The ISEE, or “Independent School Entrance Exam,” is a test administered at different levels for students grade 2 through 12. It is used in the admissions process of over 1,200 independent schools throughout the United States. It is created and administered by the ERB, or Educational Records Bureau, who is also responsible for exams such as the WPPSI and AABL.
The ISEE is used as an objective admissions metric for schools to use to compare students. Much like the SAT or ACT, the ISEE measures a student’s ability and likelihood to succeed with each school’s curriculum.
What is a good score? You should reach out to your target school’s admissions department and request information about the last accepted class. Ask them what the middle 50% of applicants scored, and shoot for slightly above their response.
The ISEE is split into different grade bands: the Primary, the Lower Level, the Middle Level, and the Upper Level.
The Primary Level ISEE is used for entrance to 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade. There are three sub-levels of the ISEE Primary: ISEE Primary 2 (for 2nd grade entrance), ISEE Primary 3 (for 3rd grade entrance), and ISEE Primary 4 (for 4th grade entrance). Each test is slightly different to accommodate for the large difference in ability between 6 year olds and 8 year olds.
The ISEE Primary 2
| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Auditory Comprehension | 6 questions | 7 minutes |
| Reading | 18 questions | 20 minutes |
| Break | — | 5 minutes |
| Mathematics | 24 questions | 26 minutes |
The Auditory Comprehension section consists of a listening portion where the text is not displayed. Comprehension questions follow.
Reading consists of 3 short reading passages, both fiction and nonfiction, and comprehension questions regarding supporting details, vocabulary, organization, and more.
Mathematics includes questions testing standard skills learned in school. This section is similar to Common Core Math. Topics include measurement, number sense, probability, algebraic thinking, and more. Calculators are not permitted.
The ISEE Primary 3
| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 24 questions | 28 minutes |
| Break | — | 5 minutes |
| Mathematics | 24 questions | 26 minutes |
This level of ISEE does NOT include an Auditory Comprehension section.
The Reading section includes 4 passages, both fiction and nonfiction, followed by 6 comprehension questions after each passage. Question types include vocabulary, organization, logic, tone, and inference.
The Mathematics section tests standard skills learned in school. This section is similar to Common Core Math. Topics include measurement, number sense, operations, data and probability, algebraic concepts, and more. Calculators are not permitted.
Our Logic and the Art of Reasoning workbook is tried and tested to help students of all ages increase their test-taking abilities and improve on reading comprehension and math word problems.
The ISEE Primary 4
| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 28 questions | 30 minutes |
| Break | — | 5 minutes |
| Mathematics | 28 questions | 30 minutes |
The Reading section includes 4 passages, both fiction and nonfiction, followed by 7 questions after each passage. Question types include main idea, supporting details, vocabulary, logic, inferences, and more.
The Mathematics section tests standard skills taught in school. This section is similar to the Common Core Math test. Topics include geometric concepts, data and probability, algebraic concepts, measurement, number sense, and operations. Calculators are not permitted.
How to Prep
Test-taking is more than recalling knowledge; it’s a skill. Practice is what makes perfect.
You can help your student succeed by preparing them with the full-length Primary ISEE 2 Practice Test developed by Aristotle Circle, complete with answer explanations, a useful vocabulary list for studying, and information on how to read your ISEE score report.
Ensure your student is well-equipped by practicing with Aristotle Circle’s Common Core Grade 2, Common Core Grade 3 and Common Core Grade 4 Practice Tests. These workbooks address all question types found on the ISEE Primary 2, 3, and 4 as well as checking for skill gaps at that grade level. Each book includes a key to identify which common core standards each question is testing.
Working with a tutor‘s guidance is a time-tested way of improving outcomes. Help your child feel prepared, reduce anxiety, and get their best scores by calling us at 212-360-2301 or sending us an email at info@aristotlecircle.com.
Working with an Aristotle Circle admissions expert can take your child to the next level. Our experts are highly experienced in guiding students of all ages through the application process, including strategizing when is the best time to take entrance exams such as the ISEE. Call today (212-360-2301) to learn more.
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