What is the difference between the ISEE and the SSAT?

Both are used for independent school admissions. The SSAT penalizes wrong answers (quarter-point deduction) while the ISEE does not. Schools generally accept one or the other, and some accept both — check your target school's requirements.

Can I retake the HSPT?

Generally no. The HSPT is administered once per testing season, and most Catholic high schools do not accept retakes. This makes preparation especially important since you only get one shot.

What score do I need to get into Stuyvesant on the SHSAT?

There is no fixed passing score. Admission to Stuyvesant and other NYC Specialized High Schools is based on rank-order scoring that varies each year. Historically, Stuyvesant has the highest cutoff, typically requiring a score well above 500.

When should my child start preparing for high school entrance exams?

Most families begin focused test prep 3-6 months before the exam date. For the SHSAT and competitive ISEE/SSAT schools, starting in the summer before 8th grade is common. Building strong reading and math fundamentals earlier is always beneficial.

Does the TACHS have a wrong-answer penalty?

No. The TACHS does not penalize wrong answers, so students should answer every question. This is the same as the ISEE and HSPT but different from the SSAT, which deducts for incorrect answers.

High School Admissions

HSPT, ISEE, SSAT, SHSAT, and TACHS test prep resources.

HSPT

Comprehensive HSPT prep — practice questions covering the full exam, complete course notes, timed mock exams, and detailed explanations for every answer. 1 year of access on any device with built-in progress tracking.

ISEE

Comprehensive ISEE prep — practice questions covering the full exam, complete course notes, timed mock exams, and detailed explanations for every answer. 1 year of access on any device with built-in progress tracking.

SHSAT

Comprehensive SHSAT prep — practice questions covering the full exam, complete course notes, timed mock exams, and detailed explanations for every answer. 1 year of access on any device with built-in progress tracking.

SSAT

Comprehensive SSAT prep — practice questions covering the full exam, complete course notes, timed mock exams, and detailed explanations for every answer. 1 year of access on any device with built-in progress tracking.

TACHS

Comprehensive TACHS prep — practice questions covering the full exam, complete course notes, timed mock exams, and detailed explanations for every answer. 1 year of access on any device with built-in progress tracking.

HSPT

ISEE

SHSAT

SSAT

TACHS

Frequently asked questions about High School Admissions