What to Expect on the ISEE Admission Test for Private School

The ISEE test uses multiple subject areas to determine a child’s suitability for admission into private schools where they are entering grades 5 and up. The test is administered on three different levels to accommodate students at different ages and academic levels.

Below are the standard testing scenarios for the ISEE at all three levels. For the most part the test format is similar, with skills becoming more advanced at high grade levels and age groups.

It is important to note that the ERB publishes a manual called What to Expect on the ISEE, to help students prepare for this test. This book gives you information the purpose of the ISEE and what it measures. It also includes sample questions for all levels of the test, with full explanations for choosing the right answer to each question. Students who are taking the Middle or Upper level ISEE will find that their manual includes half-length practice tests.

The ISEE Lower Level (For students entering grades 5 & 6)

Verbal Reasoning: Synonyms, Sentence Completion 25 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning: Comprehension, Interpretation/Application, Higher Order Thinking 35 minutes
Reading Comprehension: Humanities, Science, Social Studies passages 40 minutes
Mathematics Achievement: Knowledge and Skills, Computation/Comprehension, Applications:40 minutes
Essay: 30 minutes

ISEE Middle Level (For students entering grades 7 &

Verbal Reasoning: Synonyms, Sentence Completion 20 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning: Comprehension, Interpretation/Application, Higher Order Thinking 35 minutes
Reading Comprehension: Humanities, Science, Social Studies passages 40 minutes
Mathematics Achievement: Knowledge and Skills, Computation/Comprehension, Applications:40 minutes
Essay: 30 minutes

ISEE Upper Level (For students entering grades 9 through 12)

Verbal Reasoning: Synonyms, Sentence Completion 20 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning: Arithmetic/Algebra/Geometry, Concepts/Understanding, Application/HighorderThinking, Quantitative Comparison 40 minutes
Reading Comprehension: Humanities, Science, Social Studies passages 40 minutes
Mathematics Achievement: Arithmetic/Algebra/Geometry, Knowledge and Skills, Comprehension, Applications:40 minutes
Essay: 30 minutes

Related posts:

1. Beyond Elementary Admissions: The ISEE
2. 2009-2010 ISEE Student Guide
3. Private School Tests Can’t Measure It All
4. The Stanford-Binet for Private School Admissions
5. NYC Students Take the CTP 4 Test

Tagged as: Admissions Tests, isee, Private Schools, Test Prep