Standardized testing requirement

About 
The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) consists of four multiple choice sections (verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension and mathematics achievement) and a timed essay. Detailed information is available at erblearn.org.

Grade and exam levels  
Levels are based on the grade to which the student is applying. 
Grades 5 and 6: lower level exam
Grades 7 and 8: middle level exam
Grade 9 and above: upper level exam

Register
Search for test sites and dates at www.erblearn.org 

Testing locations and options

• ISEE At Home computer based testing

• At a host school close to your home - paper-based, in person

• At the American School in London - paper-based, in person
• At a Prometric center in North America or around the globe. - computer-based, by appointment at a testing center

Cost and fee waivers
Between $155 and $235 with additional fees for late registration. Fee waivers are available on request to families applying for financial aid. 

Sending scores  Please ensure testing scores are sent directly to ASL by referencing our school code, 724412, during registration. 

Note  The dates on the ISEE website are in US format (mm/dd/yy)

ISEE helpline
1 (800) 446-0320 
iseeoperations@erblearn.org
9 am-5 pm, EST
Monday-Friday

About
The Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT) begins with a timed writing prompt and ends with multiple choice sections in verbal reasoning, reading and quantitative skills. Detailed information is available at ssat.org.

Grade and exam levels  - Applicants to Grades 6 - 12
Levels are based on the grade the student is currently in. 
Students in Grades 5-7: middle level exam
Students in Grades 8-11: upper level exam

Testing location options

• At a host school close to your home - paper-based, in person

• The American School in London proctored  -  paper-based (on campus)
• Prometric (computer-based testing center) located around the world. 
• At-home, computer-based option. Available in the US and Canada only.

Register
Search for test sites and dates at ssat.org

Cost and fee waivers
Between $172 and $258 depending on option and location. Fee waivers are available on request to families applying for financial aid. 

Sending scores  Please ensure testing scores are sent directly to ASL by referencing our school code, M740, during registration. 

Note  The dates on the SSAT website are in US format (mm/dd/yy)

SSAT help
1 (800) 683-4440
9 am-5 pm, EST
Monday-Friday
support page

MAP testing
ASL accepts MAP testing from students who can provide a history of results covering more than one testing season and includes both mathematics and reading. Students may have taken this test in their current school. For example, if the student has scores from fall 2023 and spring 2024 or spring 2024 and fall 2024, MAP scores will meet this admissions requirement. 

If MAPs are given in your child's school, results may have been shared alongside your student's report card or be available from the school on request. 

The Comprehensive Testing Program from the ERB (CTP) is given to some students in school as part of their internal assessment schedule. This is most commonly used in U.S. private schools. If your child has recent CTP scores, these can be used to fulfil the standardized testing requirement.  

The PSAT, SAT and ACT are common US tests that are supported by most US high school programs and accepted as part of most US university admissions. Usually, students will be guided through registration at their current school. 

• PSAT information
• SAT information
• ACT information

Please note that this requirement is distinct from UK SATs testing, which we do not accept. 

Examples of standardized tests we do not accept include IOWAs, CAT (Cognititve Abilities Test), TerraNova, International Schools Assessment (ISAs), Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEBs), UK SATS and US state testing.

Students with documented learning differences or other health impairments may be eligible for testing accommodations, including allowances for extra time, assistive technology, large-print formats and typed essays.

Accommodations must be approved in advance by the companies overseeing each test and registration, testing dates and options may differ from those listed on this page. Be sure to plan in advance as the approval process may take up to six weeks. For more information, please review the accommodations information on each provider's website. 

 

Specific information about each exam can be found on the providers' websites but we are most often asked the following questions. 

How does ASL use the testing scores for admissions? 

The admissions committee reviews each application holistically; standardized testing scores are never a deciding factor in our admissions process. Rather, testing scores are viewed in the context of the complete file where a child's success and engagement across school years provides the most valuable information. Exam scores provide one objective measurement we consider as we review applicants from a variety of schools, curricula and backgrounds.

How much should I prepare my child for the ISEE or SSAT?

We only recommend light preparation for our testing requirement. Test providers offer very good resources on their websites with sample questions and preparation advice. We do encourage families to use these resources with their child. We do not recommend tutoring or intensive preparation. 

What scores must my child receive to gain admissions? 

We do not use a passing score when making offers of admissions. Scores are viewed alongside other documentation to gain the widest view of each application. If you have concerns about your child's testing scores or are unsure how to interpret the results, please contact admissions to discuss. Oftentimes, families worry needlessly over perfectly acceptable scores.

Is the ISEE or SSAT better for my child?

The two exams are very similar and there is no meaningful difference in the format or type of question. Choose the exam that is most convenient for your schedule and location. The online/at-home ISEE exam is the most accessible.

Should I have my child take more than one exam?

We strongly discourage this practice as it is often unnecessary and is burdensome on a child. If you have concerns about your child's scores or if there was a condition or disruption during the test that you believe meaningfully affected your child's performance, please speak with us before registering for another exam. Testing providers often limit the frequency a student can take an exam so please read their information carefully.