Vocabulary
I separate unknown words from reasoning mistakes. Between lessons, I recommend short daily vocabulary practice with flashcards or Anki, including looking up unfamiliar words.
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ADMISSIONSSSAT & ISEE
SSAT & ISEE
preparation.
I prepare students for the verbal, reading, math, and writing work on school admissions tests. I start with the student’s current grade, intended entry grade, and the tests their schools accept.
I help you choose the test and materials.
If a school accepts both tests, I recommend a practice test of each. I compare the section results and the kinds of questions your child found difficult before recommending a direction.
I check the level before assigning materials. SSAT levels follow the student’s current grade: Elementary for grades 3–4, Middle for 5–7, and Upper for 8–11. ISEE levels follow the entry grade: Primary for 2–4, Lower for 5–6, Middle for 7–8, and Upper for 9–12.
What I work on with your child.
SSAT analogies
I ask your child to state the relationship between the first pair of words before choosing the second pair. I teach common analogy patterns and introduce harder examples as those patterns become familiar.
ISEE sentence completions
I ask what meaning the sentence needs before looking at the choices. I work on using context and contrast words to narrow the answer, then check the vocabulary.
Math
I address fractions, ratios, percentages, algebra, and geometry. I ask your child to translate word problems into calculations and explain the steps in their solution.
Reading
I keep the practice passages at the appropriate level. I ask your child to identify the main idea, distinguish a detail from an inference, and point to the words supporting an answer.
Writing
I assign timed drafts and review the organization, details, clarity, and errors. For SSAT preparation, I use creative and personal-response prompts appropriate to the level. I also check whether handwriting or typing is slowing the student down.
THE DIFFERENCES I PLAN AROUND
Similar subjects. Different question types.
I teach the strategy for the particular test and level.
| Area | SSAT | ISEE |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal | Synonyms & analogies | Synonyms & sentence completion |
| Math scores | One Quantitative score | Quantitative Reasoning & Mathematics Achievement |
| Wrong answers | ¼-point deduction | No deduction |
| Writing | Sample sent to schools | Essay sent to schools |
For SSAT Elementary, there is no wrong-answer deduction. I teach guessing decisions for the level your child is taking.
GETTING STARTEDTell me what
Tell me what
you’re working on.
Email me your child’s current grade, intended entry grade, school list, and any practice results. I can then recommend which preparation materials to start with.
Admitted to Lakeside
All testimonialsSSAT preparation · April 2026
Thank you very much for helping me get a good SSAT score which helped my application.
Dave G. · SSAT student