The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is the primary admissions test for private and independent schools. Offered at four levels — Primary, Lower, Middle, and Upper — it tests verbal reasoning, quantitative skills, reading, and math. Scores are stanines compared against other private school applicants, making preparation essential for standing out.
Four scored sections plus an unscored essay. Each section requires distinct strategies — especially Verbal Reasoning which rewards vocabulary breadth above all.
Section 1
Verbal Reasoning
25%
of score
Synonyms~13%
Sentence Completion~12%
Section 2
Quantitative Reasoning
25%
of score
Word Problems~13%
Quantitative Comparisons~12%
Section 3
Reading Comprehension
25%
of score
Fiction & Nonfiction Passages~15%
Vocabulary in Context~10%
Section 4
Mathematics Achievement
25%
of score
Arithmetic & Number Sense~13%
Algebra, Geometry & Data~12%
Essay (unscored): 30-minute writing prompt sent directly to schools. Schools evaluate holistically — organization, clarity, and content matter. Practice writing timed essays on open-ended topics.
Full Content Outline
ISEE Section Breakdown
Detailed strategies for each section. Click to expand.
Verbal Reasoning2 types · 25%
1. Synonyms (~13%)
One capitalized word. Choose the answer word closest in meaning. Pure vocabulary — no context clues, no sentences.
What it tests:
›Breadth of vocabulary at 1–2 grade levels above current grade
›Knowledge of Latin/Greek roots, prefixes, and suffixes
›Distinguishing between subtle shades of meaning
Example:
BENEVOLENT: (A) generous (B) strict (C) nervous (D) ancient
2. Sentence Completion (~12%)
A sentence with one or two blanks. Choose the word(s) that best complete the meaning. Context clues matter here.
What it tests:
›Using context to infer meaning and choose the best fit
Tests mathematical reasoning and problem-solving — not just calculation. Quantitative Comparisons ask which of two quantities (Column A vs. Column B) is greater, or if they're equal.
›Number sense, estimation, proportional reasoning
›Basic algebra and pattern recognition
›Comparing quantities with variables
Reading Comprehension25%
5–6 Passages with Comprehension Questions
Passages include literary fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and historical documents. Questions test literal comprehension, inference, author's purpose, tone, and vocabulary in context.
›Main idea and supporting details
›Inference and drawing conclusions
›Author's tone, purpose, and point of view
›Vocabulary meaning from context
Mathematics Achievement25%
Content-Based Math (grade-level dependent)
Unlike Quantitative Reasoning, this section tests mastery of curriculum content — what your child has been taught in school.
›Lower Level: fractions, decimals, basic geometry
›Middle Level: pre-algebra, ratios, data analysis
›Upper Level: algebra I & II, geometry, statistics
Prep Timeline
4-Week ISEE Study Schedule
Start 6–8 weeks before the test if possible. The ISEE rewards vocabulary depth — you can't cram it in a week.
1
Week 1
Vocabulary Surge
›10 new words daily from ISEE word lists
›Learn Latin/Greek roots (bene, mal, port, dict)
›Flashcard review: synonym pairs
›Read challenging fiction 20 min/day
2
Week 2
Quantitative Reasoning
›Practice word problem strategies
›Quantitative comparison shortcuts
›Estimation and mental math drills
›Continue vocabulary (8 words/day)
3
Week 3
Reading & Writing
›Timed reading passage practice
›Practice annotation techniques
›Write two timed essays (30 min each)
›Math Achievement content review
4
Week 4
Full Practice Tests
›Complete timed ISEE practice test
›Review every wrong answer
›Target weakest section for extra work
›Rest 2 days before the real test
Ready to practice ISEE questions?
Free ISEE practice covering verbal reasoning, quantitative, reading, and math sections. No signup required.
ISEE scores are stanines compared to private school applicants — a very different reference group than national norms.
Stanine (1–9)
Scores are compared to other ISEE applicants — not a national sample. A stanine 5 means average for a private school applicant, which is already high nationally.
1–3
Below avg
4–6
Average
7–9
Strong
Scaled Score
Each section scored on a 760–940 scale. Used internally. Schools receive stanines, not scaled scores, so focus on stanine targets for your specific schools.
School Median Match
Most schools publish median ISEE stanines for admitted students. Aim for at or above the school's published median on each section. Research your target schools' score profiles.
Study Materials
Recommended ISEE Books
Handpicked study guides. Affiliate links — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
ISEE Upper Level Test Prep: 6 Full Practice Tests
Six complete practice exams with detailed explanations for all four scored sections.
The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is the primary admissions test for private and independent schools, published by ERB (Educational Records Bureau). It is offered at four levels: Primary (Grades 2–4), Lower (Grades 5–6), Middle (Grades 7–8), and Upper (Grades 9–11).
What's the difference between ISEE Lower, Middle, and Upper?
Each level tests grade-appropriate math and reading content. Students take the level corresponding to the grade they are entering — not the grade they are currently in. For example, a current 7th grader applying to 8th grade takes the Middle Level.
What is a good ISEE score?
Stanine 7–9 is considered strong. However, "good" depends entirely on your target school. Research the median stanine for admitted students at each school you're applying to — some selective schools expect stanines of 8–9.
How is the ISEE different from the SSAT?
Both test similar content, but ISEE has no guessing penalty (SSAT deducts ¼ point per wrong answer). ISEE uses stanines; SSAT uses a scaled score. Most schools accept both — check your target school's preference.
Can students retake the ISEE?
Students may take the ISEE once per testing season (fall, winter, spring/summer). All scores are reported to schools, so preparation before the first attempt is important.
Is there a guessing penalty on the ISEE?
No. Unlike the SSAT, there is no penalty for wrong answers on the ISEE. Always answer every question — leaving blanks only hurts you.