Testing

What test do I have to take?

How do I register for your administration of the test?

Where and when are your tests administered?

How do I know which test to take?

Who do I send the testing registration form to?

How can I get more testing booklets?

How do I get a fee waiver for testing?


The Application Sections

There is so much here!  When is it all due?


Interview Days

How do the interview days work?


Information Sessions

How do I attend an information session?


Distribution

Who should I distribute applications to?

Testing FAQ

What test do I have to take?

All applicants must take either the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) or the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Examination). Most independent day schools prefer the ISEE and most boarding schools prefer the SSAT. For information on which test the schools in your area prefer, contact your regional A Better Chance office. For more information about the tests visit http://www.ssat.org/ or http://www.erbtest.org/parents/admissions/isee.

How do I register for your administration of the test? 

A Better Chance administers both the ISEE and SSAT. On the application in section P5, simply select the test you wish to take based on the region in which you live. Your regional Program Manager  will send you test confirmation materials once they receive your application with a completed test registration section. If you are unable to take one of the tests with us you must contact the agency directly to register for a national administration of the exam. It is not possible to register for the national exam using the A Better Chance application because those forms are distributed nationally.

Where and when are your tests administered?

On section P5 of the application you will find a list of dates for A Better Chance administrations of the tests by region. Once you select a test and submit the application you will be notified of the exact time and location. 

Test Preparation:

A Better Chance does not offer test preparation classes. Test preparation books are available at any major bookstore. For more information about the SSAT visit www.ssat.org. For more information about the ISEE visit http://www.erbtest.org/parents/admissions/isee.

Fee Waivers:

The cost of the ISEE is $78 and the cost of the SSAT is $100. A Better Chance has a limited number of fee waivers for applicants. Fee waivers are distributed to families with demonstrated financial need and on a first come first serve basis. To be considered for a fee waiver, Part 1 of the A Better Chance application must be completed and received by the National Office before the test registration deadline. No one is guaranteed a fee waiver.

Note:  If you do not receive a fee waiver, you must bring a money order made out to "A Better Chance" to the test.  No checks will be accepted.


Recipient Codes:

In order for A Better Chance to receive the applicant’s score report, the applicant must enter our code in the score reporting section of the registration form. The codes are provided below:
SSAT: 1024
ISEE: 222665
If these codes are not included on the test registration form, A Better Chance will not receive your test scores and your application will be incomplete.

Application FAQ

There is so much here!  When is it all due?

Part 1 (Parent and Candidate Sections) is due by October 1. Part 2 (School Section) is due on November 1.  The later your application is received the more limited opportunities for placement become. Please complete and submit your application by the deadline dates.

Interview FAQ

How do the interview days work?

Once we receive a completed Part 1, you will receive an invitation to attend an interview day. Interviews are not required but highly recommended. Interview days are the only opportunity to be interviewed – we do not do phone interviews or schedule alternate dates.

Information Sessions FAQ

How do I attend an information session?

If you would like to request an information session for your school or organization, or attend an already scheduled information session in your area please contact your Regional Program Manager.

Distribution FAQ

Who should I distribute applications to?

The students that we accept into our program are talented students of color – that is, they are African-American, Hispanic, Asian American, Native American or biracial. They are usually in the top 10% of their class, with at least a B average.  We only accept applications for grades 6 through 11.  At the time of application, then, candidates must be in grades 5 though 10.