Independent School Entrance Exam
The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is used as an admission test for independent, or private, schools. This test compares a student’s scores against her peers, measuring their skills and abilities and ensuring they meet national standards. Each question on the ISEE test has been analyzed by statisticians, ensuring that it is specific, relevant, and able to be scored accurately.
There are four ways to register for the ISEE test. Online registration is the least expensive and most convenient way. It costs $89 and offers many benefits, including the ability to change student information and testing locations, make testing appointments, and receive scores online. Testing dates are chosen by each school, so it’s best to check with your school to see what dates are available to take the ISEE test. If you wish to mail your registration, you must use the form inside the student guide which can be ordered online. To do so, the fee remains the same at $89. To register by telephone or fax costs an additional $20, for a total fee of $109. For students who miss the registration deadline, walk-in registration is available at some testing centers. Walk-ins for the ISEE test are taken on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited space and testing materials. You must call the testing center before coming. If you can be accommodated, you must bring a completed registration form, fee (an additional $30 fee is required for late registration), and a valid form of ID.
On the day of the ISEE test, prepare to arrive early at the testing center to allow time to check-in. Be sure to bring your Verification Letter, ID, four sharpened No. 2 pencils, and two blue or black ballpoint pens. No other items will be allowed at the testing center.
The ISEE test is available in three levels: lower, middle, and upper. The lower level is for fourth- and fifth-graders. The middle level is for sixth- and seventh-graders, and the upper level is for students in eighth through eleventh grades. The three levels of the ISEE test all consist of three portions: quantitative and verbal reasoning, math and reading comprehension, and an essay.
- The quantitative and verbal reasoning portion measures the student’s ability to learn.
- The math and reading comprehension portions are achievement tests that assess the student’s strengths and weaknesses.
- The essay requires a written response to a prompt. It is timed but unscored. Total test time for the lower level of the ISEE test is two hours and 20 minutes, while the middle- and upper-level tests run slightly longer at two hours and 40 minutes.
After the ISEE test has been completed, the test is machine-scored. The results are sent in the mail within ten days. The score is based on the total number of questions answered correctly, with no penalty for incorrect answers. This produces a raw score, which is then converted to a scaled scare and compared to other students in the same grade to determine a ranking based on a percentage. Copies of the ISEE test scores and essay can be sent to up to six schools without paying an extra fee.
There are no practice tests available for the ISEE test. It can only be taken formally. In addition, it is allowed to be taken only once in a six-month period.
Last Updated: 04/24/2012