Changes are in the works for secondary school admissions applications! In December 2024, the creators of the SSAT and ISEE, the Enrollment Management Association (EMA) and the Educational Records Bureau (ERB), respectively, officially signed an agreement to merge. The merger unites the two leading developers of standardized secondary school admissions exams and will impact independent schools, students, and families.
The Vision Behind the Merger
The EMA and ERB have stated that the goal of the merger is to combine the strengths of both organizations in order to provide improved tools and tests that meet the changing needs of students and educators. The aim is to focus on promoting fairness, access, and inclusion, with the goal of making independent school education available to more students from diverse backgrounds.
Timeline and Next Steps
The merger is expected to be completed by early 2025, once final agreements are in place. Afterward, the intent is to make the tools and resources developed by both EMA and ERB available to families and schools.
What This Means for Families
At Private Prep, we know that changes in standardized testing can feel overwhelming. We want to reassure our families that we are keeping a close eye on these developments. As the merger progresses, we will update our programs and resources to ensure they align with any changes. We anticipate that ultimately the new organization may choose to offer only the ISEE or only the SSAT, or it may create a new test combining the two. Neither change is anticipated in the current testing cycle, though. Our team is here to provide guidance and support every step of the way.
Staying Informed
Learn more about the EMA and ERB merger in the official announcement: EMA and ERB Intent to Merge.
Private Prep is here to help families navigate the admissions process with confidence. We are committed to giving students the tools they need to succeed and are excited about the opportunities this merger may bring. Have questions about SSAT and ISEE preparation? Contact us to learn how we can help.
