ISEE Overview

Hi everyone, I recently heard about the ISEE, but I'm still a bit confused. Can somebody explain what it is and what it's used for?

Hi! The ISEE, which stands for Independent School Entrance Exam, is a standardized test used for admissions to independent schools in the United States. It's administered by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB) and is designed to measure the verbal, mathematical, and reasoning skills of students applying for entry to these schools, typically at the elementary, middle, or high school levels.

The ISEE has three different levels:

1. Lower Level: For students entering grades 5 and 6

2. Middle Level: For students entering grades 7 and 8

3. Upper Level: For students entering grades 9 through 12

Each level of the exam consists of five sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics Achievement, and an unscored Essay section. The Verbal Reasoning section tests vocabulary and verbal reasoning skills, while the Quantitative Reasoning section assesses mathematical problem-solving abilities. The Reading Comprehension section focuses on the ability to understand and analyze passages, and the Mathematics Achievement section measures the application of math concepts learned in school. The unscored Essay section allows students to showcase their writing skills and communicate directly to the schools to which they're applying; while it's not scored, the essay is still an important part of the application.

ISEE scores are reported as percentiles, which compare the student's performance to other test-takers at the same grade level. Most independent schools have their own ISEE score requirements and utilize the scores as one of many factors they consider during the admissions process. It's essential to research the specific schools you're interested in and understand their ISEE score expectations.

To prepare for the ISEE, students can use study materials and practice tests available online or in bookstores, some of which are provided by the ERB itself. Additionally, there are numerous test-prep services and tutors specializing in the ISEE that can help students build the necessary skills and confidence to excel on the test.

Good luck with your preparation and future school applications!