ISEE: Overview and Free Downloadable Printable PDF Practice Tests

Independent School Entrance Exam Overview

Why do you need ISEE practice tests? The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is a test required by many private schools for admission. A student can take the Lower, Middle, or Upper Level ISEE depending on his/her grade in school. Consult the ERB website for more detailed information.

Most high-performing, selective high schools require candidates to complete the ISEE, SSAT, HSPT, or a Selective Enrollment Exam. To understand the difference between these assessments, consult “The Real Deal with High School Entrance Exams.”

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Independent School Entrance Exam – Lower Level Test

(for entrance to grades 5-6) – 127 questions & essay (2 hours 20 minutes)

  • Verbal reasoning – 34 questions (20 minutes)

  • Quantitative reasoning – 38 questions (35 minutes)

  • Reading comprehension – 25 questions (25 minutes)

  • Mathematics Achievement – 30 questions (30 minutes)

  • Essay – (30 minutes)

The ISEE Lower Level is 33 questions shorter than the ISEE Upper Level and ISEE Middle Level and the questions reflect the expected knowledge level of this age group.

Use the guides and practice tests below to help determine your student’s current level and needs. Consider hiring a tutor to help with increasing the score.

2012 ISEE Lower Level Guide and Practice Test

Ivy Global ISEE Lower Level Practice Test 1

Tivitails Education ISEE Lower Level Practice Test

2016 ERB Lower Level ISEE Practice Test 1

2018 ERB Lower Level ISEE Guide and 1 Practice Test

ISEE Lower Level Practice Test 3

Independent School Entrance Exam – Middle Level Test

(for entrance to grades 7-8) – 160 questions & essay (2 hours 40 minutes)

  • Verbal reasoning – 40 questions (20 minutes)

  • Quantitative reasoning – 37 questions (35 minutes)

  • Reading comprehension – 36 questions (35 minutes)

  • Mathematics Achievement – 47 questions (40 minutes)

  • Essay – (30 minutes)

The ISEE Middle Level is a bit longer than the ISEE Lower Level and the same length as the ISEE Upper Level. The questions on the test reflect the expected knowledge level of this age group.

Use the guides and practice tests below to help determine your student’s current level and needs. Consider hiring a tutor to help with increasing the score.

2012 ISEE Middle Level Guide and Practice Test

Ivy Global ISEE Middle Level Practice Test 1

Tivitails Education ISEE Middle Level Practice Test

2018 ERB Middle Level ISEE Guide and 1 Practice Test

Independent School Entrance Exam – Upper Level Test

(for entrance to grades 9-12) – 160 questions & essay (2 hours 40 minutes)

  • Verbal reasoning – 40 questions (20 minutes)

  • Quantitative reasoning – 37 questions (35 minutes)

  • Reading comprehension – 36 questions (35 minutes)

  • Mathematics Achievement – 47 questions (40 minutes)

  • Essay – (30 minutes)

The ISEE Upper Level is a bit longer than the ISEE Lower Level and the same length as the ISEE Middle Level. The questions on the test reflect the expected knowledge level of this age group.

Use the guides and practice tests below to help determine your student’s current level and needs. Consider hiring a tutor to help with increasing the score.

2013 Summit Education Middle & Upper ISEE Guide and Questions

ISEE Upper and Middle Level Practice Test 1

ISEE Upper and Middle Level Practice Test 2

2005 Petersons ISEE Guide and Practice Tests (this also contains prep for SSAT)

2005 Thomson Peterson ISEE Guide and Practice Tests (this also contains prep for SSAT)

2012 ISEE Upper Level Guide and Practice Test

2014 Petersons High School Placement Exams (ISEE Upper Level and HSPT)

Ivy Global ISEE Upper Level Practice Test 1

2018 ERB Upper Level ISEE Guide and 1 Practice Test

2018 Peterson’s ISEE & SSAT Guide and 6 Practice Tests (this also contains prep for SSAT)

For more specific practice with the math-based sections:

Section 2: Quantitative

Section 4: Mathematics

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