<p>My child is applying to NYC private HS for 9th grade 2012. We were given a list of schools by are exe admissions: Chapin, Spence, Riverdale, Fieldston, Friends (NYC), either Sacred Heart or Marymount. I am not really all that familiar with these schools. A concern of mine is what type of ISEE or SSAT scores are these schools looking for? So far, child has straight A's and straight A"s on final exams. Anyone have any up to date knowledge?</p>
<p>Try asking your question in the Private School Forum: [Prep</a> School Admissions - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/prep-school-admissions/]Prep”>Prep School Admissions - College Confidential Forums)</p>
<p>With that list, your daughter will take at least two and preferably three tests:
ISEE for Chapin, Fieldston, Friends, Marymount, Sacred Heart
ISEE or SSAT for Riverdale
in house test for Spence.
One strategy is to sign up for the earliest SSAT as a practice run for the ISEE.
The tests are different, but the experience of high-stakes testing can be stressful.<br>
She should take some practice tests early in the summer to see how much preparation is warranted before the testing in the fall. Depending on the middle school math curriculum, many 8th graders with similar records are surprised to find that their math knowledge is not sufficient and that additional instruction is necessary.
The expected scores for successful admission will depend in part on the strength of the rest of her application and the school averages are not very useful, even if you were able to get that information.</p>
<p>My DD is a junior at nightingale bamford–another school you might consider. There’s a big shift in 9th grade: from all girls to co-ed, from day school to boarding (i.e. they leave the city private school system completely). The bigger co-ed schools like Riverdale also expand the class size in 9th grade. Is your daughter coming from a good public school? An A student has quite a good shot, but the test is also important. Practice tests are a great idea–you can see where she stands. Feel free to pm me if you have questions.</p>
<p>This is a really large range of schools with very different philosophies, cultures, etc. Taking the entrance exams is one thing, but you need to get familiar with all of these schools as part of the application process. Since you are applying during the coming year, you need to take a tour of each school during their touring season. I would strongly suggest contacting their admissions offices now to register for tours, as these fill up fast. During the tour, each school will let you know exactly what you need to do as part of the process, which will include different things, including the standardized tests. Your child should go on these tours and will also probably need to interview at the schools. First step: contact the admissions offices.</p>