The ISEE is designed for students applying to independent and private schools that require standardized testing as part of their admissions process. While not every private school uses the ISEE, it is one of the most widely accepted entrance exams in the United States.
Students typically take the ISEE when applying for admission to a new school, whether that means entering elementary school, middle school, or high school. In many cases, students only take the exam once during an admissions cycle, although some families choose to retest if permitted by their target schools.
The ISEE helps admissions committees evaluate applicants who come from a wide variety of educational backgrounds, including:
Because grading systems, curricula, and classroom expectations vary from school to school, the ISEE provides admissions offices with one additional measure they can use when reviewing applications.
The exam is offered at four levels based on the grade a student will be entering—not their current grade.
| ISEE Level | Students Entering |
|---|---|
| Primary | Grades 2–4 |
| Lower | Grades 5–6 |
| Middle | Grades 7–8 |
| Upper | Grades 9–12 |
For example, a student currently in 4th grade who is applying to enter 5th grade would take the Lower Level ISEE.
Before registering, families should confirm the admissions requirements for every school on their application list. Some schools require the ISEE, others require the SSAT, some accept either exam, and a growing number have adopted test-optional admissions policies.
