Ultimate 2024 ISEE Exam Guide for Parents

Did you know that The ISEE is a comprehensive admission test accepted by over 1,200 independent schools? As a parent, you’re about to embark on an exciting journey with your child – one that could open doors to prestigious independent and private schools. But let’s face it, the ISEE can seem like a daunting hurdle. Fear not! I’m here to guide you through every twist and turn of this important test.

From breaking down the exam structure to sharing insider prep tips, we’ll tackle the ISEE together. Whether your child is aiming for a top-tier boarding school or a competitive day school, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to support their success.

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What is the ISEE?

The ISEE, or Independent School Entrance Examination, is a standardized test used for admission to many private and independent schools in the United States. Here’s a concise overview of the ISEE:

ISEE Test Quick Facts
Independent School Entrance Examination
Age/Grade Range
Grades 2-12
Format
Online
Paper Test
Administered by
measurementinc.com
Time Limit
For Grade 2 to 4 : 53 to 60 mins
For Grade 5 to 6 : 2 hours, 20 mins
For Grade 7 to 12 : 2 hours, 40 mins
Penalties
No penalties for incorrect answers.
Topics Covered
Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics achievement

Is the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) Right for My Child?

Prepare your child to tackle all Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) question categories with ease. Wizdomi can help build your child’s confidence! 

ISEE Test Structure: Breaking Down the Sections

SectionQuestionsLengthSection breakdown
Auditory Comprehension6 questions7 minutesMeasure of a child’s receptive spoken vocabulary, grammar, and syntax.
Reading18 questions20 minutesEvaluates ability to understand and analyze written passages. Covers various genres and subjects
Break5-10 minutes
Mathematics24 questions26 minutesTests computational skills and mathematical fluency. Covers grade-appropriate math concepts
Total Time53 minutes + 5- to 10-minute break
Applying for Grade 2
SectionQuestionsLengthSection breakdown
Reading24 questions28 minutesEvaluates ability to understand and analyze written passages. Covers various genres and subjects
Break5-10 minutes
Mathematics24 questions26 minutesTests computational skills and mathematical fluency. Covers grade-appropriate math concepts
Total Time54 minutes + 5- to 10-minute break
For applying to Grade 3
SectionQuestionsLengthSection breakdown
Reading28 questions30 minutesEvaluates ability to understand and analyze written passages. Covers various genres and subjects
Break5-10 minutes
Mathematics28 questions30 minutesTests computational skills and mathematical fluency. Covers grade-appropriate math concepts
Total Time60 minutes + 5- to 10-minute break
For applying to Grade 4
SectionQuestionsLengthSection breakdown
Verbal Reasoning34 questions20 minutesTests word knowledge and sentence completion.
Checks how you understand Word relationships & Context clues in sentences.
Quantitative Reasoning38 questions35 minutesTests math problem-solving skills.
Includes: Word problems & Questions about math concepts.
Break5-10 minutes
Reading Comprehension25 questions25 minutesTests how well you understand what you read.
Uses different types of stories and topics.
Mathematics Achievement30 questions30 minutesAssesses computational skills and math fluency.
Includes math concepts suitable for the grade level.
Break5-10 minutes
Essay1 prompt30 minutesNot scored but shared with schools in the score report.
Showcases writing skills and thought organization.
Total Time2 hours, 20 minutes + two 5- to 10-minute breaks
For applying to Grade 5 or 6
SectionQuestionsLengthSection breakdown
Verbal Reasoning40 questions20 minutesTests word knowledge and sentence completion.
Checks how you understand Word relationships & Context clues in sentences.
Quantitative Reasoning37 questions35 minutesTests math problem-solving skills.
Includes: Word problems & Questions about math concepts.
Break5-10 minutes
Reading Comprehension36 questions35 minutesTests how well you understand what you read.
Uses different types of stories and topics.
Mathematics Achievement47 questions40 minutesAssesses computational skills and math fluency.
Includes math concepts suitable for the grade level.
Break5-10 minutes
Essay1 prompt30 minutesNot scored but shared with schools in the score report.
Showcases writing skills and thought organization.
Total Time2 hours, 40 minutes + two 5- to 10-minute breaks
For applying to Grade 7 or 8
SectionQuestionsLengthSection breakdown
Verbal Reasoning40 questions20 minutesTests word knowledge and sentence completion.
Checks how you understand Word relationships & Context clues in sentences.
Quantitative Reasoning37 questions35 minutesTests math problem-solving skills.
Includes: Word problems & Questions about math concepts.
Break5-10 minutes
Reading Comprehension36 questions35 minutesTests how well you understand what you read.
Uses different types of stories and topics.
Mathematics Achievement47 questions40 minutesAssesses computational skills and math fluency.
Includes math concepts suitable for the grade level.
Break5-10 minutes
Essay1 prompt30 minutesNot scored but shared with schools in the score report.
Showcases writing skills and thought organization.
Total Time2 hours, 40 minutes + two 5- to 10-minute breaks
For applying to Grade 9 to 12

When can I take the ISEE?

Guess what? You have lots of choices for when to take the ISEE! It’s kind of like choosing when to have a big game or performance. You can take the test almost any time of the year – even during summer vacation! You get to pick if you want to do it on a computer or with paper and pencil. Some kids even take it at home on their computer. The cool part is, you can take the test up to three times in a year if you want to try again. Just remember to take it a few months before you need to send your scores to schools. That way, you have plenty of time to get your results back. So, you as a parent can take a decission or also check with your child’s teachers about when might be the best time for to take the ISEE. It’s your chance to show schools how awesome your child is!

Test Dates and Registration:

  • Tests are available nearly every day of the year for computer-based testing.
  • Paper-based tests are typically offered on weekends at schools and educational offices.
  • Registration opens several months in advance. For example, fall testing registration often opens in July.

Computer-based testing at Prometric Test Centers

  • In-Person Administration
  • Online Format
  • Group Testing
  • Results typically available faster

Paper-based testing held at schools or educational offices

  • Often on weekends
  • Paper or Online Format
  • May feel more familiar to students
  • Group Testing

At-Home Testing

  • Remote Administration
  • Online Format
  • Individual Testing

How is the ISEE Test Scored?

What Score Do my Child Need to Get Into the Best Schools?

Wondering what ISEE score you need to get into a great school? Well, here’s the thing – there’s no magic number that guarantees you’ll get in. It’s kind of like trying to win a game with many different ways to score points!
Here’s what you should know:

  • Different schools like different scores. Some might get excited about really high scores, while others care more about other things.
  • Most top schools like to see scores in the 7-9 range on the stanine scale (remember, that goes from 1 to 9). But don’t panic if you don’t get all 9s!
  • Schools look at more than just your test scores. They’re interested in:
    Your grades in school
    The cool things you do outside of class (like sports or music)
    What your teachers say about you
    How you write and think (that’s why they look at your essay)
  • Some kids with super high scores might not get in, while others with lower scores do. That’s because schools want to build a diverse, interesting group of students.
  • The “best” school is the one that’s best for you – where you’ll be happy and learn a lot. That might not always be the school with the highest test score requirements.

Remember, your ISEE score is just one piece of the puzzle. Schools want to get to know the whole you – not just how you do on one test. So do your best, but don’t stress too much about getting a perfect score. There are lots of ways to show schools how awesome you are!

ISEE Paper vs. Online Format: Which One Should I Choose?

Did you know you can take the ISEE test in two different ways?
Remember, there’s no “better” choice – it’s all about what works best for you! Talk to your child’s teachers if you’re not sure. They can help you decide which way will let you do your very best on test day.
It’s like choosing between reading a book on paper or on a tablet. Let’s look at both ways:

Paper Format

  • This is the old-school way – you use a pencil and paper.
  • You’ll go to a school or test center on a specific day.
  • You bubble in your answers on an answer sheet.
  • Some kids like this because it feels familiar, like tests at school.
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Online Format

  • This is the computer version – you use a keyboard and mouse.
  • You can often choose from more test dates and locations.
  • Your answers are saved directly on the computer.
  • Some kids like this because it’s faster and feels more modern.
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How Can Wizdomi Help Your Child Prepare for the ISEE?

Getting ready for the ISEE can feel like a big challenge, but with Wizdomi, your child doesn’t have to face it alone! Our one-on-one live tutoring sessions are designed to give your child the personalized support they need to succeed. Here’s how Wizdomi can make a difference:

  • Tailored Learning Experience: Every child is unique, and so is their learning style. Our expert tutors work directly with your child to understand their strengths and areas for improvement. This personalized approach means we can focus on what your child needs most, making study time more effective and efficient.
  • Practice Tests and Review: We use real ISEE practice tests to familiarize your child with the format and timing of the exam. After each practice test, our tutors review the results with your child, explaining any mistakes and reinforcing correct approaches.
  • Essay Writing Support: The essay portion of the ISEE can be daunting. Our tutors work one-on-one with students to improve their writing skills, from brainstorming ideas to crafting well-structured essays.