Admission

ISEE Testing

ISEE Information

Students applying for grades 5–11 are required to take an admissions test as part of the application process. Miami Country Day School (MCDS) prefers the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE), but will also accept the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT).

Students living outside the Miami area may take the ISEE or SSAT at any test location. For the ISEE visit, www.iseetest.org for national and international dates and locations and for the SSAT, visit www.ssat.org

When registering, you will need to know:
  1. Your desired test date
  2. Test center location and school code
  3. School code(s) for the school(s) where you would like the scores to be sent
The MCDS School Code for the ISEE is 102029. For the SSAT our School Code is 5055.

Please remember that to be considered for MCDS admission, you should take the test no later than January 29, 2020. Applicant files with testing results received after January 31, 2020 will be considered on a space available basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 13 items.

  • Does it matter where I take the test?

    NO, you may take the test at any location worldwide. Just indicate that you would like the ISEE or SSAT results sent to MCDS by entering our ISEE school code (102029) or SSAT school code (5055) when you register.

  • How often can I take the Admission test?

    Students may register to take the ISEE up to three times in a 12-month cycle, once in any or all of the testing seasons. The seasons are Fall (August - November), Winter (December - March), Spring/Summer (April - July).

    The SSAT may be taken once a month.

  • When can my child take the ISEE at Miami Country Day School?

    Your child can take the ISEE at Miami Country Day School on the following dates:
    • November 9th 2019
    • December 14th 2019
    • January 11th 2020

    • Does it matter when I take the test?

      YES, our application document deadline is: January 31, 2020.
       
      You must take the test no later than January 29, 2020 so that the results will get to us before our admissions committees meet.

    • How do I register for the ISEE test?

      You may register online for the ISEE. The testing fee is $120. To access online registration, please go to this link.

      Registration is also available by calling 1-800-446-0320. There is a $25 additional charge for phone registration. The total cost for phone registration is $135.

    • How do I register for the SSAT test?

      You may register online for the SSAT. The testing fee is $139. To access online registration, please go to this link. 

    • Is there a deadline for registration?

      The registration deadline is three weeks before the test date for both the ISEE and SSAT. The late registration deadline is two weeks before the test date, and there is an additional $25 late fee for the ISEE and a $45 late fee for the SSAT.

    • How can I study and prepare for the Admission test?

      The best way to prepare for the ISEE is to review the "What to Expect on the ISEE" section of the www.iseetest.org website. We recommend reviewing the “Prepare for the SSAT” section of the www.ssat.org website for SSAT preparation material.
       
      These sites review test-taking strategies, help you familiarize yourself with the format, content, and structure of the tests. As well as have online practice tests and sample test questions. The test is only one piece of information that is considered as part of your admission application.
       
      Some students prefer to receive test preparation with a tutor. Miami Country Day School's Student Success Network has private and semi-private options available. More information is available here or by calling 305-779-7211. 

    • Do all applicants for grades 5–12 take the same test?

      NO, there are three levels of the test, Lower Level for applicants to grades 5–6, Middle Level for applicants to grades 7–8, and Upper Level for applicants to grades 9–12. Within each group, scores are normed by grade level.

    • What are the hours of the test?

      Check-in at MCDS for the ISEE at 8:15 am. The test will usually conclude around 12:00 pm. There are two short breaks. Please arrive between 8:10 and 8:15 am. Other national and international locations will have different schedules. Check www.iseetest.org.

    • Do I need to bring anything to the test?

      We will provide pencils, pens, and snacks, but you are welcome to bring your own. The testing rooms may get a little chilly, and we recommend that all students bring a sweater or sweatshirt.

      Parents, please be sure to bring the registration verification letter and identification for your child (i.e., birth certificate, report card, school ID, passport, or driver's license)

    • How will my scores be reported to the schools?

      At the time of registration, you may designate schools to receive your scores. This service is included in your registration fee. Please enter the MCDS ISEE code (102029) or the MCDS SSAT code (5055) to ensure your child's scores will be released to MCDS.

    • What if I cannot test on any of the listed test dates?

      Please call the Admissions Office at 305-779-7230.
    Miami Country Day School is a college preparatory learning community committed to educating the whole child. Through the core values of honor, respect, wisdom and compassion, we prepare students to be lifelong learners. We inspire our children to develop their intellectual, physical, aesthetic, social, emotional and spiritual potentials by valuing every student every day.
     

    Every Student. Every Day.

    Miami Country Day School

     
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