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ISEE

ISEE Key Features

The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is the primary admissions test for many private day schools (and some boarding schools). Unlike the SSAT, the ISEE focuses heavily on math and reasoning skills and has strict limits on how often you can take it.
The ISEE does not have fixed national dates like the SAT. Instead, it offers “Testing Seasons.” You can schedule a test at a school, a Prometric center, or at home on almost any day that works, with a limitation of one test per season.

The “Three Season” Rule

You cannot take the ISEE as many times as you want. You are allowed only one attempt per season, for a maximum of three attempts per year.
  • - Fall Season – August – November
  • - Winter Season – December – March
  • - Spring/Summer Season – April – July
Test Levels
  • Primary Level – Entrance to Grades 2–4.
  • Lower Level – Entrance to Grades 5–6.
  • Middle Level – Entrance to Grades 7–8.
  • Upper Level – Entrance to Grades 9–12.
Test Structure Breakdown
  • Total Time – ~2 hours and 40 minutes.
  • Verbal Reasoning (20 mins) – Synonyms and Sentence Completions.
  • Quantitative Reasoning (35 mins) – Math logic and word problems (less calculation, more thinking).
  • Reading Comprehension (35 mins) – 6 passages with questions.
  • Math Achievement (40 mins) – Standard curriculum math (arithmetic, algebra, geometry).
  • Essay (30 mins) – An unscored writing sample sent directly to schools.
Scoring & The “Stanine”

You will receive a Scaled Score (760–940), but schools focus on the Stanine and Percentile.

The Stanine (1–9)

Your percentile is converted into a score from 1 to 9.
  • 1–3: Below Average4.
  • - 4–6: Average
  • - 7–9: Above Average (Highly Competitive)
Unlike the SSAT, there is no penalty for wrong answers on the ISEE. Hence, it’s advised not to leave a question blank.
For Parents

The ISEE has two math sections (Quantitative Reasoning + Math Achievement), making math 50% of the score. If your student is strong in math, the ISEE might be a better choice than the SSAT.

The “ERB” Confusion – Schools ask for “ERB scores.” This usually means the ISEE (which is created by the ERB), or the CTP-5 (a standardized test taken annually in many private schools). Always clarify which one they need.

At-Home Testing – The ISEE can be taken at home on a computer (Proctored via webcam) or at a Prometric test center. This is often less stressful than a crowded school gymnasium.

SSAT vs. ISEE: At a Glance
SSAT vs ISEE Comparison Table
Feature SSAT ISEE
Best For Strong Readers / Creative Writers Verbal Focus Strong Math / Logic Students Math Focus
Guessing Policy Penalty (-¼ point) for wrong answers No Penalty for wrong answers
Math Sections 1 Section (Quantitative) 2 Sections (Quant + Achievement)
Verbal Sections Synonyms + Analogies Synonyms + Sentence Completions
Retakes Unlimited (Flex + Standard dates) Strict Limit: 1 per season (max 3/year)
Score Report Percentiles (1–99%) Stanines (1–9) & Percentiles
SSAT
Key Features
Best For
Strong Readers / Creative Writers
Guessing Policy
Penalty (-¼ point) for wrong answers
Math Sections
1 Section (Quantitative)
Verbal Sections
Synonyms + Analogies
Retakes
Unlimited (Flex + Standard dates)
Score Report
Percentiles (1–99%)
ISEE
Key Features
Best For
Strong Math / Logic Students
Guessing Policy
No Penalty for wrong answers
Math Sections
2 Sections (Quant + Achievement)
Verbal Sections
Synonyms + Sentence Completions
Retakes
Strict Limit: 1 per season (max 3/year)
Score Report
Stanines (1–9) & Percentiles