Resources: ISEE

What is the ISEE?
Who takes the ISEE?
The ISEE format
How the ISEE is scored
ISEE test dates, registration deadlines and fees
ISEE test fees
Register for the ISEE

What is the ISEE?

The ISEE is an admissions test that assesses a student’s skills in math, reading comprehension, quantitative reasoning and verbal reasoning. It is part of the admissions process for many private schools.

Who takes the ISEE?

The ISEE is intended for students in grades 5-12 applying to certain private schools.

The ISEE format

The ISEE is a three-hour test taken by students in grades 5-12 prior to entering a private school. There are three versions of the test: lower (candidates for grades 5 and 6), middle (candidates for grades 7 and 8) and upper (candidates for grades 9-12). The ISEE is composed of 146-160 multiple-choice questions (depending on the version of the test) and a 30-minute essay. The essay is not scored but is sent to the independent school of interest to be reviewed.

How the ISEE is scored

The ISEE scores are reported two ways: scaled scores and norms for applicants to independent schools. The scaled score ranges between 760 and 940 and measures a student’s performance on the test. The other score compares the student’s score to the scores of other independent school applicants.

The passing score for the ISEE is determined by individual schools. More information about passing scores is usually available on school websites or through the school admissions office.

ISEE test dates, registration deadlines and fees

The ISEE is administered at various testing centers, by appointment. It is also administered at various private high schools throughout the year, so contact your high school of interest for test dates. Registration closes approximately three weeks before the test date. There is a cost to take the test, as well as a fee for late registration.