Independent School Entrance Exam
The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is a standardized test used by private and independent schools to evaluate the academic skills of applicants for admission to Elementary School through High School grades 2 through 12. The Educational Records Bureau (ERB) administers the ISEE test. The ISEE consists of four multiple-choice sections (Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Mathematics Achievement) and an unscored essay. The test has different levels for different age groups and plays a pivotal role in the admissions process.
ERB
The ISEE consists of four multiple-choice sections and an unscored essay. Each section evaluates different academic skills.
Assesses vocabulary by using synonym and sentence completion questions.
Assesses mathematical problem-solving with math concepts appropriate for each grade.
Evaluates the ability to understand passages and answer questions pertaining to main ideas, vocabulary, supporting details and inference. If a student is doing SAT or ACT preparation, it assists students to prepare for this test.
Evaluates math skills for the appropriate grade level and tests knowledge in arithmetic, algebra and geometry.
A writing sample is sent to schools but is not scored.
The ISEE has different levels for different age groups, ensuring the test is appropriate for each student’s grade level.
Grades 2-4
For students entering elementary school
Grades 5-6
For students entering middle school
Grades 7-8
For students entering upper
middle school
Grades 9-12
For students entering high
school
The test level is determined by the grade the student is applying to enter, not their current grade. Each level is tailored to assess skills appropriate for that grade range.
Understanding the ISEE test format and policies helps students prepare effectively and perform their best.
Flexible Testing
Available in paper-based or online formats, with options for testing at a designated location or at home.
Grade-Appropriate
Each section is timed. Time varies by test level to ensure age-appropriate testing conditions.
Mental Math Focus
No calculators, rulers, or other electronic devices are permitted during the test.
Fair Assessment
Provides a standardized way for schools to compare applicants from diverse backgrounds and predict their academic success.
Multiple Opportunities
Available in Fall (August-November), Winter (December-March), and Spring/Summer (April-July). Students can take the test up to three times per year, with a maximum of one test per season.
Detailed Results
The first four sections are scored, producing a scaled score, percentile rank, and stanine for each section. The essay is sent to schools for their own evaluation.
The ISEE plays a pivotal role in the admissions process, providing schools with a standardized measure to evaluate academic readiness across diverse student populations. It helps schools make informed decisions about student placement and predict future academic success.
