How Is the ISEE Essay Graded?

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12Jun

How Is the ISEE Essay Graded?

By ISEE Comments Off on How Is the ISEE Essay Graded?

If your student is preparing for the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE), you’ve probably heard of the essay section and wondered how it’s scored. Unlike the multiple-choice sections, the ISEE essay doesn’t receive a numerical score. So, how is it evaluated, and what is it used for? Here’s everything you need to know about the ISEE essay, how it’s reviewed, and why it’s still important.

What Is the ISEE Essay?

The ISEE essay is a 30-minute section that asks students to respond to a written prompt, typically posed as a question or statement. The prompt usually encourages a personal, reflective, or persuasive response. Students are expected to write a well-organized, thoughtful essay with clear ideas and correct grammar and punctuation.

Note: This section appears on all levels of the ISEE (Lower, Middle, and Upper).

Is the ISEE Essay Scored?

Technically, no. The ISEE essay is not given a numerical or letter grade like the rest of the test. It is not included in your student’s scaled scores or percentiles. 

What Do Schools Look For?

Even though it’s not scored, the essay is sent directly to the schools your student is applying to. Admissions teams read the essay to:

  • Assess writing ability
    • Admissions staff use the essay to gauge a student’s writing skills under timed conditions, including organization, clarity, grammar, and style.
  • Understand student voice and personality
    • The essay gives insight into how a student thinks and expresses themselves, helping schools get a fuller picture of applicants beyond test scores.
  • Compare with application essays
    • If a school also requires a personal statement, admissions officers may compare it to the ISEE essay to ensure consistency and confirm the work is authentically the student’s.
  • Evaluate independent thinking
    • Since the ISEE essay is completed without assistance, it reflects how students write and organize their thoughts on their own.

How Can Students Prepare?

Since the essay is timed, preparation can make a big difference. Here are a few helpful tips:

  • Practice with sample prompts to get used to writing quickly
  • Plan before writing by taking a few minutes to outline ideas
  • Leave time to check for grammar and punctuation errors
 

Final Thoughts

While the ISEE essay isn’t scored, it still matters in the admissions process. It offers  students a chance to make a strong impression and demonstrate their writing ability, and provides schools the resources to understand the applicant pool more holistically.  A clear and thoughtful essay can support the rest of the application and help schools get to know the student better. Start preparing for the ISEE essay today!

 

Be sure to check out our practice tests, essay prompts, and more at 

www.ISEEpracticetest.com

 

Start preparing today!

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Originally published on April 20, 2020. Updated on June 12, 2025

 

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