Entrance Exam Information

College Prep requires that all applicants take either the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) or the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) as part of the application process. The Admissions Office has no preference between the ISEE and the SSAT. Below is some general information about these tests.

ISEE Information

You may register to take the ISEE exam either online at the Educational Records Bureau (ERB) website (www.iseetest.org), via phone 1-800-446-0320, via mail, or via fax. Registration typically begins in late August. Please note that registering through the mail or online ($78) is twenty dollars less expensive than registering by either phone or fax ($98). The 2007-2008 ISEE student guide is available for download here or by contacting ERB at 1-800-989-3721, x312. . A study guide, What to Expect on the ISEE including sample questions is availble directly from the ISEE by clicking here. The cost of the book is $15.

Applicants should indicate on the ISEE registration form that College Prep is to receive test scores. The ISEE code number for College Prep is 052192. The ISEE will be given at College Prep on the mornings of Saturday, January 19, 2008 and Sunday, January 20, 2008; the registration deadline for these test dates is December 29, 2007. Applicants need not take the test at College Prep; several test dates and local sites are available. Testing dates, sites, and registration deadlines are listed in the Student Guide under “East Bay (CA).” Early registration is advised, as local test sites fill up quickly.

A very limited number of ISEE Ben D. Wood fee waivers are available for families proving need. Please call Nettie Anthony-Harris or Jonathan Zucker at (510) 652-4364 to request a fee waiver.

SSAT Information

College Prep accepts SSAT scores in lieu of ISEE scores to offer greater convenience to our applicants. Online registration for the SSAT will be available beginning August 6, 2007 at www.ssat.org. A study guide, Preparing and Applying for Independent School Admission and the SSAT, is available for $25 by clicking here.

Students may take the SSAT at a number of Bay Area locations. A student registration guide, which includes local testing sites as well as registration information is available from the College Prep Admissions Office or directly from SSAT. There are four SSAT testing dates (all Saturdays) that occur in time for scores to be considered for the College Prep application. These are October 13, November 10, December 8, and January 12. The registration deadline for each of these tests is approximately three weeks prior to the test date. Applicants should indicate on the SSAT registration form that College Prep is to receive test scores. The SSAT code number for College Prep is 2484.