isee

The ISEE, or Independent School Entrance Examination, is a standardized admissions test used by many independent and private schools in the United States and abroad. It is designed to help schools assess a student’s readiness for coursework and to compare applicants across different schools and programs.

The exam is administered by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB) and is offered at multiple levels to align with grade level: Primary Level for younger applicants, Lower Level for grades 5–6, Middle Level for grades 7–8, and Upper Level for grades 9–12. The content generally includes four multiple-choice sections—Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Mathematics Achievement—and a Writing Sample. The Writing Sample is typically not scored but is sent to schools as part of the applicant’s portfolio; the exact format can vary by level and testing date.

Scores are reported as scaled scores and percentile ranks for each section, and a total or composite score is often provided from the four main sections. Schools may use these results in combination with transcripts, recommendations, interviews, and other materials during the admission process.

Preparation resources include official ERB practice materials and a range of third-party prep books and online courses. Some schools offer ISEE preparation guidance as part of the application process. The ISEE is one of several standardized tests used by independent schools, with some institutions also accepting alternatives such as the SSAT.