ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam)
What is the ISEE and how should students prepare for it?
The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is a standardized test used by private and independent schools for admission into grades 2–12. It assesses verbal reasoning, math skills, reading comprehension, and writing ability. The test is available at four levels—Primary, Lower, Middle, and Upper—based on the student’s current grade. To prepare, students should take diagnostic tests, review core subjects, and practice with full-length timed exams. Consistent preparation helps improve scores, build confidence, and increase chances of admission to competitive schools.
ISEE – Independent School Entrance Exam Guide
What Is the ISEE?
The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is a standardized test used by private and independent schools around the United States and internationally for admission into elementary, middle, and high school grades. Developed by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB), the ISEE evaluates a student’s academic readiness and potential through a series of timed sections.
The test is available at multiple levels based on the student’s current grade and intended school year:
| ISEE Level | Grades Applying To | Current Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Level | Grades 2–4 | Grades 1–3 |
| Lower Level | Grade 5–6 | Grades 4–5 |
| Middle Level | Grade 7–8 | Grades 6–7 |
| Upper Level | Grades 9–12 | Grades 8–11 |
ISEE Test
The ISEE is composed of five sections (except the Primary Level, which is shorter):
Verbal Reasoning – Synonyms and sentence completions to assess vocabulary and reasoning skills
Quantitative Reasoning – Math reasoning and problem-solving (not all questions require calculation)
Reading Comprehension – Reading passages followed by comprehension questions
Mathematics Achievement – Grade-level math skills and calculation-based questions
Essay (Writing Sample) – A 30-minute writing prompt (unscored but reviewed by schools)
How the ISEE Is Scored
Each of the four multiple-choice sections (Verbal, Quantitative, Reading, and Math) is scored individually. The scoring includes:
Scaled Scores (760–940)
Percentile Rank – Compares a student’s performance to others in the same grade
Stanine Score (1–9) – A simplified 9-point scale where 5 is average
The Essay is not scored but is sent to schools as a writing sample.
ISEE Testing Options
The ISEE can be taken in several formats:
Online or Paper Test – At school, testing center, or at home (proctored)
At-Home Testing – Secure online exam administered remotely
Prometric Test Centers – Computer-based testing nationwide
Students can take the ISEE up to three times per academic year—once per testing season: Fall, Winter, and Spring/Summer.
Free ISEE Diagnostic Tests by Level and Subject
ISEE Lower Level Diagnostic Tests (Grades 4–5 Applicants)
ISEE Lower Level Verbal Diagnostic Tests
These tests focus on vocabulary, synonyms, and sentence completion questions. Students build foundational verbal reasoning skills essential for reading comprehension and language development.
ISEE Lower Level Quantitative Diagnostic Tests
Covers logical problem-solving, number patterns, and basic math reasoning. These tests help students develop the critical thinking needed for quantitative success.
ISEE Lower Level Math Diagnostic Tests
Assesses grade-level math knowledge including addition, subtraction, fractions, and simple geometry. Perfect for building a solid math foundation.
ISEE Lower Level Reading Diagnostic Tests
Includes short reading passages followed by comprehension questions to evaluate reading skills like identifying main ideas, supporting details, and inferences.
ISEE Middle Level Diagnostic Tests (Grades 6–7 Applicants)
ISEE Middle Level Verbal Diagnostic Tests
Designed to strengthen advanced vocabulary and analogical thinking. Students practice with synonym and sentence completion exercises similar to those on the real exam.
ISEE Middle Level Quantitative Diagnostic Tests
Focuses on algebraic reasoning, number patterns, and word problems that test math logic and conceptual understanding.
ISEE Middle Level Math Diagnostic Tests
Covers arithmetic, decimals, percentages, basic algebra, and geometry. These tests help students pinpoint specific math areas for improvement.
ISEE Middle Level Reading Diagnostic Tests
Features longer, more complex passages with inference, tone, and comprehension questions. Prepares students for time management and critical reading.
ISEE Upper Level Diagnostic Tests (Grades 8–11 Applicants)
ISEE Upper Level Verbal Diagnostic Tests
Includes challenging vocabulary, analogies, and sentence completions. These diagnostic tests are ideal for students applying to elite high schools.
ISEE Upper Level Quantitative Diagnostic Tests
Tests high-level reasoning through algebra, data analysis, and advanced number operations. Great for sharpening logical thinking and exam pacing.
ISEE Upper Level Math Diagnostic Tests
Covers a wide range of concepts including algebra, geometry, probability, and functions. These tests help students refine calculation skills and accuracy.
ISEE Upper Level Reading Diagnostic Tests
Presents demanding reading passages from literature, history, and science. Students build skills in analyzing structure, argument, and author’s purpose.
Why Use ISEE Diagnostic Tests?
Assess current skill level by section
Target weak areas for improvement
Practice under realistic testing conditions
Build confidence and test-taking strategy
Track performance over time
Start preparing smarter with diagnostic insights that help students maximize their ISEE score and gain admission to their top-choice school.
Why Practice for the ISEE?
The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is a competitive and challenging test used by top independent schools to assess a student’s academic readiness. Practicing for the ISEE is essential—not just to improve scores, but to build confidence, reduce test anxiety, and strengthen core academic skills.
Here’s why ISEE practice matters:
1. Familiarity with Test Format
The ISEE includes five timed sections with multiple-choice and essay components. Practicing helps students get used to the structure, question types, and pacing—so there are no surprises on test day.
2. Improved Time Management
Time pressure is one of the biggest challenges of the ISEE. Practice tests teach students how to budget their time, skip tough questions, and return to them later.
3. Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses
Diagnostic practice tests pinpoint specific subject areas that need improvement—whether it’s vocabulary, algebra, reading comprehension, or math logic.
4. Increased Accuracy and Speed
Repeated practice improves both accuracy and speed, helping students answer more questions correctly within the time limit.
5. Builds Confidence
The more students practice, the more confident and less anxious they feel. Confidence plays a big role in performance, especially during a high-stakes test.
6. Higher Scores = More Opportunities
Strong ISEE scores open doors to elite private and independent schools. Practicing gives students a competitive edge and increases chances of admission and scholarships.
Tip: Begin practicing at least 2–3 months in advance, using level-specific diagnostic tests and full-length simulations. Track progress and adjust your strategy as needed.
Practicing for the ISEE isn’t just about doing well on the test—it’s about unlocking better academic opportunities and setting a foundation for future success.
ISEE FAQ – Independent School Entrance Exam
The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is a standardized test used by private and independent schools worldwide to assess the academic readiness of applicants from grades 2 through 12.
Students in grades 1 through 11 take the ISEE when applying for admission to grades 2 through 12. The test level depends on the student’s current grade.
The ISEE is offered at four levels:
Primary Level – Grades 2–4
Lower Level – Grades 5–6
Middle Level – Grades 7–8
Upper Level – Grades 9–12
The ISEE includes the following sections (except at the Primary Level):
Verbal Reasoning
Quantitative Reasoning
Reading Comprehension
Mathematics Achievement
Essay (Writing Sample)
Each multiple-choice section is scored using:
Scaled Score (760–940)
Percentile Rank (compared to other students)
Stanine Score (1–9 scale)
The essay is unscored but sent to schools for review.
Students may take the ISEE up to three times per academic year—once per testing season: Fall, Winter, and Spring/Summer.
Effective preparation includes:
Taking diagnostic and full-length practice tests
Reviewing core math, reading, and vocabulary skills
Practicing timed writing for the essay
Building test-taking strategies and pacing
