What is on the Lower Level ISEE?
For many students applying to independent schools, the Lower Level Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is a key step in the admissions process. Knowing what to expect on the exam, practicing essential skills, and taking full-length practice tests can help students feel prepared and confident on test day.
The Lower Level ISEE is designed for students entering grades 5 and 6. The exam assesses a range of academic skills across various subjects and is available in multiple formats, including online, paper-based, and at-home testing (availability varies). Below is a breakdown of the exam structure and content to help students and parents better prepare for test day.
Exam Structure
The test consists of five sections:
Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 34 questions | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 38 questions | 35 minutes |
| Break | — | 10 minutes |
| Reading Comprehension | 25 questions | 25 minutes |
| Mathematics Achievement | 30 questions | 30 minutes |
| Break | — | 10 minutes |
| Essay | 1 prompt | 30 minutes |
All sections excluding the Essay are multiple-choice. Some “experimental questions” are included in each section, but they are not scored and are not designed to be identified by test-takers. These questions are used to test potential new questions for future test versions.
Section Breakdown
Verbal Reasoning
Tests vocabulary and logical reasoning with two question types:
- Synonyms: Choose the most similar word.
- Sentence Completion: Fill in a blank using context clues.
Examples:
Quantitative Reasoning
Focuses on problem-solving and logical thinking, covering:
- Word problems
- Patterns and sequences
- Estimation and number comparisons
Example:
Reading Comprehension
Measures reading skills through passage-based questions on:
- Main ideas and details
- Inferences and conclusions
- Vocabulary in context
Example:
Mathematics Achievement
Assesses direct math problem-solving, including:
- Arithmetic
- Basic algebra
- Geometry
- Data analysis
Example:
Essay
Students write a response to a prompt. The essay is not scored but is sent to schools for review as a part of the holistic application process.
Example:
Final Thoughts
The Lower Level ISEE assesses foundational academic skills. Practice tests and familiarity with the format can drastically improve performance. Understanding the structure and content of the test is crucial for success. Be sure to check with your chosen schools for specific score requirements and testing format availability. For preparation resources, visit ISEE official resources or the Test Innovators site!
Originally published on December 21, 2020. Updated on May 27, 2025.
