April 13 Update Compass has confirmed that this year's Commended Student cutoff has fallen to 208. Based on the lower number of top scorers in this year's class, the drop…
Read More
Amid wide-scale test cancellations in 2020, most colleges in the U.S. chose to go test optional during the initial wave of COVID-19. Although some schools announced that the policy change would…
Read More
An SSAT flex test is when a student takes the paper-based test on a non-standard test date. A student may choose to take a flex test for an additional fee…
Read More
Students should generally plan on taking the SSAT two or three times. Most see a score increase during their second attempt, as familiarity with the format and pacing reduces test-day…
Read More
In September 2024, The Enrollment Management Association (EMA) and Educational Records Bureau (ERB) announced their intent to merge. EMA is the purveyor of the SSAT and ERB administers the ISEE.…
Read More
Compass has compiled the most recently available testing policy and score range data for some of the most popular private secondary day and boarding schools in the U.S. The mid-50%…
Read More
The ISEE at-home option gives students the flexibility to test in a familiar environment without sacrificing the structure and security of an official administration. ERB has administered more than 85,000…
Read More
In 2025, the classic ACT test was shortened and redesigned. The science test is now optional, and the remaining three subjects (English, reading, math) make up the “enhanced ACT.” All…
Read More
Below we cover the most frequently asked questions about the National Merit Scholarship Program. Please see our National Merit Semifinalist Cutoffs page for the latest information on actual and projected…
Read More
At Compass, we guide our families forward by working backward. Spring is when most of our long term planning conversations with sophomores begin, as their actions over the next 18…
Read More
