Preparing Early for the ISEE & SSAT
Getting ready for the ISEE or SSAT can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’ve heard people say, “It’s just one test,” but it doesn’t feel that way when it’s your name on the application.
Whether you’re applying to a private elementary, middle, or high school, this test might be one of the biggest academic challenges you’ve faced so far. That doesn’t mean you can’t handle it. It just means you deserve a plan that works—and one that doesn’t make your life miserable in the process.
Here’s how to prepare in a way that feels doable, not stressful.
1. Start Early—Don’t Let Future You Down
We’ve all done the last-minute study scramble. It’s exhausting, stressful, and honestly… it doesn’t work that well. You don’t want to be cramming for the SSAT in your bedroom while your friends are out enjoying their weekend.
Start a few months early—just a little at a time. Even 30–40 minutes of review a few times a week adds up. When the test rolls around, you won’t feel panicked. You’ll feel ready.
2. Create a Routine That Actually Fits Your Life
You don’t need to study 3 hours a day. You’ve got school, sports, homework, family, and maybe even a pet that constantly wants attention.
Instead, find small windows. Maybe it’s after school, or right before dinner, or on Sunday afternoons. Keep it realistic—something you can actually stick with.
Tip: Cross off each session on a calendar. It feels surprisingly good.
3. Take Practice Tests Like It’s Game Day
The first time you sit down for a full-length practice test, you might think, “Wait—it’s HOW long?” That’s the point.
The real test is long, and it moves fast. Practicing under real test conditions helps you get used to the pacing, the pressure, and the kinds of questions they’ll throw at you. You’ll make mistakes, and that’s okay. That’s how you learn what to fix before it really counts.
4. Reading Helps—Even If You Don’t Love It
Here’s something wild: one of the best ways to prep for the ISEE or SSAT is just… reading more.
Seriously. Books, articles, graphic novels, even the news—it all builds your vocabulary, reading speed, and brainpower. You’ll start seeing new words pop up in test questions that you already know because you read them somewhere cool.
Start with what you enjoy. Don’t overthink it.
5. Take the Test Early If You Can
This one’s easy to miss: you’re allowed to take the ISEE or SSAT more than once during the year—but only once per testing window.
That means if you take it early (like in the fall), you still have time to try again later if you want to improve. It’s not about being perfect the first time. It’s about giving yourself options. That way, you’re not stuck with only one shot right before applications are due.
The list above is not intended to be comprehensive. They are just a few tips to help your student begin preparing for the exams. If you’re looking for more support, Ivy Link provides expert tutoring and private school guidance to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. You can also register for a full-length diagnostic test to see where you stand and what to focus on next. Contact Ivy Link today!
