educators / Admissions

Admissions

ISEE by ERB

For applicants to Grades 2-12

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.

OVERVIEWTESTING OPTIONSBECOME A TEST SITECURRENT TEST SITE INFORMATIONAT HOME TESTINGTESTING STAFF PAYMENTSSCORE REPORTS

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

The ISEE Difference

The ISEE isn’t like other admissions tests, because it not only measures what students know, it also measures how they think. It is a standardized assessment of candidates' skills in four critical areas; Reading Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Math Achievement. ISEE is the most flexible admission assessment available with online, paper-based, and at-home administrations available around the globe.

Most available testing options, including at-home testing.

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.
learn more

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.

Online score reports and applicant trends.

360 Access is ERB's interactive reporting website that enables admission teams to visualize their ISEE school’s trends, dive deeply into individual student results, and understand region and consortia trends in new and different ways.
learn more

360 Access for ISEE enables admission teams to visualize their school’s trends, dive deeply into individual student results, and understand region and consortia trends in new and different ways.

A pillar of well-rounded admissions programs.

Interviews

Teacher Recommendations

isee

Admissions Exam

Transcripts

Student Portfolios

Reading

Comprehension

Verbal
Reasoning

Quantitative
Reasoning

Math
Achievement

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)

Testing Seasons

Fall

Winter

Spring/Summer

Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov

Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar

Apr | May | Jun | Jul

Students may take the ISEE once per testing season—Fall, Winter, and Spring/Summer—for a total of up to three times a school year. So if a student takes the exam in September during the Fall Testing Season, they’d need to wait at least until December, the Winter Testing Season, to take the ISEE again.

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

Testing Seasons

Students can take the ISEE as many times as they’d like, with a limit of once per testing season. This means that 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.

Fall

Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov

Winter

Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar

Spring/Summer

Apr | May | Jun | Jul

link to form

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.

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.

Sample Tests

For examples of the kinds of questions used on the different levels of the ISEE,  the What to Expect on the ISEE guides—designed for families—provide sample tests.

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.

"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?

request info
1 (800) 446-0320
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm EST
iseeoperations@erblearn.org

Are you an ERB Member?

Update your email preferences to receive news and updates from ERB.

Not an ERB member? Join our global community today!

Are you an ERB member?

Update your email preferences to receive news and updates from ERB.


Not an ERB member? Join our global community today!