ISEE Upper Level Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the Upper Level ISEE?
  2. Who creates the ISEE Upper Level?
  3. When is the Upper Level ISEE given?
  4. When should I register for the Upper Level ISEE?
  5. How do I register?
  6. How much does it cost to take the Upper Level ISEE
  7. How long does it take to get my scores back?
  8. How many times can I take the Upper Level ISEE?
  9. What is a good score on the Upper Level ISEE?
  10. When should I start preparing for the Upper Level ISEE?
  11. Should I use an educational consultant?

 

  1. What is the Upper Level ISEE?
    The Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) Upper Level Exam is for students in grades 8 to 11 who are applying for entrance into grades 9 or 12.
    The test is used by prestigious private middle and high schools, as well as by boarding schools to help determine a student's admission qualifications. It consists of verbal and quantitative reasoning questions and an essay. The essay is not included in your test score, but a copy is sent to the schools you request to receive your scores.

    If you are interested in taking the ISEE for private school admission, keep in mind that many private schools have more openings for admission at "natural" entrance points- i.e. grades 6 and 9- than for the grades in between. Your chances of admission may improve when applying for these grades.

    Back to the top
     
  2. Who creates the ISEE Upper Level?
    The ISEE was constructed to align to the guidelines provided by a national committee of independent school directors of admission and faculty. It was developed for the Educational Records Bureau by the Educational Testing Service.

    Back to the top
     
  3. When is the Upper Level ISEE given?
    The ISEE is offered in over thirty cities across the country. For test dates in your area, visit https://www.erblearn.org/parents/isee-overview.

    Back to the top
     
  4. When should I register for the Upper Level ISEE?
    Regular registration deadlines are three weeks before each test date. Late registration (phone or fax only) deadlines are two weeks before each test date. You may want to register at least 6 - 8 weeks ahead of time to avoid late fees and ensure that you can take the ISEE at the test center closest to you.

    Back to the top
     
  5. How do I register?
    Register one of four ways:
            Mail: The paper registration form can be found in the center of the student guide between pages 26 and 27 inside the envelope. Contact iseeremote@erbtest.org to have a Student Guide mailed to you.
            Phone: Call 1-800-446-0320 (there is an additional $20 phone registration fee, payable by credit card only)
            Fax: Contact iseeremote@erbtest.org to have a Student Guide mailed to you, then get the fax registration form from the ISEE Student Guide and send it to 919-682-5775 (there is an additional $20 fax registration fee, payable by credit card only)
            Online: Go to www.iseetest.org

    Back to the top
     
  6. How much does it cost to take the Upper Level ISEE?
    Registration Method Cost
    Mail $75
    Online $78
    Phone or Fax $98

    Late Registration
    (less than 3 weeks prior to the test date)

    		 $95

    Back to the top
     
  1. How long does it take to get my scores back?
    Your Individual Student Report (ISR) and your essay are usually released to your chosen schools 7 - 10 days after your test date. Your parents will also receive your scores by mail within two weeks from your test date.

    Back to the top
     
  2. How many times can I take the Upper Level ISEE?
    You may only take the ISEE once in a six-month period. Practice tests are not allowed; in order to sit for an exam you must make an official application to a school.

    Back to the top
     
  3. What is a good score on the Upper Level ISEE?
    A good score is one that will get you into the school of your choice, so the answer depends on which school you want to attend. While there is not a "passing" score for the ISEE, it is helpful to have an idea of what the average student admitted to your preferred school scores on the test. This will help you determine your score goal. Following are a few reference websites for private schools with contact information so you can find out the average score of students accepted.
            www.educationplanner.com
            www.boardingschoolreview.com
            www.allprivateschools.org

    Back to the top
      
  4. When should I start preparing for the Upper Level ISEE?
    It is best to start preparing as early as you are able. This allows maximum time to attain your score goals.

    Back to the top
     
  5. Should I use an educational consultant?
    Educational consultants advise students in the selection of educational programs. The need for an educational consultant can vary based on the student. Consider starting by arranging a meeting with your counselor as a research base. You can also consult the career services or counseling departments within the schools that you are considering applying to. You may want to find out ahead of time if they charge and what the cost is before committing to a service.

    Back to the top


 

1 (800) 913-7737