NYC Private School Admissions Trends in 2018

NYC Private School Admissions Trends in 2018 What We Noticed This Year ISEE and SSAT: My students applying to NYC private schools are taking these tests more than once, and typically seeing score gains on the second administration.The ISEE is required for admission to NYC private middle or high school--you can also take the SSAT, … Continue reading NYC Private School Admissions Trends in 2018

Does Studying for the ISEE Help You For the SAT?

Yes.  Our recommended tutor emailed Abacus Mom: Preparing for the ISEE is very helpful in preparing for the SAT & PSAT. Much of the test is the same such as the sentence completions, reading comprehension, and much of the math. There are sections that are only on the SAT, such as the grammar sections, but … Continue reading Does Studying for the ISEE Help You For the SAT?

This Tip Will Help You Rock Your NYC Private School Interview

As an educational consultant who has helped families prepare for private school interviews for over twelve years, I can confidently say that the most common mistake parents and middle and high school students make is not talking enough about themselves.  People assume that others have their strengths and backgrounds when in actuality each of us … Continue reading This Tip Will Help You Rock Your NYC Private School Interview

ISEE / SSAT: Which Test Should My Child Take – ISEE or SSAT – and When Should S/he Take It?

Anthony-James Green, New York's top ISEE and SSAT tutor, knows.  He and I are currently writing a brief guide to taking the ISEE and SSAT for private high school and middle school admission. If your child will be taking the ISEE or SSAT, now is the time to start thinking about math and verbal prep.  … Continue reading ISEE / SSAT: Which Test Should My Child Take – ISEE or SSAT – and When Should S/he Take It?

Manhattan Overflowing with Gifted Preschoolers, Naturally

Barbara Martinez of The Wall Street Journal today addresses the growth in the number of children testing as gifted:  Parents Fret as Kids Seek 'Gifted' Status  Martinez writes that the number of incoming kindergarteners taking the OLSAT and Bracken to get into NYC G & T programs increased by 13%, as did the number of children … Continue reading Manhattan Overflowing with Gifted Preschoolers, Naturally

How Do You Get Into Top NYC Private High Schools and Middle Schools?

What exactly do top private high schools and middle schools want from applicants? In short, private high schools and middle schools want students who have it all: • Top ERB (ISEE) or SSAT scores• Excellent grades• Strong extracurriculars• Impressive student interviews• Well written and interesting essays As you might expect, private schools look for the … Continue reading How Do You Get Into Top NYC Private High Schools and Middle Schools?

ERB (ISEE): When Should I Take the ERB (ISEE) to Get Into a NYC Private High School or Middle School?

Generally, it's best to take the ERB (ISEE) in December.  The ISEE is an academic-based test, the more you have learned, the better you do.  You're graded against a same-grade based peer group. From the ERB, the people who administer the ISEE: It is important to note that the ISEE may not be taken for … Continue reading ERB (ISEE): When Should I Take the ERB (ISEE) to Get Into a NYC Private High School or Middle School?

More on ERB (ISEE) Scoring Mistake

Thank you to Abacus Mom reader Al Binetti, who wrote in today with an interesting ISEE question: Glad to see that your students got in. Funny, if the test is so unimportant why do they give it, and why do they give ERB President Dr. David Clune close to $400,000 per year in total compensation … Continue reading More on ERB (ISEE) Scoring Mistake

ISEE for NYC Middle School and High School: It’s a Little Late Now: ISEE Misgraded

Sarah Maslin Nir of The New York Times reports that 7,000 students received incorrect grades from the Educational Records Bureau (ERB) on their Lower Level or Upper Level ISEE exam.  7,000 Private School Applicants Got Incorrect Scores, Company Says Funny that caught in this embarrassing situation, the ERB played down the importance of the ISEE: Parents of the … Continue reading ISEE for NYC Middle School and High School: It’s a Little Late Now: ISEE Misgraded

NYC and Westchester 6th Grade and Private Middle School Decisions are Out!

We're thrilled to announce that our clients applying to sixth / 6th grade and middle school at NYC and Westchester private schools have been accepted so far to: Riverdale Horace Mann Fieldston Hackley Friends Packer Grace with more good news coming in daily! Congratulations!! For help with next year's sixth grade and private middle school … Continue reading NYC and Westchester 6th Grade and Private Middle School Decisions are Out!