

The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is widely accepted, accurate, and provides advanced insights to both schools and students to help guide the admission process. ERB works hard to support families throughout the process.
Students may register to take the ISEE one time in any or all of three testing seasons. The ISEE testing seasons are defined as Fall (August–November), Winter (December–March), and Spring/Summer (April–July). ISEE does not encourage multiple testing, but we do offer students and families that option.
The ISEE has four levels. All levels of the ISEE test include both reading and mathematics multiple-choice questions as well as a writing prompt*. The number of questions and test timing vary by level.
New York City Applicants: Students applying to Grades 2-4 at schools located in New York City will not participate in the writing sample portion of the ISEE Primary. New York City schools do not require the ISEE Primary writing sample.
Primary Level 2 (entering Grade 2)
Section | Questions | Time Allotted |
---|---|---|
Auditory Comprehension | 6 | 7 minutes |
Reading | 18 | 20 minutes |
Mathematics | 24 | 26 minutes |
Writing Sample* | 1 picture prompt | Untimed |
53 minutes + writing sample time |
Primary Level 3 (entering Grade 3)
Section | Questions | Time Allotted |
---|---|---|
Reading | 24 | 28 minutes |
Mathematics | 24 | 26 minutes |
Writing Sample* | 1 picture prompt | Untimed |
54 minutes + writing sample time |
Primary Level 4 (entering Grade 4)
Section | Questions | Time Allotted |
---|---|---|
Reading | 28 | 30 minutes |
Mathematics | 28 | 30 minutes |
Writing Sample* | 1 prompt | Untimed |
60 minutes + writing sample time |
*The writing sample is not administered to Primary Level students applying to schools located in New York City. New York City schools do not require the writing sample.
Section | Questions | Time Allotted |
---|---|---|
Verbal Reasoning | 34 | 20 minutes |
Quantitative Reasoning | 38 | 35 minutes |
Reading Comprehension | 25 | 25 minutes |
Mathematics Achievement | 30 | 30 minutes |
Essay | 1 prompt | 30 minutes |
2 hours, 20 minutes |
Section | Questions | Time Allotted |
---|---|---|
Verbal Reasoning | 40 | 20 minutes |
Quantitative Reasoning | 37 | 35 minutes |
Reading Comprehension | 36 | 35 minutes |
Mathematics Achievement | 47 | 40 minutes |
Essay | 1 prompt | 30 minutes |
2 hours, 40 minutes |
Section | Questions | Time Allotted |
---|---|---|
Verbal Reasoning | 40 | 20 minutes |
Quantitative Reasoning | 37 | 35 minutes |
Reading Comprehension | 36 | 35 minutes |
Mathematics Achievement | 47 | 40 minutes |
Essay | 1 prompt | 30 minutes |
2 hours, 40 minutes |
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 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 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 the essay in the space provided on the answer sheet, using a black or blue ballpoint pen. Erasable pens are permitted.