ISEE(Independent School Entrance Examination)

— ISEE Exam

Why does ACE recommend the ISEE?

The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Examination) is administered by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB). Similar to the SSAT, it provides a standardized evaluation used by independent primary and secondary schools to measure a student’s academic standing relative to their grade level.

For students from Grades 1 to 11 planning to transfer, ISEE scores are a vital requirement for applying to U.S. boarding schools and private institutions. Over 1,600 schools worldwide—including those in the U.S., Canada, and other English-speaking countries—accept ISEE results. Generally, any ERB member school will require this exam for admissions; in Taiwan, the Taipei American School (TAS) accepts ISEE scores.

ACE Recommendations: We suggest that families first identify their target schools and desired enrollment timeline. Once these are set, we can assess the student’s current academic level and finalize a structured preparation schedule.

— About ISEE

A Quick Overview of the ISEE

The ISEE shares a similar structure with the SSAT, focusing on verbal, reading, and mathematical reasoning skills. It is divided into four levels:

Primary Level: Grades 2–4.
Lower Level: Grades 5–6 (the level with the highest number of candidates).
Middle Level: Grades 7–8.
Upper Level: Grades 9–12.

Candidates can choose between computer-based or paper-based formats. The subjects include Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics Achievement, and an Expository Essay. Unlike the SSAT, the ISEE has no guessing penalty; scores directly reflect the student’s performance. You have full control over which schools receive your results.

ACE Recommendations: Since there is no penalty for wrong answers, candidates should ensure they answer every question.

考科內容介紹：

Verbal Reasoning:

Lower Level: 34 questions, 20 minutes
Middle/Upper Level: 40 questions, 20 minutes.
Includes synonyms and sentence completion.

Quantitative Reasoning:

Lower Level: 38 questions, 35 minutes
Middle/Upper Level: 37 questions, 35 minutes.
Focuses on geometry, algebra, and logic-based problems. A 5-minute break follows this section.

Reading Comprehension:

Lower Level: 25 questions, 25 minutes
Middle/Upper Level: 36 questions, 35 minutes
Covers various academic subjects, rhetoric, and vocabulary.

Mathematics Achievement:

Lower Level: 30 questions, 30 minutes
Middle/Upper Level: 47 questions, 40 minutes
Focuses on calculations and word problems in geometry and algebra. A 5-minute break follows this section.

Writing:

Lower Level: 30 minutes
Middle/Upper Level: 30 minutes
Students must write an expository essay based on a prompt. This section is unscored but is sent to admissions offices as a key reference.

ISEE attempts are limited to once per testing season (up to three times per year): Summer (Apr–July), Fall (Aug–Nov), and Winter (Dec–Mar). Schools only see the scores from the specific session you choose to send; they do not see your testing history or other school recipients.

ISEE scoring consists of:

Scaled Scores: Raw scores are converted to a scale ranging from 760 to 940 for Lower, Middle, and Upper levels.
Percentiles & Stanines: Your score is compared to a three-year norm group of peers, presented via a Stanine (Standard Nine) analysis chart.

ACE Recommendations: Due to the seasonal testing limits, thorough preparation is essential before each attempt. ACE offers comprehensive 1 on 1 ISEE prep and mock exams to help you secure admission to your dream school.

— ISEE Key Point

ACE’s Keys to ISEE Success

Make good use of
official ISEE practice questions.

Plan a systematic
study schedule.

Read articles describing charts and graphs to train data
interpretation skills and common writing vocabulary.

Become familiar with the testing rhythm and
question types through mock exams.

— ACE Can Help

How ACE Elevates Your ISEE Performance

For students aiming to apply to popular schools that require ISEE scores, ACE recommendations suggest a score of at least a stanine of 7 or higher to maintain the power of choice. Regarding high-score mastery, ACE possesses:

young-college-students-come-back-study 2

Teachers with extensive teaching experience who systematically analyze ISEE question types.

Professional teachers who lead students in reviews and provide accurate “weak point” analysis to efficiently master the keys to high scores.

ISEE mock exam training at ACE to strengthen answering strategies and time management skills.

Assistance in helping students release stress during the preparation period and establish a stable rhythm.

1 on 1 courses focused on strengthening all of the student’s academic weaknesses.

While there are no strict limits on ISEE preparation, transfer application windows are highly time-sensitive. We strongly advise taking the exam only when you are fully prepared to ensure the best return on your invested time and effort. For targeted improvements, ACE offers customized 1-on-1 ISEE courses and mock exams. Contact us via LINE or phone today for a personalized consultation.

Contact ACE to plan your test strategy

—ISEE vs. SSAT

Independent School Entrance Exam Comparison: ISEE vs. SSAT

While both exams are widely accepted by many primary and secondary schools, their content and structures differ. Here is a quick overview:

	ISEE	SSAT
Subjects	Verbal, Reading, Math, Writing
Levels	Primary level (G2-G4) Lower level (G5-G6) Middle level (G7-G8) Upper level (G9-G12)	Elementary (G4-G5) Middle (G6-G8) Upper (G9-G12)
Test Dates	Summer (April–July) Fall (August–November) Winter (December–March)	Jan, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec
Format	Computer or Paper-based	Paper-based
Scoring	No penalty for wrong answers. Scores listed individually for all 4 subjects	¼ point deduction for wrong answers
Results	You can freely choose which schools to send your scores to.
Difficulty	Slightly higher difficulty in Mathematics	High focus on Analogies & Vocabulary

Both SSAT and ISEE are standard admissions benchmarks testing verbal, quantitative, and writing skills. The main difference lies in their specific areas of difficulty.

ACE Insights: For students with a strong vocabulary but who may find math more challenging, ACE recommendations lean toward the SSAT. Conversely, the ISEE is often a better fit for those with superior mathematical and logical reasoning skills.
However, we strongly advise families to first confirm which test their target schools accept to ensure the scores are applicable during the application window.

A strategic approach involves evaluating school requirements and taking diagnostic mock exams for both the ISEE and SSAT before making a final decision.
Ultimately, if you are undecided, ACE is here to help you identify the most suitable path through our professional mock testing and analysis.

— ISEE Schedule

ISEE Test Dates & Locations (Taiwan)

Unless you are testing at an ERB member school, ISEE registration must be completed online. While a $40 fee applies for same-day registrations, all sign-ups and payments must still be processed via the online portal; testing centers do not accept paper registrations or on-site payments.

Test dates and locations vary each year, but exams are typically held on Saturdays. The ISEE can only be taken at ERB member schools, Prometric test centers, or ERB offices. Currently, Taipei American School (TAS) is the only ERB member school in Taiwan, but there are several authorized testing centers available. Candidates can select their preferred location during the online registration process.

ISEE results are posted to the parent portal on the Monday following the exam, and official score reports are emailed directly to your selected schools.

For specific 2026 ISEE test dates and locations, please refer to the official website.

— More Info

Other References

Official ISEE Website

Annotations:

*Educational Records Bureau (ERB)：
A non-profit educational organization founded in 1927, dedicated to helping schools and educators better understand students’ learning and overall development.

*SSAT：
Another globally recognized entrance exam for primary and secondary schools. For a detailed comparison between the SSAT and ISEE, please refer to the ACE website.

*ERB Member Schools
To check if a school accepts ISEE scores, please search the official directory.https://www.erblearn.org/about/member-schools/

*Testing Formats:
While paper and computer-based options are generally available, please note that the Primary level is exclusively computer-based.

*Score Reporting
You can freely select which schools receive your scores directly through the ISEE online platform.

*Stanine Analysis：
The “Standard Nine” (Stanine) is a 9-point grading scale used to convert students’ raw section scores. With 5 acting as the midpoint (average), this system allows admissions officers to quickly evaluate a student’s performance in each subject.

*Official ISEE Practice Questions
https://iseepracticetest.com/

*Online Registration Portal
https://iseeonline.erblearn.org/

— Choose ACE

Choose ACE

At ACE, we believe every student possesses a unique rhythm and untapped potential. Leveraging years of experience in international curricula and standardized testing, we design bespoke learning solutions that empower children to build confidence and academic strength step-by-step.

Consult with ACE Today+

ISEE(Independent School Entrance Examination)