The SSAT and ISEE are important stepping stones to some of the most prestigious independent schools in Florida. These exams help administrators choose the best students for their programs and decide which classes they may do well in if accepted. 

Given the limited spots and intense competition, scoring well on these exams can significantly improve your chances of getting in. To achieve this, you need the right study plan and approach.

At Score at the Top, we take pride in offering the most effective and efficient SSAT and ISEE test prep programs. Our curriculum was developed by our founder, Judi Robinovitz, who brings 23 years of experience with the Testing Service and has consulted for the College Board. Our foolproof SSAT and ISEE strategies consistently produce results that speak for themselves.

In this post, we’ll share a few key preparation tips to help you excel in these exams.

Understanding the Exams

The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) and the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) are two standardized tests commonly used by private schools to evaluate students' academic abilities. Both exams focus on similar areas like math, reading comprehension, and verbal reasoning, though they have unique structures and formats.

The SSAT is divided into four main sections.

• Verbal: Tests vocabulary, synonyms, and analogies.

• Quantitative (Math): Includes arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation.

• Reading Comprehension: Assesses your ability to understand and interpret passages.

• Writing Sample: While unscored, this section is sent to schools to evaluate your writing ability.

The ISEE, on the other hand, consists of five sections:

• Verbal Reasoning: Focuses on vocabulary through synonyms and sentence completions.
  

• Quantitative Reasoning: Emphasizes problem-solving and logical thinking, with fewer direct calculations.
  

• Reading Comprehension: Similar to the SSAT, but passages may be more varied in style and content.
  

• Mathematics Achievement: Tests actual math skills, including arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
  

• Essay: Like the SSAT, the essay is not scored but is sent to schools as part of your application.

A key difference between the two exams lies in how they are scored. The SSAT deducts 1/4 of a point for every wrong answer. In contrast, the ISEE does not have a penalty system.

How to Prepare for the SSAT and ISEE in Florida?

Whether you're just starting or are already deep into your test preparation, we have crafted a detailed roadmap to help you confidently tackle the Florida SSAT and ISEE examinations.

1. Create a Study Schedule

The first step is to figure out how much time you have before your test date, and then divide that time into digestible study sessions. A proper study schedule helps you stay organized, cover all test sections, and avoid last-minute stress. 

• Start Early: Ideally, you should begin your test preparation at least 2 to 3 months before the exam. This will give you enough time to review each section.
  

• Set Daily and Weekly Goals: Break down what you need to accomplish each week. For example, you may cover one section of the test while revising material from previous sessions.
  

• Create Short Study Sessions: Research shows that shorter, focused sessions with regular breaks are more effective for retaining information. Aim to study for 60 to 90 minutes, followed by a short break to recharge.  Just be mindful not to let your break stretch too long.
  

• Review Regularly: Be sure to regularly revisit topics you’ve already covered to keep them fresh in your mind.

Sample Study Schedule

Here’s a sample study schedule to help guide your preparation. Feel free to adjust it based on your strengths, weaknesses, and available time.

• Monday & Wednesday: Dedicate 1 hour to Math (Quantitative Reasoning and Mathematics Achievement). Focus on reviewing formulas, solving practice problems, and understanding key concepts like algebra and geometry.
  

• Tuesday & Thursday: Spend 1 hour on Verbal skills (Verbal Reasoning and Reading Comprehension). Review vocabulary lists, practice analogy and synonym questions, and read sample passages to improve comprehension.
  

• Friday: Take a full-length practice test to get familiar with the format. Simulate actual test conditions by timing yourself and completing the test in one sitting.
  

• Saturday: Review your practice test results. Go over the questions you got wrong and analyze why you missed them. Focus on understanding the correct answers and practicing similar problems.

2. Utilize Local Resources

Florida offers a wide range of valuable resources to help you effectively prepare for the SSAT and ISEE exams. 

Explore local tutoring centers that specialize in SSAT and ISEE test prep. Look for ones with experienced tutors who have a proven track record of helping students improve their scores. Some may even offer diagnostic tests to assess your current level and provide customized study plans based on your results. 

Certain community centers and schools also offer SSAT and ISEE prep courses. Enrolling in one of these programs can provide you with a structured learning environment and expert feedback.

Furthermore, local libraries are a free, often underutilized resource. Many libraries have extensive collections of SSAT and ISEE prep books, practice tests, study guides, as well as online resources or apps.

3. Practice with Realistic Test Materials

Once you’ve reviewed the course, it’s important to start practicing with realistic test materials. Regular practice helps you become familiar with the types of questions, the format, and the time limits.

Whenever possible, use official practice tests from the SSAT and ISEE websites. These  are designed to closely replicate the format, style, and difficulty of the actual exams. Plus, they provide the most accurate reflection of your performance.

In addition to the official tests, you can also find full-length practice exams and questions from reputable sources. Look for well-reviewed test prep books from trusted publishers like Princeton Review, Kaplan, Barron’s, or Test Innovators at bookstores or online retailers.

When you’re practicing, make the experience as close to the real thing as possible. Find a quiet spot, set a timer, and complete the test in one sitting. By practicing under real test conditions, you’ll boost your confidence and reduce any test-day anxiety.

4. Focus on Weak Areas

To perform your best on the SSAT or ISEE tests, you must target your shortcomings. It’s important to address knowledge gaps, strengthen your understanding of challenging topics, and ultimately balance your scores across all sections of the exam. 

Analyze your practice test scores to figure out which sections you struggle with the most. Allocate your study time accordingly.

Always ask for help if you’re stuck on a challenging topic. Reach out to your teachers or consider getting a tutor who specializes in SSAT and ISEE strategies. See if they can provide extra practice materials, clarify tricky concepts, and provide tailored tips.

A. For the Math Sections:

• Build a Strong Foundation: Make sure you have a solid understanding of fundamental topics. Review key formulas and practice applying them to different types of questions.
  

• Practice Word Problems: Many students find word problems challenging because they involve applying math concepts to real-world situations. To improve, start by identifying exactly what the question is asking and then figure out which math formula or concept is required to solve it.  Practicing with a variety of problems will help you get more comfortable with them.

B. For the Verbal Sections:

• Expand Your Vocabulary: Utilize vocabulary lists or flashcards, and practice using new words in sentences to reinforce your understanding. Study word roots, prefixes, and suffixes to help you decipher unfamiliar words.
  

• Read widely: Reading a variety of texts—novels, non-fiction, articles—will naturally expose you to new words and different sentence structures.

C. For the Reading Comprehension Section:

• Practice Active Reading: When reading passages, try to engage with the text by summarizing paragraphs, identifying the main idea, and noting any supporting details.
  

• Improve Your Interference Skills: Reading comprehension questions often ask you to infer meaning from the text. Practice making logical assumptions based on the information provided. Work on questions that require you to read between the lines.

5. Develop Test-Taking Skills

Mastering the content is only half the battle;  it’s also essential to develop strong test-taking skills. Because time management is key during these exams, you must pace yourself to make sure you have enough time to complete each section. Use a timer during practice tests to get a feel for how long you can spend on one question.

If you encounter a particularly difficult question, avoid spending excessive time on it. Move on to the next question and return to it later if time permits.

For multiple-choice questions, begin by eliminating clearly incorrect answers. On the SSAT, it is advisable to skip a question if you are uncertain, as there is a penalty for incorrect answers. In contrast, the ISEE does not penalize guessing, so be sure to answer every question.

Moreover, try to improve your stamina. The SSAT and ISEE in Florida are long, mentally draining exams, and they require sustained focus. Practice taking full-length tests in one sitting to build your endurance.

The Bottom Line

Our final advice? Avoid placing too much pressure on yourself. While these tests are important and warrant careful preparation, excessive stress won’t do you any favors.

Approximately one week before the test, begin winding down your routine- reduce your study hours and relax. Be sure to get sufficient rest during this period.

Stop studying altogether a day or two before the test- just do some light revision if needed. Use this time to catch up on sleep and recharge so you’re well-rested and ready to perform your best on test day.

Ready to ace the SSAT and ISEE? Join Score at the Top’s expert-led test prep classes and give yourself the edge you need to succeed. Enroll today and start your journey to your dream school!