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Admissions

ISEE by ERB

Accepted by over 1,200 independent schools around the world, the ISEE is the most trusted admissions assessment tool available, and an important part of well-rounded admissions processes. The ISEE empowers schools to objectively compare student applicants alongside (or in the absence of) other admissions inputs.

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The ISEE isn’t like other admissions tests, because it not only measures what students know, it also measures how they think.

We empower students to show admissions staffs what they are capable of to provide more reliable reads of their academic abilities. Join thousands of other schools around the world as members of the ISEE community today.

Families: Looking for more information or to register for a test?

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A pillar of well-rounded admissions programs.

Interviews

Teacher Recommendations

isee

Admissions Exam

Transcripts

Student Portfolios

Reading Comprehension

Verbal
Reasoning

Quantitative
Reasoning

Math
Achievement

Testing Seasons

Fall

Winter

Spring/Summer

Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov

Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar

Apr | May | Jun | Jul

Students can take the ISEE as many times as they’d like, with a limit of once per testing season. So if a student takes the exam in September, they’d need to wait until December for the Winter Testing Season (or later) to retake the ISEE.

We know that not every student performs their best on their first exam, and empower students to try again.

The ISEE Difference

The ISEE is a standardized assessment of candidates' skills in four critical areas; Reading Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Math Achievement. And with the most testing options of any entrance exam, including online, paper-based, and at-home administrations, ISEE is the most flexible assessment option for select schools.

Most available testing options.

Wherever your school is located, ERB is pleased to ensure that your applicants can schedule an ISEE test when and how works best for them, including on your campus. ERB also supports individual, small group, and large group testing at Prometric Test Centers and offices around the world, as well as individual remote testing for students with the ISEE At Home.

No penalties for incorrect answers.

The goal of the admissions process is to see how students think, what they know, and what they’re capable of. By penalizing students for incorrect answers, other exams encourage students to skip questions rather than tap into contextual clues and use their judgment.

By not penalizing students, the ISEE enables students to present their best self on test day, helping schools find students that are good fits for their academic environment.

Dedicated support team.

The ISEE is backed by a dedicated support team. We’re here every day to ensure that test administrations run smoothly, and to help schools and families with whatever questions they encounter. With ISEE from ERB, help is just a click or call away.

ISEE Features

Maximum Flexibility

The ISEE can be administered individually or in group settings, in-school, at offices and Prometric Testing Centers, and remotely to students at home.

On-Demand Administrations

Schedule exams on-demand, with administration options 7 days per week.

Improving Access for Families

ERB provides ISEE test sites with fee waivers that can be distributed to families with financial need to ensure that any student interested in applying for an independent school education can do so.

Rigorous and Reliable

The ISEE is based on learning standards from leading education organizations, including:

The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)
The International Reading Association (IRA)
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)

Ready to receive ISEE score reports?

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Levels

The ISEE is offered for students entering Grades 2-12. All four of the ISEE test levels include both reading and mathematics multiple-choice questions as well as a writing prompt. The number of questions and test timing varies by level. Interested in more information about the various ISEE testing levels? Download our What to Expect on the ISEE guides.

Primary Levels 2, 3, and 4

For application to Grade 2-4 respectively. Available in the online test format only.

Lower Level

For application to Grades 5 and 6. Available in the paper or online test format.

Middle Level

For application to Grades 7 and 8. Available in the paper or online test format.

Upper Level

For application to Grades 9 through 12. Available in the paper or online test format.

Formats

The ISEE is available in both online and paper testing formats. Format availability varies by level and test location. Both modalities have the same number of questions, the same timing, and the same opportunity for students to change their answers within a test section.

Online Tests

Online tests are available for all levels. Test questions are presented on a testing device and multiple-choice responses are marked on a testing device. The essay portion of the test is typed. Scratch paper and pencils are provided by the test site.

Paper Tests

Paper tests are available only for students entering Grades 5 - 12 (Lower, Middle, and Upper Levels). Test questions are presented in a test booklet and multiple-choice responses are bubbled on a separate answer document using a #2 or HB pencil. Blank space in the test booklet may be used as scratch paper. Students handwrite essays in the space provided on the answer sheet using a black or blue ballpoint pen. Erasable pens are permitted.

Guidelines for the Use of Scores

download guide

Schools receive many different pieces of information from students applying for admission to selective K–12 schools. Many factors used in selection, such as grades, teacher recommendations, and interviews, tend not to be standardized across the entire population of candidates. ISEE scores provide a consistent measure for all candidates. Please take a moment to review our ISEE Guidelines for the Use of Scores in the Admission Process for more information about utilizing ISEE scores as part of your school's admission process.

"We love the ISEE and really utilize the information. As well, [the ERB] staff is always helpful and responsive to our needs."

—Vice Principal, Independent school, Dallas, TX

Want more information about ISEE by ERB?

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1 (800) 446-0320

Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm EST

iseeoperations@erblearn.org

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