Your go-to guide for everything you need to know about the ISEE and SSAT tests. Find expert advice for parents and students from the top educators in the US.


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## EXAMPLE ISEE ESSAY PROMPTS

### Lower Level Prompts

Topic 1: What is your favorite book? Explain why you like it.

Topic 2: If you had to plan a school trip, where would you go and why?

### Middle Level Prompts

Topic 1: If you could change your school in one way, what would that be? Describe the improvement you would make and explain how it would benefit students.

Topic 2: What would be your dream career? 

Topic 3: What do you think is the most important problem in our world today? Explain how you would solve it.

### Upper Level Prompts

Topic 1: What extracurricular class do you wish your school offered? Explain why you think it would benefit the students in your school.

Topic 2: Who are the people - famous or not - that you admire most and why do you admire them?

## MODEL ESSAY RESPONSES:

### Lower Level ISEE 

**Prompt: Where would you spend your perfect vacation? Explain why.**

My perfect vacation would be at the Stanford Sierra Camp. The Stanford Sierra Camp, or SSC, is a camp that I go to every summer with my family. I think this is the perfect vacation because it’s in a stunning location, the activities are fun and exciting, and I get to spend time with kind, funny people. 

One of the best things about SSC is that it is in a beautiful location. SSC is on Fallen Leaf Lake, which is near Lake Tahoe in California. SSC is on the edge of Desolation Wilderness, which means that it really is far away from cities! No matter where you go at SSC, you are surrounded by trees, water, and beautiful views. At night, the sky is clear enough to see all of the stars. I really enjoy being in nature and feel much calmer when I’m there. 

Another wonderful thing about SSC is the fun activities. There are a million different things to do at SSC, but my favorite is the kids groups. Kids at camp are split into groups based on their age, and you get to spend all day doing things like rock climbing, playing Capture the Flag, taking boats out on the lake, or going on hikes. When you’re not with your kids group, you can do things like go water skiing and try to catch crawdads. Wednesday is always Beach Day, when everyone goes to Baby Beach to play games, eat BBQ, and sing songs around the campfire. There are also events every evening, like Disco Bingo. No matter what you’re interested in, there’s always something fun to do at camp.

Finally, one of the best parts about going to SSC is getting to spend time with my favorite people. The same families go the same week every year, so I get to see all of my best friends when I’m there. It’s also nice that I go with my mom, my dad, and my brother. We are always busy at home and do not get to spend a lot of time together, so being at camp and getting the chance to do so much together is really special. 

In conclusion, my perfect vacation would be at the Stanford Sierra Camp because it is in a beautiful location, there are lots of fun activities to do while you are there, and you get to spend time with people you love. While there are many other nice places in the world that I could visit, I would always rather go to SSC. I hope you get the chance to visit one day!

### Middle Level ISEE 

**Prompt: What do you think is the most important problem in our world today? Explain how you would solve it.**

I face different problems each and every day; from missing my alarm in the morning and being late for school, to being one point short of getting an A on my math test. However, these examples can seem small when compared to the problems we face in the world. In my opinion, the most important problem facing our world today is the destruction of coral reefs under the sea, which is caused by litter and boats trying to clear space. 

Coral reefs are the colorful, vibrant, and living underwater cities and neighborhoods which are home to all kinds of marine life. They take hundreds of years to develop and grow. Coral also acts as a protective barrier to the shore, seagrass, and marine life.

There are many things that affect, damage, and even kill coral reefs. One of the most damaging actions is their intentional destruction by large boats and fishermen, just so they can move their boats through different areas with ease. This has an enormous impact on the marine life which lives there, as their habitat is needlessly destroyed, and causes their species to drastically decline (which could mean they become extinct). 

The destruction of coral reefs also greatly affects seagrass - the rainforests of the ocean floor. Seagrass gives the planet a huge amount of oxygen, which all animals need to live. The seagrass, which takes in carbon dioxide and gives off oxygen, is vital to keeping the air we breathe clean and pure. As boats are destroying the reef, it is unable to protect the seagrass fields from the waves, currents, and boats.

Though there are many negative elements to this problem, there are also many people trying to improve this. Their actions include signing petitions, ocean floor clean ups, and reef conservation. If I was in charge of the planet, I would fine anybody who damaged the reefs and would begin rebuilding them to help protect marine life and the seagrass. However, there are things which I can do without being in charge, including being sensible with plastics that I use (like plastic bottles) and donating what I can to helpful charities.

In conclusion, the problem which I feel is most important in our world today is the destruction of coral reefs. Without them, we would have much less wonderful marine life, and we would lose the important seagrass fields which give our planet the oxygen it greatly needs to survive. There are multiple things we can do to help protect it, as making sure it is safe protects us all on this planet. 

### Upper Level ISEE

**Prompt: Do we still need libraries?**

Some people might argue that we do not need libraries anymore, simply because we can get anything we need from the internet. However, I think that libraries are much more than the books that they contain because libraries are great places to learn, are used by people who do not have access to computers or the internet, and are an important part of local communities. For these reasons, I believe that we do still need libraries.   

First of all, libraries are great places to learn. They contain lots of books and information about many different topics, which means you can learn about a variety of things in one place. On the other hand, if you want to learn about one thing in particular, the library will often have a good number of carefully selected books to choose from. While it can be difficult to find reliable sources of information on the internet, we can trust that the information we find in a library is valid and well-founded.

Second, I argue that the internet has not replaced libraries, as many people suggest. While it is true that you can find most, if not all, resources on the internet, many people do not have a computer or internet access. In a library, they can find the books they need, or use the computers there to help them. We still need libraries because they ensure that all people can read books and use computers for free. 

Finally, as well as keeping lots of books and information in one place, libraries are an important part of the community. I know that many people use the library as a place to meet, and some even have nice cafes where you can sit and talk. Libraries are also used by the community in creative ways. You can often find a great local photography exhibition in the library, or take part in a fun community activity. In addition, libraries get used by all sorts of people: school groups, parents and children, people with learning difficulties, and many more. If we did not have libraries, many people in the community would lose a place that they benefit from. I think we still need libraries, as they help people of all ages and backgrounds to continue to learn. 

In conclusion, libraries are a very important part of the community! Without libraries, many people would be cut off from reliable sources of information. Libraries are full of resources, people can use them for free, and they play an important role in the community. 


Is your child preparing for the ISEE? Here is what they can expect from the essay prompts section of the test.

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ISEE Essay Prompts & Responses

## Example Elementary Level prompts

Look at the picture and tell a story about what happened. Make sure your story includes a beginning, a middle, and an end.

Prompt 1:

![unnamed.png](https://space-1.atomlearning.com/preprod-static/959fc217f9b38a59b6a467ed13d8005a.png)


Prompt 2:

![unnamed (1).jpg](https://space-1.atomlearning.com/preprod-static/b0d09f5ba7aac878139f810b9c20663f.jpg)


On the Middle Level SSAT, you will be given a choice between two creative prompts. These prompts are like “story starters” that you must use as your first sentence. You then need to write a story that follows on from the prompt.
When choosing a prompt, pick the one that gives you the best idea or excites you the most.
You will have 25 minutes to write your story.
It’s important to make sure that your response has a problem, which leads to a climax, and then a resolution.



## Example Middle Level Prompts

**Topic: She turned the corner and saw...**

**Topic: Everyone had disappeared.**

**Topic: I knew it was wrong, but . . .**

**Topic: I realized I had to help.**

**Topic: Suddenly, I turned into a . . .**

On the upper level SSAT, you will be given a choice between two prompts. One prompt will be a creative topic and one will be an essay topic.

You will have 25 minutes to write your response.

In general, the prompts are open-ended and allow for creative responses that show your personality and interests.
When picking your prompt for the upper level writing sample, choose the option that feels like the best fit for you. There’s no “best” choice or right way to do it. If you’re really imaginative and enjoy writing stories, then the creative prompt could be a great way to show your skills. If you have strong organizational skills and feel confident explaining your thinking clearly, then the essay prompt could be the best fit for you.



## Example Upper Level Prompts

### Creative Writing Prompts

**Topic: She would have to try again.**

**Topic: It was the biggest challenge he would ever face.**

### Essay Prompts 

**Topic: Is online learning as good as face-to-face learning?**

**Topic: What three qualities define a good friend?**

**Topic: What are the most important changes in the world in the last decade?**



## Model Writing Sample Responses

### Elementary  SSAT 

**Look at the picture and tell a story about what happened. Make sure your story includes a beginning, a middle, and an end.**

![unnamed (2).jpg](https://space-1.atomlearning.com/preprod-static/968ecc7afa88413c4668a4aba609523e.jpg)

As the youngest sibling in the family, Sam had all kinds of adventures. His older sister and brother always had a plan for the day, like casting him as the main character in their play, or asking him to help run their most successful lemonade stand. Sam normally loved these activities with his siblings. On Wednesday, he didn’t.

On Wednesdays after school, Sam and his siblings ordinarily spent time outside with their neighbors. This Wednesday, it was just Sam and his siblings. As usual, his brother and sister had a plan. They made a small toy wagon out of a bright orange box with four wheels. They were excited to test their construction, but Sam was tired and grumpy from the day and didn’t want to join. He almost went back inside, but his siblings begged and begged him to test their wagon, telling him it would be fun. On the inside, Sam wanted to run away and hide. But after they begged a third time, he said yes.

At first, he was still upset, but then things started to change. His brother and sister pushed the wagon faster and faster. Finally, they let it go and it started to roll down the hill on its own. As it moved more quickly, Sam thought about all of the fun he’d had with his siblings. Sam began to sit up straighter with the wind blowing around his face as he continued to drive along the road. And slowly, he began to smile.



### Middle Level SSAT  

**Topic: I had never seen anything like it.**

I had never seen anything like it. I was sitting in my favorite climbing tree and had a view for miles around. Normally, I enjoyed looking at the green grass and blue sky that surrounded my home, but today was different. As I looked out across the field that led to my house, giant storm clouds came rolling in faster than horses galloping. I knew I was in trouble - when it rained, the field got so muddy that it was impossible to cross. I knew I had to get home before the storm began, or I’d be stuck outside all night.

With my heart racing, I took my first few tentative steps out from under the tree and onto the field. The clouds continued to gather over me, like a bad omen. Was I making a huge mistake? I turned around and looked back at the safety of my tree, but already it seemed too far away. I continued across the field, keeping one eye on the clouds as I worked my way through the long, tangled grass. Suddenly, I heard a loud crack in the distance...thunder! I began to run, knowing that time was running out. Even as I felt the first drops of rain fall on me, I knew I couldn’t stop. The only thing in my mind was making it to my front door. 

It felt like it took forever to cross that field, but with each step I took the house got bigger and bigger as I ran closer. Finally, out of breath and already damp from the rain, I made it to my front door. I turned the knob, bolted inside, and slammed the door behind me. I sat panting on the floor with my back against the door, relieved and a bit shocked that I’d actually made it home in time. Eventually, I found the energy to stand up. As I walked into the living room, my mother handed me a warm cup of hot cocoa and sat me down in front of the roaring fire. I could hear the rain pouring outside like a waterfall, but I knew I was safe.   



### Upper Level SSAT

**Topic: Do we still need libraries?**

Some people might argue that we do not need libraries anymore, simply because we can get anything we need from the internet. However, I think that libraries are much more than the books that they contain, because libraries are great places to learn, are used by people who do not have access to computers or the internet, and are an important part of local communities. For these reasons, I believe that we do still need libraries.   

First of all, libraries are great places to learn. They contain lots of books and information about many different topics, which means you can learn about a variety of things in one place. On the other hand, if you want to learn about one thing in particular, the library will often have a good number of carefully selected books to choose from. While it can be difficult to find reliable sources of information on the internet, we can trust that the information we find in a library is valid and well-founded.

Second, I argue that the internet has not replaced libraries, as many people suggest. While it is true that you can find most, if not all, resources on the internet, many people do not have a computer or internet access. In a library, they can find the books they need, or use the computers there to help them. We still need libraries because they ensure that all people can read books and use computers for free. 

Finally, as well as keeping lots of books and information in one place, libraries are an important part of the community. I know that many people use the library as a place to meet, and some even have nice cafes where you can sit and talk. Libraries are also used by the community in creative ways. You can often find a great local photography exhibition in the library, or take part in a fun community activity. In addition, libraries get used by all sorts of people: school groups, parents and children, people with learning difficulties, and many more. If we did not have libraries, many people in the community would lose a place that they benefit from. I think we still need libraries, as they help people of all ages and backgrounds to continue to learn. 

In conclusion, libraries are a very important part of the community! Without libraries, many people would be cut off from reliable sources of information. Libraries are full of resources, people can use them for free, and they play an important role in the community. 


Is your child preparing for the SSAT? Learn some top tips and discover how Atom Learning can support your child on their journey to exam success.

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SSAT Writing Sample Prompts & Responses

Whether you’re starting to think about the next step for your child, or in the midst of SSAT preparation, we’ve got the essentials, covered in this blog post.  

The [Secondary Schools Admission Test](https://www.ssat.org/), or SSAT (es-sat), is a standardized test open to children in grades 3 through 11, across three levels of testing. The SSAT’s primary use is to help independent elementary, middle, and high schools with their admissions processes - so understanding the SSAT is crucial for helping your child flourish in the best school for them. 

Note: The SSAT is a separate test from the ISEE (Independent Schools Entrance Exam). But don’t worry - we’ll cover the differences (and what is harder) later on.  

## The SSAT

So, what is the SSAT? It’s a standardized test, that is to say, a carefully designed series of questions that are scored by comparing results to established norms and averages. 

The SSAT, and other standardized tests, are great for school admissions; they allow schools to test candidates across a number of areas, and get a good understanding of how each child fits in within their age group.

In practice, the SSAT is broken up into many different sections, which test candidates across learning areas.
The elementary level SSAT (grades 3-4) has 5 sections, comprising a total of 104-106 questions, with a total duration of 2 hours and 5 minutes. 
The middle/upper SSAT (grades 5-7, 8-11) is a longer test, with 6 sections and 167 questions spread over 3 hours and 10 minutes.


## SSAT sections

The “Quantitative” section of the SSAT will test your child’s math and quantitative reasoning skills. Questions will span a broad range of topics, so children will need to feel confident tackling anything from pictographs to fractions.  

The “Verbal” section of the SSAT focuses on children’s ability to make sense of problems and concepts when they are framed as words.  In practice, this might mean completing analogies (i.e. “listen is to music” as “read is to book”), or identifying synonyms of different words.   

In the “Reading” section of the SSAT, children are presented with written passages which will test their ability to analyse text and recognise fundamental literary elements. Questions range from investigating the author’s purpose, to identifying supporting ideas in a passage, and passages can be chosen from one of five genres: Prose, Poetry, Humanities, Social Studies and Science.

The “Experimental” section of the SSAT is something else entirely; it’s not marked, and its purpose is to allow question makers space to trial new questions and evaluate the results. So, whilst it does encompass a variety of Verbal, Quantitative and Reading questions, it has no bearing on your child’s SSAT result.

## What's the difference between the ISEE and SSAT?

You might have heard of the [ISEE](https://www.erblearn.org/families/isee-by-erb/), and think that the SSAT looks pretty similar. In short, it is - so what’s the difference (and the all-important “what is harder” question)? Both the SSAT and ISEE are standardized tests that cover verbal reasoning, math, and reading comprehension. However, their approach to each part of the test is slightly different.

In terms of structure, the ISEE has four sections, in comparison to the SSAT’s three; the quantitative section of the SSAT covers content which is split between quantitative reasoning and “mathematics achievement” in the ISEE. The sections are also scored in a different way. Where both standardize the results of the test, the SSAT converts results into a percentile score, whereas the ISEE presents results as stanine scores (on a nine-point standard scale).  

The content covered in each section also varies between the tests. The SSAT includes analogies as part of verbal reasoning, whilst the ISEE tests students’ ability on sentence completion. In the reading section, it’s more of a stylistic choice. The SSAT focuses on older literature texts and poetry and by contrast, the ISEE chooses more contemporary passages to base questions around. And, as previously mentioned - the ISEE separates out problem-solving and critical thinking from knowledge-based questions; the SSAT combines to present a mix of questions in its quantitative section.    

## What is harder?

So, what is harder? There isn’t a definite answer to give per se, namely because it comes down to the child! The ISEE and SSAT are structured differently - and this may impact how tricky the tests can be for candidates. 

The SSAT has a  stronger focus on the verbal sections, so children more able in this area might want to opt for the SSAT! Those with an ability for quantitative reasoning will see themselves pushed to a higher level on the ISEE, with two, more challenging, math sections. 

## SSAT Scoring

Let’s take a look at scoring on the SSAT. We mentioned that the SSAT uses percentile scores to compare candidates - but what does this mean? A percentile score ranks candidates against the scores of others taking the same test. In practice, that means that if your child scores in the 70th percentile, they have scored better than 70% of other candidates taking the test. 

The SSAT percentile score is calculated by comparing a candidate’s raw score with scores achieved by children in the same grade over the past three years. The raw score is simply a calculation of correct answers (1 point for each), and incorrect answers (-¼ ); no marks are awarded or deducted for leaving answers blank on the SSAT. 

These scores are then scaled to give the percentile score. It’s worth noting here that SSAT candidates are generally very high achievers - a low percentile ranking on the test should not be too discouraging! 

## We can help

Atom Learning provides everything your child needs to excel on the SSAT with test prep that adapts for top scores. Start your [5-day free trial today](https://atomlearning.com/ssat).


Whether you’re starting to think about the next step for your child, or in the midst of test preparation, read about all there is to know about the SSAT here.  

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What is the SSAT?

The process of applying to private high schools can be extremely daunting and the standardized tests are often the most challenging part. The ISEE or SSAT test may be the first standardized test your child has ever taken and understanding the basics of these tests is essential to feeling prepared for the application process. Read on to find out what these tests are and how you can help your child prepare for them.

## What is the SSAT and the ISEE?

The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) and the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) are aptitude tests used for admission into private junior highs and high schools. The tests are around the same length and contain five similar sections in writing, reading, verbal, mathematical achievement, and quant.

Remember that test scores aren’t the only factor in private school admissions. Admission committees will also look at various other things such as recommendation letters, transcripts, interviews, extra-curricular etc.

## What are the key differences between the SSAT and the ISEE?

**Scoring**

The biggest difference between the two tests is that students taking the SSAT are penalized a quarter of a point for every incorrect answer, while the ISEE test does not penalize you.

Both tests have four multiple-choice sections, but you’ll get four scores for the ISEE and three scores for the SSAT. This is because in the SSAT the two math section scores are combined. If your child is strong in math, it is often recommended to take the ISEE to highlight their ability. 

**How many times can you take the tests?**

There is no limit to the number of times you can take the SSAT test and it is offered eight times per year. In comparison, the ISEE test can only be taken once in any or all three annual testing seasons.

## Should my child take the SSAT or the ISEE?

The most important thing to consider when deciding which tests your child should take should be what your child’s top choice schools require. You should let your decision be guided by the schools that show a clear preference but for the schools that accept both tests, here are some other things to consider:

**Is your child stronger in verbal or math?**

If your child is more confident with their verbal/writing skills, then it is recommended that they take the SSAT test as its verbal section is recognized as being harder than that of the ISEE. The math section is more challenging in the ISEE, allowing children with better math skills to stand out.

**Does your child get anxious in exams?**

If it is likely that your child will perform less strongly due to exam nerves it may be a better idea for them to take the SSAT test. As the SSAT test is offered eight times throughout the year, your child will have more opportunities to retake the test than the ISEE.

**If your child is prepared…**

It is important to remember that the decision between which test to take is not a deal-breaker because as long as your child is well prepared, they have a good chance of performing well in either test. 

## Top Tips for Test Prep

**1. Start Early**

The earlier your child starts preparing, the more time they will have to become comfortable with the test’s content, format, and difficulty. A good time to start thinking about test prep is around a year to six months before they plan to sit the test.

**2. Reading**

There is no better way to improve comprehension and vocabulary than reading regularly. It is guaranteed to improve both their writing and verbal skills, which are both essential parts of the ISEE and SSAT tests. 

**3. Math is not solely computation**  

The SSAT website advises that your child practices their spatial skills, patterns and sequencing as the standardized math tests are not solely based on computational skills. They recommend practicing things like time and money concepts and learning to create graphs.

**4. Practice Tests**

Getting your child to complete SSAT and ISEE practice tests is the most reliable way to be able to pinpoint their strengths and weaknesses. This will give them a better idea of what they need to work on and lead to more efficient studying.


## We can help

If you’re looking for more ways to prepare your child for the ISEE or SSAT tests, start your 5-day free trial of [Atom Learning](https://atomlearning.com/) for success in the classroom, entrance exams and beyond.

Is your child applying to a private high school? Learn about the differences between the SSAT test and the ISEE test and how to prepare for them.

Blog

ISEE Essay Prompts & Responses

SSAT Writing Sample Prompts & Responses

What is the SSAT?

Preparing for the SSAT and ISEE Tests