To gain admission to selective schools and colleges, students need strong grades and test scores.

Scroll down to learn more about admissions requirements, and to get referrals to top NYC and suburban tutors. 

Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary School

  Private School Admission:    ERB

The WPPSI and the WISC, known colloquially as the ERB, are required for admission to most private schools. 

Unfortunately, the ERB matters -- a lot -- in private school kindergarten admission.  We know what skills and types of knowledge admissions directors seek from kindergarten applicants.  We also know what types of questions are on the ERB.  If you're our client, we’ll tell you what to expect.  Click here to learn more.

  Reading

Reading is an essential skill.  Unfortunately, some children struggle.  If yours does, we know of an incredible resource.  Irene Daria runs Fun with Phonics, a course and tutoring program.  Research has found that successful readers are able to phonetically sound out unfamiliar words and recognize a wide range of sight words.  Contact Irene at Fun with Phonics at 212-627-2218 or click here for more information.

Middle and High School

  Private School Admission (6th grade and up):    ISEE

ISEE scores are one of the factors private school admissions officers consider when making acceptance decisions.  Unlike the WPPSI and the WISC, which are individually and verbally administered, the ISEE is a paper-and-pencil, multiple-choice test.  Prepping for the ISEE is so commonplace and acceptable that you can obtain practice materials from the ERB, the makers of the test, or buy a test prep book.  

If you have the time and resources, you can also hire a tutor, who will work with you or your child on the specific skills tested and review test-taking smarts.  Don't hire any old Joe - make sure you pick a professional who really knows the test.  If you don't know a pro, we do.  Click here for your own list of expert ISEE tutors.

  Specialized Science High Schools Admission:    SSHSAT

The SSHSAT, or Sci High exam, is the only admissions requirement for admission to Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, and Brooklyn Tech.  To put pencil to paper, test-takers must be 8th or 9th graders and residents of New York City.  Since admission is based exclusively on students’ performance on a one-day test, we recommend thorough preparation.  Get a free copy of the Student Handbook for the Specialized Science High Schools from your school, or call the Board of Education at 917-256-4300 or 718-935-3415.  

If you have the time and resources, you can also hire a tutor, who will work with you or your child on the specific skills tested and review test-taking smarts.  Don't hire any old Joe - make sure you pick a professional who really knows the test.  If you don't know a pro, we do.  Click here for your own list of expert Sci High tutors.

College

  College:  SAT, SAT IIs, PSAT

In this day and age, not prepping for these exams is like giving up 100 points or more.  Study on your own, get a book, take a course - definitely do something.  If you're looking for private help from an expert tutor, we know some who can really boost your score - click here.