Overview

 
 
 
 
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About the ISEE

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.

 

 

ISEE Quick facts Guide

 

 
 

 

Testing Seasons

 

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.

 
 
 

Levels & Timing

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. 

 

Primary Level (entering Grades 2 - 4)

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.

Lower Level (entering Grades 5 and 6)

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

Middle Level (entering Grades 7 and 8)

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

Upper Level (entering Grades 9 - 12)

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
 
 
 

 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 (All Levels)

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 (Lower, Middle, and Upper Levels)

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.

 
 

 

 

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