ISEE FAQ - Answers to Your Questions About the ISEE Test
TestPrep-Online provides parents with answers to ISEE FAQs. Read on for information regarding the ISEE Test, including the sections on the test, ISEE scoring, and everything else you need to know about the ISEE Test.
About the ISEE
A: The ISEE is a school admission test developed and administered by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB) and was developed for ERB member schools. It serves as an entrance exam by several independent and magnet schools (a magnet school is a public school with a specialized curriculum and courses) throughout the U.S. as well as abroad. The ISEE test provides a standard assessment of each applicant’s skills as well as ranking of abilities and achievements compared to other applicants. Click here to learn more about the ISEE Test.
Q: What is the importance of the ISEE Test?
A: The ISEE Test is used for admissions purposes for schools that are members of the Educational Records Bureau (ERB). This includes several independent and magnet schools (a magnet school is a public school with a specialized curriculum and courses) throughout the U.S. as well as abroad. The ISEE test provides a standard assessment of each applicant’s skills as well as ranking of abilities and achievements compared to other applicants.
Preparing for the ISEE Test
Q: How can I help my child prepare for the ISEE?
A: Help your child become familiar with the content and the format of the ISEE Test through preparation. Practicing for the ISEE is essential to your child’s success, so be sure to allow for plenty of time to practice. Determining the best way to practice may be difficult. With TestPrep-Online’s comprehensive, grade-specific ISEE Practice Test, your child come to the test prepared to succeed.
What is on the ISEE?
| Level | Grades | Total Amount of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| ISEE Primary | 1-3 (entry to grade 2-4) | 48-56 Questions |
| ISEE Lower Level | 4-5 (entry to grades 5-6) | 127 questions + essay |
| ISEE Middle Level | 6-7 (entry to grades 7-8) | 160 questions + essay |
| ISEE Upper Level | 8-11 (entry to grades 9-12) | 160 questions + essay |
| ISEE Section | Question Type(s) | Total Amount of Questions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Level | Middle + Upper Level | ||
| ISEE Verbal Reasoning | Synonym + Sentence Completion | 34 questions | 40 questions |
| ISEE Quantitative Reasoning | Word Problems + Quantitative Comparisons | 38 questions | 37 questions |
| ISEE Reading Comprehension | Passages + relevant questions | 5 passages + 25 questions | 6 passages + 36 questions |
| ISEE Math (Mathematics Achievement) | Word Problems | 30 questions | 47 questions |
| ISEE Essay | 1 Essay Prompt | 1 essay | 1 essay |
The verbal and quantitative reasoning sections assess the student’s reasoning abilities, while the reading comprehension and mathematics achievement sections assess the student’s ability to respond correctly to curriculum standards.
Sections 1-4 are completely made up of multiple choice questions. ISEE scores are reported in percentile ranks. The essay, however, is not graded. Rather, it is sent to the school (or schools) for which the student is applying for entry, along with the rest of the ISEE test scores. Therefore, the essay is a very important part of taking tests. To prepare well for writing, you can use resources such as Essay Tigers.
Q: How many questions are on the ISEE Test and how much time is given to complete the test?
A: The amount of questions and time allotted differs between the Lower Level ISEE and the Middle and Upper Levels:
| Lower Level ISEE | ||
|---|---|---|
| Section | Amount of Questions | Allotted Time |
| Verbal Reasoning | 34 questions | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 38 questions | 35 minutes |
| Reading Comprehension | 5 passages + 25 questions | 25 minutes |
| Math (Mathematics Achievement) | 30 questions | 30 minutes |
| Essay | 1 Essay Prompt | 30 minutes |
| Total | 127 questions + 1 essay | 140 minutes (2 hours + 20 minutes) |
| Middle + Upper Levels ISEE | ||
|---|---|---|
| Section | Amount of Questions | Allotted Time |
| Verbal Reasoning | 40 questions | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 37 questions | 35 minutes |
| Reading Comprehension | 6 passages + 36 questions | 35 minutes |
| Math (Mathematics Achievement) | 47 questions | 40 minutes |
| Essay | 1 Essay Prompt | 30 minutes |
| Total | 160 questions + 1 essay | 160 minutes (2 hours + 40 minutes) |
ISEE Test Scores
Q: How is the ISEE Test scored?
A: The ISEE provides four different scores, one for each section, except for the Essay. The majority of schools take into consideration each separate score as well as the average of the four scores: raw score, scaled score, percentile ranking, and stanine score. The raw score indicates the amount of questions answered correctly and then translates to the scaled score, which has a range of 760-940. The percentile ranking is used to compare students to others in the norm in the same grade and age group who have taken the test of the three years prior. Click here to read more about how ISEE scores are calculated.
Q: When will I receive my child’s scores?
A: Scores will be received either via the mail, 7-10 business days after the test is administered, or, for an additional fee, scores can be posted online the Monday following the ISEE Test. If the test is taken online, the scores will be posted once the test is scored. Click here to read more about receiving ISEE scores.
Q: What ISEE score does my child need in order to be admitted to an independent/magnet school?
A: The ISEE scores required may vary among different private schools, as some schools require higher scores than others. Some schools may not even have a minimum score requirement. Schools generally take into consideration several things when considering a student for admission, such as recommendations, application essays, etc.
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