In order to perform well on the ISEE and SSAT tests, learning to study vocabulary is crucial. The Verbal section of each test challenges the vocabulary skills of even the strongest students. It can be difficult to study vocabulary with your busy schedule, but without making it a priority, you will not be able to perform well on the synonyms and analogies portions of the SSAT exam or the synonyms and sentence completions portions of…
If your child is interested in attending an independent school, they will likely need to take the Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT) in order to apply. We have the information you need on what not to do on the SSAT. Don’t guess unless you can eliminate one or more answer choices as wrong. To read more about the guessing strategy for the SSAT, click here. Don’t rush, but keep moving. Use your time wisely by…
If your child is interested in attending an independent school, they will likely need to take the Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) in order to apply. You’ll be set to go once you read our list of ISEE don’ts. Don’t wait until the last minute to prep. Starting early is essential to understanding and becoming comfortable with the test format, which in turn is essential for a good score. Don’t skip the practice tests. Boston…
Wondering what the differences are between the ISEE and SSAT tests? First of all, below are the levels of the test that your child would be taking: SSAT: Elementary Level SSAT, Students currently in grades 3-4 Middle Level SSAT, Students currently in grades 5-7 Upper Level SSAT, Students currently in grades 8-11 ISEE: Primary Level ISEE, Students currently in grades 2-3 Note: The Primary Level ISEE contains only Reading & Math sections Lower Level ISEE,…
Is your child taking the ISEE/SSAT? It’s important for you and your child to understand that the test is far more challenging than the typical tests they have taken in school. The test is taken by the best and brightest students applying for competitive schools, so the pool of students taking the test is already very high-achieving. The makers of the test have developed the content to be challenging enough that most students will not…
Private schools use the test scores for about ⅓ of their admission decision. They typically consider grades, scores, and extracurriculars/recommendations all equally. Remind your child that this test is not the end of the world, and will not be the only indicator of their ability to get into a good school. A perfect score is not necessary, and schools are looking for well-rounded students, so the test is just one part of the application. Private…
Would you like a more challenging educational environment for your student? If your child is in third through fifth grade, you may want to consider the Advanced Work Class (AWC). It is a full-time program in the Boston Public Schools that “provides an accelerated academic curriculum for students in grades 4-6. This program includes subjects studied in greater depth, more schoolwork, and more home study than the traditional curriculum.” Enrolling in the Advanced Work Class…
The John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science is one of Boston’s three exam schools. Exam schools require that all students take the Independent Schools Entrance Exam (ISEE) before they are accepted. You are encouraged to learn more about the application process for the exam schools by viewing a new BPS video here. See if your question about the school is answered in the list of FAQs below. Q. What is the application process…
Do you have questions about the Boston Latin School? See if they’re answered in this list of BLS Frequently Asked Questions. Q. What is Boston Latin School? A. Boston Latin School (BLS) is a public school that begins in grade 7 and ends in grade 12, making it both a middle and a high school. Many people say that BLS is one of the best schools in the whole country. The classes at the school…
Do you have questions about the Boston Latin Academy? See if they’re answered in this list of BLA Frequently Asked Questions. What is Boston Latin Academy? A. Boston Latin Academy (BLA) is one of three Boston public exam schools, along with Boston Latin School (BLS) and the John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science (O’B). BLA educates students from grade 7 through grade 12. Students are accepted in grades 7 and 9. The BLA mission…
