Test Preparation

High School Entrance Tests

There are several different types of admissions tests. Each one has a specific purpose. Some measure IQ. Others look for learning difficulties. The high school admissions tests basically determine your readiness for the rigorous college prep studies most private high schools offer. While admissions tests are important, they are only one of several things, which the admissions staff looks at when reviewing your application.

JUNIOR TOEFL

Intended for students ages 11+, the TOEFL Junior® tests are an objective and reliable measure of your students’ English communication skills. Based on the rich heritage of the TOEFL® test and best practices in English-language testing, TOEFL Junior tests can help you pinpoint your students’ strengths and challenges.

The TOEFL Junior tests are available in two testing modes and can be used in multiple ways in the classroom for placement and to monitor progress. Plus, the scores are mapped to CEFR levels to help you better understand students’ English proficiency levels.

COOP

The COOP or Cooperative Entrance Examination is a standardized admissions test used in Roman Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of Newark and the Diocese of Paterson.

SSAT

The SSAT is the required admission test at many of the best independent/ private schools in the world. This test is one important step on the path to an independent/private school education. Your SSAT score is one part of your complete application to an independent/private school; and while it is important, it is not the only criteria for admission.

The SSAT is designed for students in grades 3 through PG and is administered on three levels (Elementary, Middle, and Upper​​). There are two types of SSAT test administrations: the Standard administration, which is given on eight designated Saturdays during the academic year at test sites around the world, and the Flex administration, which is an individual or group test administered on any date other than the eight Standard dates.

The SSAT is designed for students who are seeking entrance to independent schools worldwide. The purpose of the SSAT is to measure the basic verbal, quantitative, and reading skills students develop over time—skills that are needed for successful performance in independent schools. The SSAT, on the other hand, is designed to measure the verbal, quantitative, and reading skills you have acquired, instead of focusing on your mastery of particular course material. Further, SSAT tests are not designed to measure other characteristics, such as motivation, persistence, or creativity, which may contribute to your success in school.

ISEE

The ISEE is an admission test that has three levels: A Lower Level, Middle Level, and Upper Level. The Lower Level is for students currently in grades 4 and 5 who are candidates for admission to grades 5 and 6. The Middle Level is for students in grades 6 and 7 who are candidates for grades 7 and 8. The Upper Level is for students in grades 8 through 11 who are candidates for grades 9 through 12. The ISEE has different forms at each level for security purposes.

At all levels, the ISEE consists of three parts: (a) carefully constructed and standardized verbal and quantitative reasoning tests that measure a student’s capability for learning; (b) reading comprehension and mathematics achievement tests that provide specific information about a student’s strengths and weakness in those areas; and (c) an essay section. The ISEE essay is timed and written in response to a prompt. The essay is not scored; it is photocopied and sent only to the schools you requested.

Advanced Placement Exams

AP helps hundreds of thousands of high school students achieve their college dreams each year. To take an AP course, you’re letting colleges and universities know that you have what it takes to succeed in an undergraduate environment. AP courses signal to admissions officers that you’ve undertaken the most rigorous classes your high school has to offer. They see that you’ve challenged yourself with college-level course work and expectations, and have refined your skills to meet these expectations. In the increasingly competitive admissions process, this knowledge can be very valuable.

Importantly, AP courses offer admissions officers a consistent measure of course rigor across high schools, districts, states and countries — because all AP teachers, no matter where they’re teaching, have to provide a curriculum that meets college standards. So when admissions officers see “AP” on your transcript, they have a good understanding of what you experienced in a particular class and how well it prepared you for the increased challenges of college.

SAT

The SAT and SAT Subject Tests are designed to assess your academic readiness for college. These exams provide a path to opportunities, financial support, and scholarships, in a way that’s fair to all students. The SAT and SAT Subject Tests keep pace with what colleges are looking for today, measuring the skills required for success in the 21st century.

The SAT is a globally recognized college admission test that lets you show colleges what you know and how well you can apply that knowledge. It tests your knowledge of reading, writing and math — subjects that are taught every day in high school classrooms. Most students take the SAT during their junior or senior year of high school, and almost all colleges and universities use the SAT to make admission decisions.

Taking the SAT is the first step in finding the right college for you — the place where you can further develop your skills and pursue your passions. But SAT scores are just one of many factors that colleges consider when making their admission decisions. High school grades are also very important. In fact, the combination of high school grades and SAT scores is the best predictor of your academic success in college.

The SAT and other College Board tests are offered several times a year. Most students take the SAT for the first time during the spring of their junior year and a second time during the fall of their senior year.

ACT

The ACT an abbreviation of American College Testing, college readiness assessment is a standard test for high school achievement and college admissions in the US. The ACT consisted of four tests: English, Mathematics, a Reading section and the Science Reasoning test, an optional Writing Test.

The ACT has seen a gradual increase in the number of test takers since its inception, and in 2011 the ACT surpassed the SAT for the first time in total test takers; all four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. accept the ACT.

GRE

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test that is an admissions requirement for most graduate schools in the US. The exam aims to measure verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills that have been acquired over a long period of time and that are not related to any specific field of study.

In the graduate school admissions process, the level of emphasis that is placed upon GRE scores varies widely between schools and between departments within schools. The importance of a GRE score can range from being a mere admission formality to an important selection factor.

GMAT

GMAT is accepted by more than 6,000 business and management programs worldwide, for nearly 60 years, the GMAT exam has been the test of choice by the world’s business leaders to get into the world’s leading business schools. This exam lets you showcase the skills that matter most in the business school classroom and in your career.

Business schools use and trust the GMAT exam to make admissions decisions.The GMAT exam – created by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the global non-profit council of business schools – sets the standard for its ability to predict success in the classroom. The GMAT exam measures the skills you have and the skills schools need. Showcase the skills that matter most – to schools and businesses.