The Independent School Entrance Exam, or ISEE, is an admissions test used by many independent schools for students applying to grades 2-12. The exam is designed to measure both what students have learned and how they reason through academic questions.
The ISEE is offered at different levels based on the grade the student is applying to enter. A student’s test level is based on the grade they are applying for, not the grade they are currently in.
ISEE Test Levels
- Primary 2: For students applying to Grade 2
- Primary 3: For students applying to Grade 3
- Primary 4: For students applying to Grade 4
- Lower Level: For students applying to Grades 5 or 6
- Middle Level: For students applying to Grades 7 or 8
- Upper Level: For students applying to Grades 9-12
Online ISEE Upper Level Prep Course
In case you want to be well-prepared for the Upper Level ISEE exam, the Mometrix team has a great online ISEE Upper Level Prep Course that includes lessons, questions, flashcards, videos, tracking of your progress, and other studying aids which can assist you in preparing for all the major subjects that are tested on this test.
- 80+ ISEE Upper Level lessons
- 480 ISEE Upper Level practice questions
- 350+ digital flashcards
- 260+ review videos
- Progress tracking
- Bonus study tools and test-taking tips
ISEE Test Sections and Timing
| Level | Sections | Total Testing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Primary 2 | Auditory Comprehension, Reading, Mathematics | 53 minutes plus one 5- to 10-minute break |
| Primary 3 | Reading, Mathematics | 54 minutes plus one 5- to 10-minute break |
| Primary 4 | Reading, Mathematics | 60 minutes plus one 5- to 10-minute break |
| Lower Level | Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics Achievement, Essay | 2 hours, 20 minutes plus two 5- to 10-minute breaks |
| Middle Level | Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics Achievement, Essay | 2 hours, 40 minutes plus two 5- to 10-minute breaks |
| Upper Level | Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics Achievement, Essay | 2 hours, 40 minutes plus two 5- to 10-minute breaks |
Lower Level ISEE Format
| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 34 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 38 | 35 minutes |
| Reading Comprehension | 25 | 25 minutes |
| Mathematics Achievement | 30 | 30 minutes |
| Essay | 1 prompt | 30 minutes |
Middle and Upper Level ISEE Format
| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 40 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 37 | 35 minutes |
| Reading Comprehension | 36 | 35 minutes |
| Mathematics Achievement | 47 | 40 minutes |
| Essay | 1 prompt | 30 minutes |
What Is on the ISEE?
The ISEE tests reading, vocabulary, math reasoning, math skills, and writing. The exact sections depend on the student’s level.
- Verbal Reasoning: Vocabulary, synonyms, and sentence completion questions
- Quantitative Reasoning: Math reasoning, word problems, and quantitative comparison questions
- Reading Comprehension: Questions about passages from topics such as literature, science, history, and contemporary life
- Mathematics Achievement: Questions about math concepts and procedures
- Essay: A writing sample sent to schools, but not scored as part of the ISEE score
How Is the ISEE Scored?
The essay is not scored, but it is sent to the schools selected by the family. The multiple-choice sections are scored and reported to families and selected schools.
There is no universal passing score for the ISEE. Each school decides how it uses ISEE scores as part of its admissions process. A strong score can help an application, but schools may also consider grades, recommendations, interviews, essays, and other application materials.
How Often Can Students Take the ISEE?
Students may take the ISEE once per testing season. The three testing seasons are:
- Fall: August, September, October, and November
- Winter: December, January, February, and March
- Spring/Summer: April, May, June, and July
This means a student may take the ISEE up to three times in a school year, once during each testing season.
ISEE Test Formats
The ISEE may be available in online, paper-based, and at-home formats, depending on the student’s level, location, and available test options.
The online and paper formats have the same number of questions, the same timing, and the same opportunity to change answers within a test section. Format availability varies, so families should check available test dates and options during registration.
How Can I Prepare for the ISEE?
Start by confirming which ISEE level the student will take. The level is based on the grade the student is applying to enter.
Then review the test sections and timing for that level. Students should practice vocabulary, reading passages, math reasoning, math procedures, and timed essay planning. For Lower, Middle, and Upper Level students, timed practice is especially useful because the test moves quickly.
Practice questions can help students identify weak areas before test day. After each practice session, review missed questions carefully and focus on the skill behind the error, such as vocabulary, inference, fraction operations, quantitative comparison, or equation setup.
