If you are navigating the independent school world, you have likely heard two acronyms thrown around a lot: ERBs and ISEE. Because both tests are developed by the exact same company (the Educational Records Bureau), they share a massive amount …
The end of the school year brings a well-deserved sigh of relief. While the summer months are primarily a time to rest, recharge, and step away from the daily academic routine, they also offer a quiet window to look ahead. …
Every summer, families face a familiar tension: how to let students enjoy a well-deserved break from the classroom while ensuring they don’t lose the hard-earned academic progress they made over the past nine months. The phenomenon often referred to as …
If you’re a middle schooler preparing for the ISEE or ERB tests, you’ve probably noticed something: the vocabulary is… intense. We’re talking about words like gregarious and pugnacious – words that most 6th graders aren’t dropping on the daily. The …
Big middle school standardized tests like the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) and CTP (aka the ERBs) put a student’s vocabulary skills under the microscope. Some questions require knowledge of absolute vocabulary, like Synonyms and Antonyms, while other questions offer …
What are the ERBs? The ERB-CTP (Comprehensive Testing Program), or more commonly referred in schools “ERBs”, are standardized assessments created by the Educational Records Bureau, an organization that works with independent and private schools, as well as some public schools. …
The ISEE essay isn’t scored, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t matter. Admissions officers at private schools do read it. They’re looking for clear thinking, logical organization, age-appropriate voice, and writing mechanics, all under the pressure of the clock. Below …
The ISEE Format Decision: Why It Matters When signing up for the ISEE, one of the first decisions families face is how their student will take the test: on paper or online. While both versions assess the same content, the …
The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) can feel like a big hurdle—but knowing what to expect can make all the difference, especially when it comes to math. The ISEE includes two math sections: Quantitative Reasoning and Mathematics Achievement. While they …
As the school year wraps up and 5th graders complete their ERB prep, it’s a great time to start thinking about the next step: preparing for the ISEE! The ERB provides a strong foundation for ISEE prep, especially if your …