ISEE FAQ - Answers to Your Questions About the ISEE Test
Comprehensive ISEE FAQ: Complete Guide for Parents and Students
Welcome to the most complete ISEE FAQ resource! As educational experts and ISEE specialists, we've compiled answers to over 80 frequently asked questions about the Independent School Entrance Exam. Whether you're just beginning your research or preparing for test day, this guide will help you navigate every aspect of the ISEE process with confidence.
General Information About the ISEE
The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is a standardized admission test created by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB) for students applying to private (independent) schools and some specialized public schools (magnet schools) in the U.S. and internationally. It assesses reading, math, and reasoning skills to help schools compare applicants on a common scale.
Students applying to private schools and select magnet schools for grades 2–12 take the ISEE. Over 1,200 independent schools worldwide accept ISEE scores, including day schools, boarding schools, and specialized academies.
ISEE stands for Independent School Entrance Exam.
The Educational Records Bureau (ERB) creates, administers, and scores the ISEE test.
The ISEE focuses specifically on skills needed for independent school success. Unlike some tests, there's no penalty for wrong answers, encouraging students to attempt every question. It's also designed to assess reasoning and problem-solving skills, not just memorized content.
While primarily used by private schools, some public magnet schools (specialized programs with competitive admission) also require the ISEE.
The ISEE has been used for independent school admissions for several decades and is well-established in the educational community.
Get comprehensive practice materials specifically designed for the Middle Level ISEE format and content.
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Master the most challenging ISEE level with our comprehensive Upper Level preparation materials.
ISEE Test Levels and Grade Applications
There are four main levels:
Primary Level ISEE: For students entering 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grade (with sub-levels for each grade)
Lower Level ISEE: For students entering 5th or 6th grade
Middle Level ISEE: For students entering 7th or 8th grade
Upper Level ISEE: For students entering 9th through 12th grade
Choose the level based on the grade your child is applying to enter, not their current grade. For example, if your 4th grader is applying to 5th grade, they take the Lower Level ISEE.
Generally, no. Students should take the level appropriate for their target grade. Taking a higher level doesn't provide any advantage and may be unnecessarily difficult.
If applying to schools for different entry grades (like both 5th and 6th grade), take the test level for the higher grade you're applying to.
While levels are designed for specific grades, there aren't strict age restrictions. The level is determined by the grade your child is applying to enter.
Test Format and Structure
The Lower, Middle, and Upper Level ISEE consists of five sections:
- Verbal Reasoning (vocabulary and verbal logic)
- Quantitative Reasoning (math reasoning and comparisons)
- Reading Comprehension (passages with questions)
- Mathematics Achievement (grade-level math problems)
- Essay (written expression - not scored by ERB)
- Lower Level: 140 minutes (2 hours 20 minutes) total
- Middle/Upper Level: 160 minutes (2 hours 40 minutes) total
- Primary Level: Approximately 1 hour
Lower Level:
Verbal Reasoning: 34 questions (20 minutes)
Quantitative Reasoning: 38 questions (35 minutes)
Reading Comprehension: 25 questions (25 minutes)
Mathematics Achievement: 30 questions (30 minutes)
Essay: 1 prompt (30 minutes)
Middle/Upper Level:
Verbal Reasoning: 40 questions (20 minutes)
Quantitative Reasoning: 37 questions (35 minutes)
Reading Comprehension: 36 questions (35 minutes)
Mathematics Achievement: 47 questions (40 minutes)
Essay: 1 prompt (30 minutes)
Yes, students typically receive short breaks between sections, though the exact break schedule may vary by test format and location.
No, the essay is not scored by ERB. Instead, a scanned copy is sent to schools to showcase the student's writing ability, organization, and personality.
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"Every week, I give families a list of 15 ISEE vocabulary words, but with a twist. Each word comes with a "family challenge" – like using "gregarious" to describe the family dog, or finding three "meticulous" things mom does around the house.
The magic happens at dinner when everyone shares their examples. Parents, you become vocabulary models when you naturally use these words in conversation. I've watched kids' vocabulary scores jump 20-30 percentile points using this method because they're not just memorizing definitions – they're living with these words.
Pro tip: Don't make it feel like school. Make it playful. Last week, one of my families had a "verbose" contest to see who could tell the longest story about their day. The ISEE student won, and she didn't even realize she was practicing for the sentence completion section.
My advice to parents: Your dinner table is your child's most powerful vocabulary classroom. Use it."
Test Content and Skills Assessed
This section assesses vocabulary knowledge and verbal logic through:
Synonyms: Finding words with similar meanings
Sentence Completion: Choosing words that logically complete sentences
This section tests mathematical reasoning and problem-solving through:
Quantitative Comparisons: Comparing two quantities
Word Problems: Multi-step reasoning problems
Number Relationships: Understanding mathematical relationships
Students read passages and answer questions about:
Main ideas and themes
Supporting details
Inferences and implications
Vocabulary in context
Author's purpose and tone
Literary devices (in fiction passages)
Content varies by level but typically includes:
Lower Level: Basic arithmetic, fractions, decimals, geometry, data interpretation
Middle Level: Pre-algebra, integers, basic statistics, coordinate geometry
Upper Level: Algebra I/II concepts, geometry, statistics, probability
Essay prompts are typically creative or personal, asking students to:
Describe a meaningful experience
Discuss a personal interest or goal
Respond to a hypothetical situation
Express an opinion with supporting reasons
Test Dates and Registration
The ISEE is offered in three formats:
At-home online testing: Taken on a computer at home with remote proctoring
Test center computer-based: Taken on a computer at an official test center
Paper-based testing: Traditional paper-and-pencil format at test centers
You'll need:
A computer with reliable internet connection
Webcam and microphone
Quiet, private testing space
Compatible browser (Chrome recommended)
Yes, at-home tests are monitored by trained proctors via webcam to ensure test security and integrity.
Test Preparation Strategies
Most students benefit from 2-3 months of consistent preparation, though this varies based on the student's current skill level and target scores.
Effective preparation includes:
Familiarizing with test format and timing
Regular practice with sample questions
Building vocabulary systematically
Reviewing grade-appropriate math concepts
Taking full-length practice tests
Developing test-taking strategies
Quality resources include:
Official ERB practice materials
Comprehensive online platforms like TestPrep-Online
Reputable test prep books
Qualified tutors or prep courses
Free online practice questions
Use flashcards with synonyms and definitions
Encourage reading diverse, challenging texts
Practice using new words in context
Study common prefixes, suffixes, and roots
Play word games together
12-Month Family Subscription
Get access to ALL our test prep materials for an entire year! Perfect for families with multiple children or students who want comprehensive preparation across all levels.
Test Day Tips and Logistics
For test center testing:
Photo identification (or parent identification for younger students)
Several sharpened #2 pencils (for paper tests)
Eraser
Water bottle and snack (for breaks)
Plan to arrive 15-30 minutes early to allow time for check-in and to help your child feel settled.
Emphasize that this is just one part of the application
Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing
Remind them to do their best without pressure for perfection
Celebrate their effort regardless of results
Schools and Applications
Over 1,200 schools worldwide accept ISEE scores, including prestigious institutions like:
Trinity School (New York, NY)
Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles, CA)
Phillips Academy Andover (Andover, MA)
Lakeside School (Seattle, WA)
And hundreds of others
Check the ERB website for a comprehensive list of member schools, or contact schools directly to confirm their testing requirements.
This varies by school and application deadline. Many schools require scores by December or January for fall admission, but check specific deadlines.
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"Parents, you can help with this at home. When your child gets something wrong, resist the urge to say "You should have known that." Instead, ask "What kind of mistake was this? Have we seen this pattern before? What's our strategy for catching this next time?"
I've watched kids go from being devastated by wrong answers to getting excited about finding their patterns. One student told me, "I love my careless errors because they're the easiest points to get back!"
The best part? By test day, they've already made and learned from most of their possible mistakes. Their confidence is sky-high because they're not afraid of being imperfect.
My advice to parents: Mistakes aren't failures – they're practice opportunities. Help your child see them that way."
