ISEE test dates

If you’re planning to take the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Examination), you’ll want to pick ISEE test dates and locations that are convenient for you. Especially for first-time ISEE test-takers, this process can be very involved; an added pressure is that spaces often fill up quickly. Set yourself on a low-stress path to ISEE test success by following our six-step guide to navigating the complexities of choosing ISEE test dates!

Step One: Choose the Correct ISEE Level

Before getting into the nitty-gritty of choosing the best ISEE test dates, you need to understand exactly which ISEE level you (or your child) must prepare for. Designed by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB), the ISEE offers three levels:

The structure of each test is the same, but time limitations and test difficulty vary depending on the level of the test. Make sure you prepare for your exam using materials that match the ISEE level you’ll be taking!

Step Two: Choose an ISEE Testing Season

You may have heard that you may take the ISEE up to three times each year. While it is true that there are three testing opportunities each year, there is an important stipulation.

Each calendar year is broken up into three testing seasons:

  • Fall: August, September, October, and November.
  • Winter: December, January, February, and March.
  • Spring/Summer: April, May, June, and July.

A student may only take the ISEE once per testing season. So, while you can take the ISEE test three times in a year, to accomplish this requires careful planning in advance. For example: you can schedule ISEE test dates in August, December, and April, but not in August, September, and October.

Choosing the Best Testing Season for You

To choose the best ISEE test dates, you’ll need to think ahead to the upcoming year. Narrow down the test dates that work for you by considering your goals for the ISEE and when you can dedicate time to it. These guiding questions will help you determine your ideal ISEE test day(s).

How Many Times Would you Like to Take the ISEE?

Do you struggle with test taking and would like to ensure you have the most chances at a good score? Or do you hope to only take this test only once?

Taking multiple practice tests and retaking exams has been shown to help boost final scores. If you want multiple chances to take the ISEE test, register for your first ISEE sometime in the spring/summer months. That way, you can test again in the fall and in the winter, getting the best possible score to your school of choice ahead of their application deadline.

If you hope to take this test only once, consider booking your test date further out (closer to your admissions application deadline), giving you more time to study and prepare.

Do you Have Extracurriculars or School Trips, and When Do They Occur?

If you participate in athletics or other extracurricular activities, you will want to plan your ISEE testing date in such a way that you do not add the stress of (and preparation time for) an intimidating and important test into an already busy semester.

For example, if you play basketball in the winter, consider taking the ISEE in the spring/summer testing season and again in the fall, so that you can commit to your basketball season without feeling too overwhelmed. Similarly, if you will be acting in your school’s spring musical, you may wish to delay your first ISEE until the fall so that you are not pulled in too many directions.

What Does your Personal Calendar Look Like this Year?

Do you work, and how do you place time off requests? Do you have any important family events coming up within the next year? Is your family taking a vacation this year?

You may have a regular work schedule, or perhaps you pick up seasonal jobs. Either way, you should make sure to consider these potential conflicts when choosing your ISEE testing dates.

Also, be sure to cross-check possible ISEE testing dates against your family’s calendar. If you’re planning to take a cross-country road trip in the summer or a ski vacation in the winter, it may not be in your best interests to also schedule an ISEE test during that time.

Are you Transferring Into Private School?

Finally, know that if you are transferring and your school(s) of choice allow for late registration, the spring/summer testing season is available to you. Taking the ISEE at that time can offer an advantage: getting your test results before fall may better your chances at transferring into the perfect school.

Step 3: Find an ISEE Testing Location

Now that you have have a general understanding of the ISEE levels and which testing seasons would work best for you, it’s time to choose an ISEE testing location.

Large Group ISEE Testing

Large group testing is held at schools; most students take the ISEE in this fashion. This is the most popular format because tests in larger groups are cheaper and there are more seats available. However, some students may find this setting distracting or intimidating.

Note: You do not have to take your ISEE test at your current school or the school you wish to attend. While some schools do offer closed testing sites for students who are enrolled in or have already applied there, there are many other locations to choose from.

Small Group ISEE Testing

Small group tests primarily happen at testing offices, but these are usually located only in large cities. This means that these locations are not always easily accessible to everyone. However, if you do live near one of these testing sites and are interested in taking your ISEE there, register soon: seats fill up quickly.

ISEE At-Home Testing

You might be wondering, “Can I take the ISEE at home?” The answer is yes! Since 2020, there has been an option for students to take the ISEE in the comfort of their own home. Students who choose this option will take the test online, overseen by a virtual proctor.

Registering at a Testing Location

The ERB’s website has an updated registration portal you can use to find at-home testing as well as test dates near you, both in schools and at different testing centers. These centers are located in many areas across the United States. You will also want to keep in mind that if you take your ISEE at a test center that isn’t a school, you may be alongside people taking different tests, not just other ISEE-takers.

Remember that each testing location offers different ISEE test dates. So wherever you decide to take your test, we recommend choosing your testing location before finalizing your ISEE test date.

Step 4: Choose Your ISEE Test Date

Now, it is time to choose that initial ISEE test date. If you plan to take the ISEE more than once, make sure you select your first test date around six weeks before you want your score (so, six weeks before you plan to register for a second test).

If you’re registering for your final ISEE test ahead of your application, don’t forget to consider the application deadline of the private school(s) of your choice. Make sure your scores can be back in time for you to submit them with your applications.

Again, you can find specific testing dates for your area on ERB’s website and student portal. There are test dates available throughout the school year, almost every Saturday in addition to weekdays. Online, at-home ISEE tests are more commonly administered on weekdays, especially Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Step 5: Register for the ISEE

Once you have your ISEE test dates picked out, it’s time for ISEE test registration. To register, a student’s parent or guardian will need to create an account on the ERB website. From the parent portal, they can view testing dates and times sorted by location, as well as pricing options. Typically, paper testing is $140, while a Prometric or online ISEE averages around $200.

If you need any testing accommodations, you must apply to have them permitted for your ISEE test. These accommodations must be properly documented and approved before your ISEE test day. Applications for testing accommodations are available on the ERB portal.

Know ISEE Registration Deadlines

It’s important to register for your ISEE test as early as possible, as these tests fill up quickly. Plus, you must register for an exam well in advance. Registration deadlines are typically fourteen days (two weeks) prior to the testing date.

After the registration deadline has passed, many sites offer a period of late registration, which is available for a higher price. If you miss this opportunity as well, you will have only one more option: walk-in registration.

What is ISEE Walk-in Registration?

Even though it’s called a “walk-in” registration, this is a misnomer. You cannot actually walk into a testing site and register for the ISEE. Instead, “walk-in” registrations refer to very last-minute, advance registrations. They are only available for select large group testing sites, and are accessible only by communicating directly with the administering school.

To set up a walk-in registration, call the school’s administration office, and let them know you would like to register for an upcoming test. If there are any spots available, they will give you a code, which you can use to gain access to register for their ISEE test date even if the registration period has officially closed.

Step 6: Prepare for the ISEE!

Now that you have picked your ISEE test dates and location and you’ve registered for the test, it’s time to start considering when to start preparing for the ISEE test.

Your first step to get ready for the ISEE should be taking an ISEE practice test. This will give you a glimpse into the test-taking experience of the ISEE, a preliminary score based on your current knowledge, and a look at which areas you should focus more attention on when you study. If you’re looking for an ISEE practice test and study materials based on your capabilities, Piqosity has you covered!

Along with our full-length, online ELA and Math courses for grades 5-12 and SAT & ACT prep courses, we offer full ISEE test prep courses for the lower, middle, and upper level ISEE. Each ISEE course includes 12 practice exams, dozens of concept lessons, personalized practice software, and more.

Ready to get started? You can try out all of Piqosity’s features with our free community account. When you’re ready to upgrade, Piqosity’s year-long accounts start at only $89.

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