The ISEE Essay Isn’t Scored, so How Is It Used?
The ISEE writing sample is one of the most valuable parts of the ISEE test for admission teams. While it is NOT scored at all by ERB (publisher of the ISEE), the writing sample gives students a chance to show schools not only how well they can write, but also provides a window into what makes them unique.
As the final section of the ISEE test for students applying to grades 5-12, the student is given a specific scenario and question to answer within a 30-minute timed period. It is not acceptable for the student to answer any other question. This is an opportunity for students to:
- Show how well they can organize their thoughts.
- Write a concise and well-thought-out answer to a thought-provoking question.
- Share something about themselves that is reflected in their answer.
Students will have an opportunity to take notes and create an outline, rough draft, and final copy. These notes/outlines will not be submitted to schools; only the final draft will be.
It’s important for students to manage their time wisely. One recommendation is to spend 2-5 minutes planning, 15-20 minutes writing, and 2-5 minutes revising.
There are no rules about how long the essay should be or how many words or paragraphs should be included. There is no “right” or “wrong” answer to any of the essay questions.
Here are some sample ISEE prompts by level:
- Lower Level: If you were a skilled photographer, what would you take a picture of and why?
- Middle Level: If you could improve your school in one way, what would that be? Describe the improvement you would make and explain how it would benefit students.
- Upper Level: Your school requires you to perform forty hours of community service in order to graduate. Describe which type of community service you would choose and explain your choice.
It is a good idea for students to answer the question based on their own experiences and/or passions. For instance, if the question is: “A new student has come to your school from another country. What can you do to help this student feel accepted and comfortable in their new school?” the student could consider how they would feel as a new student in this situation and explain that in their writing. They should also think about a time when they have been “new’’ to a particular scenario and use that experience as a frame of reference for their answer.
If students are taking the ISEE on paper, they will handwrite their answer on the provided answer sheet. It is important that they write clearly and legibly so the essay can be easily read. If the ISEE is taken online, the student will be typing the essay.
Overall, creativity is an important aspect of the writing sample. Thoughtful, creative answers are terrific and will help differentiate the student from others in the applicant pool. Students should remember to have fun and write from the heart!
To help every student feel confident and ready on test day, Test Innovators and ERB have partnered to provide access to high-quality practice for all. Students can take a free sample test (including the writing sample!) on the Test Innovators practice platform.
Molly Green
Molly Moore Green is the Senior Director, Admission Programs for ERB. Previously, she worked for 32 years at Severn School in Maryland with responsibilities in all aspects of independent school management. Her roles at the school included Director of Alumni/Annual Giving, middle school English teacher, Director of Admissions/Financial Aid, Director of Summer Programs, Director of External Relations, Director of Advancement, and Director of Enrollment and Outreach, with many years of overall responsibility for the public relations, communication, admission/enrollment, and other revenue generating departments of the school. She believes in the power of data to help schools make better decisions on behalf of students.
