Test Prep: ISEE
Independent School Entrance Examination
PROBLEM
The ISEE is often the first high-stakes exam students face, requiring them to solve complex questions under tight time constraints while competing against a high-achieving peer group.
solution
We prepare students for the unique demands of the ISEE by introducing advanced content students may not have encountered yet and developing the pacing and strategies needed to perform at their best.
OUR PROCESS
We begin with an evaluation to identify strengths, gaps, and scoring opportunities. Then, your tutor builds a customized study plan focused on the areas that will yield the most growth.
Diagnostic Assessment
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There is no single “best” approach. Instead, your tutor adjusts pacing, time management, and question-selection strategies based on the student’s reading speed, accuracy, and testing profile.
Personalized Strategy
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We use full-length practice tests and timed drills to simulate test day conditions. Students build endurance, refine pacing, and internalize useful strategies.
Full-Length Mock Exams
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Tutors analyze performance data to inform adjustments to instruction. Students receive clear progress updates and actionable guidance to improve scores over time.
Feedback & Adjustment
READ MORE
We begin with an evaluation to identify strengths, gaps, and scoring opportunities. Then, your tutor builds a customized study plan focused on the areas that will yield the most growth.
Diagnostic Assessment
READ MORE
There is no single “best” approach. Instead, your tutor adjusts pacing, time management, and question-selection strategies based on the student’s reading speed, accuracy, and testing profile.
Personalized Strategy
READ MORE
We use full-length practice tests and timed drills to simulate test day conditions. Students build endurance, refine pacing, and internalize useful strategies.
Full-Length Mock Exams
READ MORE
Tutors analyze performance data to inform adjustments to instruction. Students receive clear progress updates and actionable guidance to improve scores over time.
Feedback & Adjustment
READ MORE
We begin with an evaluation to identify strengths, gaps, and scoring opportunities. Then, your tutor builds a customized study plan focused on the areas that will yield the most growth.
Diagnostic Assessment
READ MORE
There is no single “best” approach. Instead, your tutor adjusts pacing, time management, and question-selection strategies based on the student’s reading speed, accuracy, and testing profile.
Personalized Strategy
READ MORE
We use full-length practice tests and timed drills to simulate test day conditions. Students build endurance, refine pacing, and internalize useful strategies.
Full-Length Mock Exams
READ MORE
Tutors analyze performance data to inform adjustments to instruction. Students receive clear progress updates and actionable guidance to improve scores over time.
Feedback & Adjustment
READ MORE
ISEE FAQ
For deep dives on the ISEE, visit our ISEE Resource Hub (2026)
most common questions
What is considered a good ISEE score?
A “good” ISEE score depends on a student’s target schools and overall profile. Students admitted to highly selective schools often score in the top stanines (7–9), though many independent schools take a holistic approach and accept students across a wider range.
What is considered a good ISEE score?
A “good” ISEE score depends on a student’s target schools and overall profile. Students admitted to highly selective schools often score in the top stanines (7–9), though many independent schools take a holistic approach and accept students across a wider range.
Why is the ISEE so difficult?
The ISEE is designed to be demanding, even for strong students. It is a fast-paced exam, with roughly one question per minute, and is over 2 hours long. Many questions assess skills above a student’s current grade level, particularly in verbal and quantitative reasoning. In addition, ISEE scores are compared against a high-achieving peer group, which means percentile and stanine rankings reflect performance among students applying to selective schools rather than the general student population.
Why is the ISEE so difficult?
The ISEE is designed to be demanding, even for strong students. It is a fast-paced exam, with roughly one question per minute, and is over 2 hours long. Many questions assess skills above a student’s current grade level, particularly in verbal and quantitative reasoning. In addition, ISEE scores are compared against a high-achieving peer group, which means percentile and stanine rankings reflect performance among students applying to selective schools rather than the general student population.
about the isee
What is the ISEE, and who is required to take it?
The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is a standardized test used by independent schools as part of the admissions process. It is offered at four levels based on the grade a student is applying to:
Primary Level ISEE: applying to 2nd through 4th grade
Lower Level ISEE: applying to 5th or 6th grade
Middle Level ISEE: applying to 7th or 8th grade
Upper Level ISEE: applying to 9th grade or higher
What is the ISEE, and who is required to take it?
The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is a standardized test used by independent schools as part of the admissions process. It is offered at four levels based on the grade a student is applying to:
Primary Level ISEE: applying to 2nd through 4th grade
Lower Level ISEE: applying to 5th or 6th grade
Middle Level ISEE: applying to 7th or 8th grade
Upper Level ISEE: applying to 9th grade or higher
Is the ISEE essay important?
While the essay is not scored, it is sent directly to schools and reviewed as part of the application. It is critical to understand the expectations of the ISEE essay (i.e., writing clear, organized responses under time constraints).
Is the ISEE essay important?
While the essay is not scored, it is sent directly to schools and reviewed as part of the application. It is critical to understand the expectations of the ISEE essay (i.e., writing clear, organized responses under time constraints).
isee format and scoring
What sections are on the ISEE?
The ISEE consists of three to five sections, depending on the level:
Primary 2 (grade 2)
Auditory Comprehension
Reading
Mathematics
Writing Sample (unscored but sent to schools)
Primary 3 & 4 (grades 3–4):
Reading
Mathematics
Writing Sample (unscored but sent to schools)
Lower (grades 5-6) / Middle (grades 7-8) / Upper (grades 9-12) Level
Verbal Reasoning
Quantitative Reasoning
Reading Comprehension
Mathematics Achievement
Essay (unscored but sent to schools)
What sections are on the ISEE?
The ISEE consists of three to five sections, depending on the level:
Primary 2 (grade 2)
Auditory Comprehension
Reading
Mathematics
Writing Sample (unscored but sent to schools)
Primary 3 & 4 (grades 3–4):
Reading
Mathematics
Writing Sample (unscored but sent to schools)
Lower (grades 5-6) / Middle (grades 7-8) / Upper (grades 9-12) Level
Verbal Reasoning
Quantitative Reasoning
Reading Comprehension
Mathematics Achievement
Essay (unscored but sent to schools)
How long is the ISEE (excluding breaks)?
The length of the ISEE varies by level of the exam:
Primary Level (grades 2–4): 53–60 minutes, depending on the grade level
Lower Level (grades 5–6): 2 hours and 20 minutes
Middle Level (grades 7-8) and Upper Level (grades 9–12): 2 hours and 40 minutes
How long is the ISEE?
The length of the ISEE varies by level of the exam:
Primary Level (grades 2–4): 53–60 minutes, depending on the grade level
Lower Level (grades 5–6): 2 hours and 20 minutes
Middle Level (grades 7-8) and Upper Level (grades 9–12): 2 hours and 40 minutes
How is the ISEE scored?
ISEE scores are reported using stanines, a 1–9 scale that compares a student’s performance to other test-takers in the same grade. Each section of the exam receives its own stanine score, so a student’s results are typically reviewed as a profile of scores across sections (e.g., VR 8, QR 6, RC 9, MA 7).
The Writing (essay) section is not scored, but is sent to schools.
How is the ISEE scored?
ISEE scores are reported using stanines, a 1–9 scale that compares a student’s performance to other test-takers in the same grade. Each section of the exam receives its own stanine score, so a student’s results are typically reviewed as a profile of scores across sections (e.g., VR 8, QR 6, RC 9, MA 7).
The Writing (essay) section is not scored, but is sent to schools.
Does the ISEE have a guessing penalty?
No. The ISEE does not penalize you for guessing. Incorrect and blank answers are treated equally, so students should never leave questions blank.
Does the ISEE have a guessing penalty?
No. The ISEE does not penalize you for guessing. Incorrect and blank answers are treated equally, so students should never leave questions blank.
isee logistics and policies
When and where should my child take the ISEE?
Students typically have multiple testing options, including paper-based exams at local test sites (often offered on weekends) and computer-based testing through Prometric Test Centers or an online, proctored test-at-home option.
Because most private school applications are due in January, the majority of students will take the ISEE twice – once during the fall season (August-November) and once again during the winter season (December-March), prior to application deadlines. Spring/summer season (April-July) test dates are typically for students applying outside the traditional admissions cycle.
When and where should my child take the ISEE?
Students typically have multiple testing options, including paper-based exams at local test sites (often offered on weekends) and computer-based testing through Prometric Test Centers or an online, proctored test-at-home option.
Because most private school applications are due in January, the majority of students will take the ISEE twice – once during the fall season (August-November) and once again during the winter season (December-March), prior to application deadlines. Spring/summer season (April-July) test dates are typically for students applying outside the traditional admissions cycle.
How many times can a student take the ISEE?
The ISEE may be taken once per testing season.
Fall (August–November)
Winter (December–March)
Spring/Summer (April–July)
How many times can a student take the ISEE?
The ISEE may be taken once per testing season.
Fall (August–November)
Winter (December–March)
Spring/Summer (April–July)
Does the ISEE offer testing accommodations?
Yes. Students with documented needs may be eligible for accommodations such as extended time, additional breaks, or alternative testing formats. For more information from the official ERB (ISEE) website, click here.
Does the ISEE offer testing accommodations?
Yes. Students with documented needs may be eligible for accommodations such as extended time, additional breaks, or alternative testing formats. For more information from the official ERB (ISEE) website, click here.
planning ahead; admissions
When should a student begin ISEE preparation?
Most students benefit from beginning their ISEE prep journey no later than 3–6 months before their test date, depending on their starting level, target schools, and testing history. Early preparation allows time for skill development, strategy refinement, and meaningful practice under timed conditions.
When should a student begin ISEE preparation?
Most students benefit from beginning their ISEE prep journey no later than 3–6 months before their test date, depending on their starting level, target schools, and testing history. Early preparation allows time for skill development, strategy refinement, and meaningful practice under timed conditions.
Do families have to submit ISEE scores to schools?
If a school requires ISEE scores as part of its application, families must submit a score in order to complete the application. However, if a student has taken the ISEE more than once, families may choose which score report(s) to send to each school.
For schools that are test optional, submitting ISEE scores is not required, and families may elect not to submit scores at all.
Do families have to submit ISEE scores to schools?
If a school requires ISEE scores as part of its application, families must submit a score in order to complete the application. However, if a student has taken the ISEE more than once, families may choose which score report(s) to send to each school.
For schools that are test optional, submitting ISEE scores is not required, and families may elect not to submit scores at all.