The Comprehensive Guide to the ISEE Exam: Everything You Need to Know

When it comes to applying for independent or private schools, the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is a key component for students in grades 2 through 12. Understanding what the ISEE entails, how to prepare for it, and how to register is essential for success. Whether you’re a student or a parent guiding your child through the process, this comprehensive guide will address all your key questions not adressed in the ultimate guide to isee test prep in 2025.

What Is the ISEE Test?

The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is a standardized test used by many private and independent schools to assess students’ academic abilities. It is designed to evaluate skills in four main areas:

Verbal Reasoning
Quantitative Reasoning
Reading Comprehension
Mathematics Achievement

Additionally, there is an unscored essay section that is sent to schools to showcase the student’s writing skills.

The test is available at different levels depending on the student’s grade:

Lower Level: For students applying to grades 5-6
Middle Level: For students applying to grades 7-8
Upper Level: For students applying to grades 9-12

The exam is structured to assess the readiness of students for more rigorous academic work in competitive environments.

How Long Is the ISEE Test?

The length of the ISEE varies slightly depending on the level, but overall, you should expect to spend around 3 hours in the testing process.

Here’s a table summarizing the length of the ISEE test for the Lower, Middle, and Upper levels. This breakdown includes each section, the number of questions, and the time allotted for each section.

Section	Lower Level (Grades 5-6)	Middle Level (Grades 7-8)	Upper Level (Grades 9-12)
Verbal Reasoning	34 questions (20 minutes)	40 questions (20 minutes)	40 questions (20 minutes)
Quantitative Reasoning	38 questions (35 minutes)	37 questions (35 minutes)	37 questions (35 minutes)
Reading Comprehension	25 questions (25 minutes)	36 questions (35 minutes)	36 questions (35 minutes)
Mathematics Achievement	30 questions (30 minutes)	47 questions (40 minutes)	47 questions (40 minutes)
Essay	1 essay (30 minutes)	1 essay (30 minutes)	1 essay (30 minutes)
Total Time	2 hours and 20 minutes	2 hours and 40 minutes	2 hours and 40 minutes

Length of ISEE test

Notes:

Lower Level test is shorter both in the number of questions and total time, compared to the Middle and Upper Level tests.
The Middle and Upper Levels have identical formats but differ in the difficulty of questions.

In total, this adds up to about 2 hours and 40 minutes of testing time, excluding breaks.

What Schools Accept the ISEE Test?

A broad range of independent and private schools across the United States and internationally use the ISEE as part of their admissions process. These schools typically include:

Independent day schools
Boarding schools
Parochial schools

To find out whether a particular school accepts the ISEE, it’s best to consult their admissions page or search through this website. Many prestigious schools across the country, including well-known boarding and prep schools, use the ISEE to evaluate candidates.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

After taking the ISEE, students typically receive their scores in 7 to 10 business days. If you need the scores sooner, there is an option to expedite the results for an additional fee, with scores available in as little as two days.

You’ll receive a score report that breaks down performance by section, and this report can be sent directly to the schools of your choice. The ISEE scoring is scaled, which means your score will be presented relative to a nationwide norm.

How to Register for the ISEE Test

Registering for the ISEE is a straightforward process that you can do online through the Educational Records Bureau (ERB) website. Here’s how to get started:

Create an Account: Head over to the ISEE registration portal and create a family account.
Choose a Test Date and Location: Select the date, location, and format (paper or online) that best fits your schedule. Test centers are available nationwide, and some schools offer ISEE administration directly on their campuses.
Pay the Exam Fee: The ISEE registration fee varies depending on the level and location but typically ranges from $140 to $200. Fee waivers are available for eligible families.
Prepare for the Exam: Once you’ve registered, it’s time to begin preparing!

It’s recommended to register well in advance, as test dates can fill up quickly, especially in the peak application season (fall and winter).

ISEE Test Format

Paper-Based ISEE

The traditional paper-based ISEE test is administered using printed test booklets and answer sheets. Students fill in their answers using a pencil. This format might be preferable for students who are more comfortable with physical materials and prefer working on paper. Some advantages of the paper format include:

Familiarity: Students are often more accustomed to working with physical materials.
Easier review: It can be easier to flip through pages and go back to questions, as well as see all questions in front of you at once.

The paper-based test is available at various test centers, including some schools that administer the test directly. Parents can find test locations and available dates on the ISEE website.

Online ISEE

The online format of the ISEE is administered on a computer and can be taken at a test center or from home, depending on availability and location. The online version offers the following advantages:

Convenience: In some cases, the online test can be taken from home, reducing the need for travel to a test center.
Instant submission: Online answers are automatically submitted, reducing the risk of errors related to filling in answer sheets.
Digital Tools: The online format provides features like a built-in timer, a navigation panel to easily jump between sections, and tools like highlighting text or marking questions for review.

However, it’s important that students are familiar with the use of a computer for test-taking and have access to a stable internet connection if taking the test from home. Test takers should ensure that their devices meet the technical requirements provided by ERB.

How to Choose?

The choice between paper-based and online formats will depend on individual preferences, the testing environment, and availability. Some students feel more comfortable with paper and pencil, while others prefer the convenience and efficiency of the online format.

ISEE vs SSAT

Comparison of ISEE vs. SSAT

The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) and SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) are two of the most widely used standardized tests for students applying to private or independent schools. Both tests assess students’ academic abilities, but there are key differences in structure, content, and the types of schools that accept each exam. Below is a comprehensive comparison.

Category	ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam)	SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test)
Purpose	Admission to independent and private schools	Admission to private and independent schools
Levels	– Primary (Grades 2-4) – Lower (Grades 5-6) – Middle (Grades 7-8) – Upper (Grades 9-12)	– Elementary (Grades 3-4) – Middle (Grades 5-7) – Upper (Grades 8-11)
Sections	– Verbal Reasoning – Quantitative Reasoning – Reading Comprehension – Mathematics Achievement – Essay (not scored but sent to schools)	– Verbal – Reading – Quantitative (Math) – Experimental (unscored) – Writing Sample (not scored but sent to schools)
Number of Questions	– Verbal: 40 questions – Quantitative Reasoning: 35 questions – Reading: 36 questions – Mathematics Achievement: 47 questions – Essay (unscored)	– Verbal: 60 questions – Quantitative: 50 questions (25 per section) – Reading: 40 questions – Experimental: 16 questions (unscored) – Writing Sample (unscored)
Essay / Writing Section	Required but not scored (sent to schools)	Required but not scored (sent to schools)
Test Length	– Lower Level: 2 hours 20 minutes – Middle/Upper Levels: 2 hours 40 minutes	– Elementary Level: 1 hour 50 minutes – Middle/Upper Levels: 3 hours 5 minutes
Score Range	– Scaled score: 760 to 940 (per section) – Percentile ranks (based on independent school applicants)	– Scaled score: 500-800 (per section) – Percentile ranks (compared to the entire test-taker population)
Scoring Penalty	No penalty for wrong answers	Penalty for wrong answers (-0.25 points for each incorrect answer)
Availability	Available year-round	Eight test dates per year (in-person or at-home)
Registration Fee	– Paper-based test: $140-$225 (based on level and location) – Online test: $140-$200	– Middle/Upper Levels: $149 (U.S.), $249 (International) – Elementary: $120
Test Format	– Paper-based or online (depending on location)	– Paper-based and online options
Test Preparation	Official ISEE practice materials available through ERB (Education Records Bureau) Third-party prep options also available	Official SSAT prep materials available through SSATB Third-party prep options widely available
Schools Accepting Test	Over 1,200 independent and private schools accept ISEE, including many top-tier prep schools	Over 900 independent and private schools accept SSAT, including several top-tier schools
Testing Frequency	Students can take the ISEE up to three times per year: once per season (fall, winter, spring/summer)	Students can take the SSAT multiple times per year (with limits based on testing date availability)
Difficulty Level	Focuses more on school curriculum-based knowledge; includes more direct academic questioning	Tends to focus more on reasoning and critical thinking, with slightly more abstract questions (particularly in math and verbal)
Test Structure	Sectioned by content: Quantitative, Verbal, Reading	Same structure, but Quantitative is split into two sections
Difficulty of Math Section	Math is more straightforward, testing direct knowledge and application of school-taught math	Math is more abstract, including reasoning and multi-step problems
Reading Section	More focus on identifying main ideas, details, and inferencing from academic texts	Heavier emphasis on finding evidence and making logical inferences from more abstract or literary readings
Verbal Section	Emphasis on vocabulary and synonyms (direct word meaning)	Strong emphasis on analogies (abstract reasoning based on relationships between words)
Accommodations	Extended time and other accommodations available for students with documented needs (including learning disabilities)	Similar accommodations offered, with specific testing formats and arrangements for students with documented needs
Acceptance in Schools	Widely accepted in private schools, particularly in New York City, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and New England	Widely accepted in boarding schools, especially in areas like New England and the Mid-Atlantic region
Test Retakes	Can be taken up to 3 times per calendar year	Can be taken multiple times, depending on available testing dates
Test Duration (for upper-level tests)	2 hours and 40 minutes (total)	3 hours and 5 minutes (total)
Experimental Section	No experimental section in ISEE	Includes an unscored experimental section (16 questions) to test new items for future tests
Reporting to Schools	Scores sent directly to schools selected by the student; up to six schools can be chosen for free	Scores sent to schools of choice; schools can also request previous test scores if the student has taken the SSAT multiple times
Content Focus	Heavily based on grade-level curriculum and mastery of school-taught concepts	Focuses on reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving, in addition to school curriculum knowledge

Detailed Breakdown

Length and Structure

ISEE is slightly shorter than the SSAT. The ISEE upper and middle levels last approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, while the SSAT lasts around 3 hours and 5 minutes. The ISEE does not include an experimental section, while the SSAT does.
ISEE has five sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics Achievement, and an Essay (unscored). The SSAT also has five sections but includes an unscored experimental section.

Scoring and Penalties

One major difference between the two tests is that the SSAT penalizes students for incorrect answers, deducting 0.25 points for each wrong answer. The ISEE does not impose any penalty for wrong answers, which may encourage students to guess more freely.
Both tests provide percentile scores, but the ISEE compares students to a more specific population—those applying to independent schools.

Math Section

The ISEE math section is generally more straightforward, focusing on direct application of school-taught concepts, while the SSAT math section includes more abstract and reasoning-based questions.

Verbal and Reading Sections

The SSAT verbal section places a heavy emphasis on analogies, requiring students to demonstrate an understanding of relationships between words. The ISEE verbal section focuses more on vocabulary, synonyms, and sentence completion.
In the reading sections, the ISEE focuses more on comprehension of academic texts, while the SSAT involves more abstract reading passages that require deeper inference and analysis.

Difficulty Level

Both tests are challenging, but the SSAT is considered more reasoning-focused, while the ISEE tests students on more traditional academic knowledge. This means the SSAT might present trickier verbal and math questions that rely on reasoning beyond what students may have learned in school.

Schools That Accept the Test

Both tests are accepted by a wide range of schools. The ISEE is accepted by over 1,200 schools, particularly in urban areas like New York, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. The SSAT is accepted by over 900 schools and is commonly required by boarding schools, especially in New England and the Mid-Atlantic.

How Long Is the ISEE Upper-Level Test?

The Upper Level ISEE is designed for students applying to grades 9 through 12. The format is nearly identical to the Middle Level ISEE, with slightly more challenging questions. The total test duration is 2 hours and 40 minutes, not counting breaks.

How Long Is the ISEE Test for Middle School?

For students applying to grades 7 and 8, the Middle Level ISEE also takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete. Like the Upper Level test, it assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, and math achievement, with an essay at the end.

ISEE Practice Questions and Preparation

Preparation is crucial for success on the ISEE. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help students get ready. The official ERB website offers practice tests, sample questions, and preparation guides for each level.

In addition to these official materials, there are numerous third-party study guides and online platforms offering practice questions and tips, such as:

By reviewing practice questions and taking timed practice exams, students can become more familiar with the format, types of questions, and pacing required for the ISEE. This preparation often improves both confidence and scores.

Schools In the USA that accept ISEE

Many private and independent schools across the USA accept the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) as part of their admissions process. These schools range from prestigious preparatory boarding schools to day schools, and cover a variety of educational philosophies and environments.

Here is a breakdown of some notable schools that accept the ISEE, along with resources to find even more schools.

1. Northeast Region

The Northeast, particularly New England, is home to some of the most prestigious independent schools, many of which require the ISEE for admission.

Phillips Exeter Academy (New Hampshire) – Admissions
Phillips Academy Andover (Massachusetts) – Admissions
Choate Rosemary Hall (Connecticut) – Admissions
The Dalton School (New York) – Admissions

2. Mid-Atlantic Region

The Mid-Atlantic region includes states like New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, home to a number of prestigious private schools.

Horace Mann School (New York) – Admissions
The Lawrenceville School (New Jersey) – Admissions
Sidwell Friends School (Washington D.C.) – Admissions
Germantown Friends School (Pennsylvania) – Admissions

3. Southeast Region

In the Southeast, private schools are known for their focus on strong academic programs and college preparatory curriculums.

The Lovett School (Georgia) – Admissions
The Westminster Schools (Georgia) – Admissions
Episcopal High School (Virginia) – Admissions
Charlotte Country Day School (North Carolina) – Admissions

4. Midwest Region

In the Midwest, independent schools focus on well-rounded education with strong extracurricular programs.

University of Chicago Laboratory Schools (Illinois) – Admissions
Culver Academies (Indiana) – Admissions
The Blake School (Minnesota) – Admissions
The Latin School of Chicago (Illinois) – Admissions

5. West Coast

West Coast schools, particularly in California, often have a reputation for innovation in both curriculum and extracurricular offerings.

Harvard-Westlake School (California) – Admissions
The Harker School (California) – Admissions
The Bishop’s School (California) – Admissions
Lakeside School (Washington) – Admissions

6. Southwest Region

In the Southwest, schools have a strong focus on college preparation and often emphasize outdoor education or a connection to nature.

St. Mark’s School of Texas (Texas) – Admissions
The Kinkaid School (Texas) – Admissions
Casady School (Oklahoma) – Admissions

7. Boarding Schools

Boarding schools across the U.S. often require the ISEE for middle and upper-level applicants. These schools focus on preparing students for competitive colleges.

St. Paul’s School (New Hampshire) – Admissions
Deerfield Academy (Massachusetts) – Admissions
Hotchkiss School (Connecticut) – Admissions
The Taft School (Connecticut) – Admissions

ISEE Lower Level Practice Questions

Math Practice Questions

Addition and Subtraction What is the result of the following operation?

$234 + 567 - 123 =$

Multiplication Solve the multiplication problem:

$45 \times 3 =$

Division What is $144 \div 12 =$ ?

Basic Fractions What is $\frac{3}{4} + \frac{1}{4} =$ ?

Word Problem Sally has 8 apples. If she gives 3 to her friend, how many apples does she have left?

English Practice Questions

Synonyms Choose the word that is the closest in meaning to “large”:
- A) tiny
- B) big
- C) narrow
- D) small
Antonyms Which word is the opposite of “happy”?
- A) joyful
- B) glad
- C) sad
- D) thrilled
Reading Comprehension After reading the following sentence, choose the correct answer: “The cat jumped over the fence and ran towards the tree.”
- What did the cat do first?
- A) Ran towards the tree
- B) Jumped over the fence
- C) SAT by the tree
- D) Chased a mouse
Vocabulary Usage Select the correct word to complete the sentence: “The sky is _____ today.”
- A) blue
- B) happy
- C) jump
- D) fast
Sentence Structure Identify the subject in the following sentence: “The dog barked loudly.”
- A) dog
- B) barked
- C) loudly
- D) The

ISEE Middle Level Practice Questions

Math Practice Questions

Multiplication with Fractions What is $\frac{2}{3} \times \frac{4}{5} =$ ?
Ratios If the ratio of boys to girls in a class is 3:2 and there are 18 boys, how many girls are there?
Percentages What is 20% of 150?

$0.20 \times 150 =$

Solving for x Solve the equation:

$2x + 7 = 19$

Geometry What is the area of a triangle with a base of 6 units and a height of 4 units?

$\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times \text{base} \times \text{height}$

English Practice Questions

Synonyms Which word is closest in meaning to “quick”?
- A) slow
- B) fast
- C) lazy
- D) steady
Antonyms What is the opposite of “diligent”?
- A) hardworking
- B) lazy
- C) careful
- D) active
Reading Comprehension Read the following sentence and answer the question: “The explorers traveled for days through the dense forest, seeking the hidden treasure.”
- What were the explorers seeking?
- A) A new path
- B) The hidden treasure
- C) A safe campsite
- D) The river
Sentence Correction Which sentence is grammatically correct?
- A) He don’t want to go to the store.
- B) They isn’t here yet.
- C) She does her homework every day.
- D) We was at the park.
Word Usage Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: “They were _____ about the test results.”
- A) anxious
- B) anxiety
- C) anxiousness
- D) anxiously

ISEE Upper Level Practice Questions

Math Practice Questions

Algebraic Expression Simplify the following expression:

$3x^2 + 5x - 2 + 4x^2 - x + 6$

Systems of Equations Solve the system of equations:

$\begin{align*} 2x + y &= 7 \ 3x - y &= 4 \end{align*}$

Quadratic Equations Solve for $x$ in the equation:

$x^2 - 5x + 6 = 0$

Probability A bag contains 4 red balls, 3 blue balls, and 2 green balls. If one ball is selected at random, what is the probability that it is red?

$P(\text{red}) = \frac{4}{9}$

Geometry What is the volume of a cylinder with a radius of 3 units and a height of 7 units?

$V = \pi r^2 h$

English Practice Questions

Synonyms Choose the word that best matches the meaning of “elaborate”:
- A) simple
- B) intricate
- C) vague
- D) unclear
Antonyms What is the opposite of “mundane”?
- A) ordinary
- B) exciting
- C) simple
- D) dull
Reading Comprehension After reading the following passage, answer the question: “The artist carefully studied her subject, noting every shadow and highlight before she began painting.”
- What did the artist do before painting?
- A) Mixed her paints
- B) Studied her subject
- C) Framed the canvas
- D) Cleaned her brushes
Sentence Correction Identify the sentence that contains no grammatical errors:
- A) The team are playing really well.
- B) The teacher and student was talking in the hall.
- C) The dog chased it’s tail in circles.
- D) The student studied hard for her exam.
Word Usage Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: “The scientist’s _____ discovery changed the way we view the natural world.”
- A) groundbreaking
- B) grounds
- C) groundbreaker
- D) grounded

ISEE Lower Level Practice Questions: Detailed Answers

Math Answers

Addition and Subtraction
Find the result of $234 + 567 - 123$ :
$234 + 567 = 801$ ,
$801 - 123 = 678$ .
Answer: $678$
Multiplication
Solve $45 \times 3$ :
$45 \times 3 = 135$ .
Answer: $135$
Division
Find the result of $144 \div 12$ :
$144 \div 12 = 12$ .
Answer: $12$
Basic Fractions
Solve $\frac{3}{4} + \frac{1}{4}$ :
Since the denominators are the same, just add the numerators:
$\frac{3 + 1}{4} = \frac{4}{4} = 1$ .
Answer: $1$
Word Problem
Sally starts with 8 apples and gives 3 to her friend.
$8 - 3 = 5$ .
Answer: Sally has $5$ apples left.

English Answers

Synonyms
The word “large” means “big.”
Answer: B) big
Antonyms
The opposite of “happy” is “sad.”
Answer: C) sad
Reading Comprehension
In the sentence, “The cat jumped over the fence and ran towards the tree,” the cat first jumped over the fence.
Answer: B) Jumped over the fence
Vocabulary Usage
The correct word to describe the sky is “blue.”
Answer: A) blue
Sentence Structure
The subject of the sentence “The dog barked loudly” is “dog.”
Answer: A) dog

ISEE Middle Level Practice Questions: Detailed Answers

Math Answers

Multiplication with Fractions
Multiply the fractions:
$\frac{2}{3} \times \frac{4}{5} = \frac{2 \times 4}{3 \times 5} = \frac{8}{15}$ .
Answer: $\frac{8}{15}$
Ratios
The ratio of boys to girls is 3:2, and there are 18 boys. To find the number of girls:
$\frac{3}{2} = \frac{18}{x}$ , solve for $x$ :
$3x = 36$ ,
$x = 12$ .
Answer: $12$ girls
Percentages
Find 20% of 150:
$0.20 \times 150 = 30$ .
Answer: $30$
Solving for x
Solve $2x + 7 = 19$ :
$2x = 19 - 7 = 12$ ,
$x = \frac{12}{2} = 6$ .
Answer: $6$
Geometry
The area of a triangle is given by $\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times \text{base} \times \text{height}$ .
Substituting the values:
$\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times 6 \times 4 = 12$ .
Answer: $12$ square units

English Answers

Synonyms
The word “quick” means “fast.”
Answer: B) fast
Antonyms
The opposite of “diligent” is “lazy.”
Answer: B) lazy
Reading Comprehension
The explorers were seeking the hidden treasure.
Answer: B) The hidden treasure
Sentence Correction
The grammatically correct sentence is: “She does her homework every day.”
Answer: C) She does her homework every day.
Word Usage
The correct word to complete the sentence is “anxious.”
Answer: A) anxious

ISEE Upper Level Practice Questions: Detailed Answers

Math Answers

Algebraic Expression
Simplify the expression:
$3x^2 + 5x - 2 + 4x^2 - x + 6 = (3x^2 + 4x^2) + (5x - x) + (-2 + 6) = 7x^2 + 4x + 4$ .
Answer: $7x^2 + 4x + 4$
Systems of Equations
Solve the system:

$\begin{align<em>} 2x + y &= 7 \quad (1) \ 3x - y &= 4 \quad (2) \end{align</em>}$

Add the two equations to eliminate $y$ :
$2x + y + 3x - y = 7 + 4$ ,
$5x = 11$ ,
$x = \frac{11}{5} = 2.2$ .
Substituting into equation (1):
$2(2.2) + y = 7$ ,
$4.4 + y = 7$ ,
$y = 7 - 4.4 = 2.6$ .
Answer: $x = 2.2$ , $y = 2.6$

Quadratic Equations
Solve for $x$ in $x^2 - 5x + 6 = 0$ by factoring:
$(x - 2)(x - 3) = 0$ ,
$x = 2 \quad \text{or} \quad x = 3$ .
Answer: $x = 2$ , $x = 3$

Probability
The total number of balls is $4 + 3 + 2 = 9$ . The probability of selecting a red ball is:
$P(\text{red}) = \frac{4}{9}$ .
Answer: $\frac{4}{9}$

Geometry
The volume of a cylinder is given by:
$V = \pi r^2 h$ .
Substituting the values:
$V = \pi (3^2) (7) = 63\pi$ .
Answer: $63\pi$ cubic units

English Answers

Synonyms
The word “elaborate” means “intricate.”
Answer: B) intricate
Antonyms
The opposite of “mundane” is “exciting.”
Answer: B) exciting
Reading Comprehension
Before painting, the artist studied her subject.
Answer: B) Studied her subject
Sentence Correction
The sentence with no grammatical errors is: “The student studied hard for her exam.”
Answer: D) The student studied hard for her exam.
Word Usage
The correct word to complete the sentence is “groundbreaking.”
Answer: A) groundbreaking