Competition for High School admissions can, in some cases, be as fierce as gaining entrance to the best college.

SSHAT/SSAT/ISEE
New York City Specialized High Schools Admissions Test is an exam 8th and 9th graders take as part of their applications to six New York City Specialized High Schools. The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Examination) and the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) are used for admission to private middle schools, high schools and boarding schools. Arete coaches work with students to master the approach to the test and to develop strong, strategic test taking skills.

In addition to mastering standardized tests, Arete coaches offer the following:

• Guidance to create a list of preferred schools
• Formulating a plan and timeline for the admissions process
• Essay help for both parents and students
• Developing a powerful brag sheet

Arete specializes in tutoring for all high school level classes including (but not limited to):

• Basic Level Courses
• Honors Level Courses
• Advanced Placement Courses
• Math: Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, Trigonometry
• English: Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, Grammar, Literature
• Science: Chemistry, Biology, Physics
• Social Studies: American History, European History, World History, Government and Economics
• Language: Spanish, German, Chinese, French, etc.

Arete offers standardized test preparation services for the following:

• SSAT
• ISEE
• PSAT

SSAT
The SSAT is used for admission to many independent elementary and high schools. This test measures performance in the areas of verbal skills, math, reading comprehension and essay writing. The SSAT format for all students is the same, but the content is divided into two grade specific iterations; the lower test for grades 5-7 and the upper test for grades 8-11.

Q: How many months in advance should I start preparing?
A: Typically five months in advance.

Q: When is the test offered?
A: The SSAT is usually available in October, November, December, January, February, March, April, and June. As test results are often reviewed by school admissions at the end of the year preceeding school enrollment, your Arete coach can measure your preparedness and make recommendations for optimal timing.

ISEE
The ISEE, like the SSAT, is used for admission to many private elementary, middle, and high schools. This test measures performance in the areas of verbal skills, math, reading comprehension and essay writing. The ISEE format for all students is similar, but the content is divided into three grade specific iterations; lower level (grades 4-5), middle level (grades 6-7) and upper level (grades 8-11).

Q: How many months in advance should I start preparing?
A: We recommend that students typically prepare six to eight months in advance.

Q: When is the test offered?
A: The ISEE is available frequently throughout the year although students are allowed to take the test once every six months.

PSAT
The PSAT is a 130 minute, 5 section test that is taken 1-2 years prior to the SAT. The tests are similar but there are some differences. For example, the The PSAT does not include an essay, the math is more basic and the test is significantly shorter. The PSAT is most often taken in the Fall of 11th grad with results coming in December.

Results in the PSAT are not necessarily an indication of SAT performance. The SAT is a significantly longer exam and requires strong application of test taking strategies. Arete reviews actual SAT test results as an indicator of student status and coaching needs. That said, strong preparation for the PSATs will set the stage for excellent study habits, confidence and better overall results.

We offer programs to prepare for the following Subject Tests:

• Literature
• U.S. History
• World History
• Mathematics Level 1
• Mathematics Level 2
• Biology E/M
• Chemistry
• Physics
• French
• Spanish
• Latin