after his tutoring my score jumped 180 points, from a 1240 the first test to a 1420 on my second try. On top of being a great mind and tutor, I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent with him, as his personality plays a big part in making the learning more comfortable, as his friendliness and humor makes the work much less of a burden. I’m now headed to Penn State University, and I owe Whitney a great deal of thanks for it. Highly recommended!

-Zach, 12th grade student

Whitney is a fabulous tutor! He covers all subjects and is comprehensive with his knowledge. His warm and supportive approach allows him to connect with kids on an interesting and fun level. My sons love working with him.”

Amy, Parent of 7th grader, 4th grader