First generation attendees of private prep schools may find the application process daunting. The application forms, letters of recommendation and personal interviews seem endless. In addition, it may all be for nothing because in some cases, admissions may be about who you know. This can be a problem for those who are new to the elite private school social environment.
The great equalizer in this battle to secure a quality education is the entrance exam. There is nothing that can be of greater value to a first-generation applicant with no connections than the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE).
Here are three reasons why the ISEE can help a first-generation applicant get into the school of their choice.
- Goes Directly to the School
Unlike other admissions exams, the ISEE goes directly to the prospective schools. That means committee members are able to assess student abilities themselves. There is no crude score sent secondhand. Schools can decide themselves whether the student can handle the academic workload of the institution, giving applicants who test well an advantage.
- Essay Portion
Essays can be difficult, especially for young people having to write on a topic off the top of their head. Moreover, ISEE test takers have to write in 30 minutes under intense pressure.
Nevertheless, the essay is also an opportunity to highlight critical thinking skills. It is these skills that the top private academies look for in applicants. They want students who can do more than simply memorize information presented in lectures.
Thus, the wise applicant, especially one who has taken an ISEE prep course, benefits from having to write an essay. They know how to present a coherent, concise thesis statement, along with adequate evidence to buttress this argument. In the end, rather than being a detriment, the essay serves to prove they are ready for prep school life.
- Achievement Versus Aptitude
Achievement tests measure what someone has learned; meanwhile, an aptitude test measures the ability to learn. The ISEE measures both. This can be an advantage.
The ISEE has a Math Achievement section. Thus, it is imperative that potential students take serious math courses and sign up for an ISEE prep course. Unlike the reading and vocabulary sections of aptitude tests, math is universal. The questions are neutral and unbiased. The same is not necessarily true for aptitude tests that inherently privilege the speech of a certain demographic. First-generation students can improve their odds of success by focusing heavily on the math portion to counterbalance any possibility of vocabulary bias in the admissions process.
Getting Into the Best Private Schools
The ISEE is a gatekeeper test for America's exclusive private academies. These institutions are then the means to entry to the top colleges. Anyone serious about improving their chances of getting on the road to a bright future should begin by taking an ISEE prep course. This is especially true for first-generation private schoolers who may not live in an environment where taking these types of tests is common.
For more information, contact Learning Encounters Inc. or a similar company.