ISEE and SSAT Prep in Santa Monica
The SSAT and ISEE are entrance exams seeking admission to private schools. Some schools prefer one test over the other, so your best bet is to call the schools you are applying to to understand their preferences. If you have a choice between the two exams, Tutor Doctor Santa Monica can help you determine the best test for you.
For many students, these exams are the first exposure to high-stakes testing. What’s more, parents also often feel ill-informed as they seek to navigate private school admissions and testing.

Unlock Your Student’s Full ISEE Potential with Tutor Doctor Santa Monica
Strategic Coaching, Comprehensive Review, and Confidence-Boosting Practice

The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Examination) helps private schools compare applicants’ academic skills across levels. Tutor Doctor’s ISEE prep reinforces content mastery, identifies gaps, and builds test confidence to help students perform their best.
- Expert tutors familiar with ISEE structure and scoring methods
- Practice across ISEE levels (Lower, Middle, Upper)
- Skill-focused drill sets to reinforce weak or unfamiliar topics
- Test strategy & pacing instruction tailored to the ISEE format
What Is Tested on These Exams?
Both the SSAT and ISEE test Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Math, but their formats and structures differ slightly.
SSAT
- Analogies and Synonyms
- More diverse genres including Poetry
- Less Mathematical Reasoning emphasis
ISEE
- Sentence Completions and Synonyms
- Longer Reading Passages
- More Mathematical Reasoning emphasis
The Lowdown on SSAT® vs. ISEE®
✅ Both exams are widely used for private school admissions—some schools accept both, others prefer one.
✅ Both assess Reading, Vocabulary, and Math, but the formats differ (e.g., SSAT analogies vs. ISEE sentence completions).
✅ Levels vary by grade (Elementary/Lower, Middle, Upper), so choosing the right level and plan matters.
✅ Tutor Doctor Santa Monica helps you confirm school preferences, choose the right exam, and prepare with a tailored plan.
Preparing effectively for the SSAT or ISEE can expand admission opportunities and strengthen overall applications.