Standardized Testing
Some US private high schools requires standardized test scores from applicants. It is important to point out that the tests are only one part of the admission process.
Motivation to study, past academic performance, personality of student and other talents are just as important when admission counselors are deciding a student's admission. Our role is to help students connect with the admissions counselors, and improve their chances of being accepted into the school.
The two academic tests most frequently used by private high schools in the US are:
- Secondary School Admission Test – SSAT
- Independent School Entrance Exam – ISEE
The SSAT is used for admission to grades 5 – 11, and is a multiple choice test that measures students' ability in math and verbal areas. The test takes more than 2 hours to complete. The test is given internationally in 76 countries several times each year (in November, December, January, March and April). Talk to your local agent about the nearest test site in your home country.
The ISEE is used to assess the math and verbal ability for students entering grades 5 – 12.
The test takes about 3 hours to complete and has two components – a multiple choice section and an essay. The test is given on dates chosen by the school.
The two English language tests most frequently used by private high schools in the US are:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language – TOEFL
- Secondary Level of English Proficiency – SLEP
The TOEFL is used to determine the student's English language ability. The test is offered in either a paper and pencil format or computerized format. There is also a web-based format being introduced. The TOEFL can be taken in most countries at dates chosen by the student. Please see www.toefl.org for more information.
The SLEP is also used to determine the student's English language ability. It is a basic test used primarily in connection with secondary school applications. The SLEP-test can be carried out and administered by the agent or local school in the home country. It is graded immediately after it has been completed. The test is ordered from Educational Testing Service directly over the internet.
For more information about the two tests please visit the Educational Testing Service website on www.ets.org where you can learn more about the tests, find out the location of TOEFL test centres, and order SLEP tests.
Test score requirements differ from school to school.
PLEASE NOTE that almost most our boarding schools have ESL programs on campus. For those students qualified academically, but not having the requested English language level, they can start at the private high school taking ESL classes. When the student has reached a satisfactorily English language level she/he is transferred into the regular academic program.