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ISEE Mid Level FAQ

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

    The Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) Mid Level Exam is for 6th and 7th graders who are applying for entrance into grades 7 or 8.

    The test is used by prestigious private middle and high schools, as well as 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.

  2. Who creates the ISEE Mid 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.

  3. When is the ISEE Mid Level given?

    The ISEE is offered in over thirty cities across the country. For test dates in your area, visit http://www.iseetest.org.

  4. When should I register for the ISEE Mid Level?

    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.

  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
  6. How much does it cost to take the ISEE Mid Level?

    Registration Method Cost
    Mail $75
    Online $78
    Phone or Fax $98
    Late Registration
    (less than 3 weeks prior to test date)
    $95
  7. 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.

  8. How many times can I take the ISEE Mid Level?

    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.

  9. What is a good score on the ISEE Mid Level?

    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.

  10. When should I start preparing for the ISEE Mid Level?

    It is best to start preparing as early as you are able. This allows maximum time to attain your score goals.

  11. 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 how much they charge before committing to a service.