ISEE Levels, Test Sections, and Timing
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A student’s testing level is determined by the grade to which the student is applying for admission—not a student’s current grade. The ISEE has four levels. The test sections, number of questions, and test timing vary by level. Here is a breakdown of the ISEE levels, test sections, and timing for each exam.
PRIMARY ISEE LEVELS
Primary 2 (applying to Grade 2)
| Section | Questions | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|
| Auditory Comprehension | 6 | 7 minutes |
| Reading | 18 | 20 minutes |
| Break | – | 5-10 minutes |
| Mathematics | 24 | 26 minutes |
| Total Time: | 53 minutes + 5- to 10-minute break | |
Primary 3 (applying to Grade 3)
| Section | Questions | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 24 | 28 minutes |
| Break | – | 5-10 minutes |
| Mathematics | 24 | 26 minutes |
| Total Time: | 54 minutes + 5- to 10-minute break | |
Primary 4 (applying to Grade 4)
| Section | Questions | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 28 | 30 minutes |
| Break | – | 5-10 minutes |
| Mathematics | 28 | 30 minutes |
| Total Time: | 60 minutes + 5- to 10-minute break | |
MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL ISEE LEVELS
Lower Level (applying to Grades 5 or 6)
| Section | Questions | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 34 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 38 | 35 minutes |
| Break | – | 5-10 minutes |
| Reading Comprehension | 25 | 25 minutes |
| Mathematics Achievement | 30 | 30 minutes |
| Break | – | 5-10 minutes |
| Essay | 1 prompt | 30 minutes |
| Total Time: | 2 hours, 20 minutes + two 5- to 10-minute breaks | |
Middle Level (applying to Grades 7 or 8)
| Section | Questions | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 40 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 37 | 35 minutes |
| Break | – | 5-10 minutes |
| Reading Comprehension | 36 | 35 minutes |
| Mathematics Achievement | 47 | 40 minutes |
| Break | – | 5-10 minutes |
| Essay | 1 prompt | 30 minutes |
| Total Time: | 2 hours, 40 minutes + two 5- to 10-minute breaks | |
Upper Level (applying to Grade 9, 10, 11, or 12)
| Section | Questions | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 40 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 37 | 35 minutes |
| Break | – | 5-10 minutes |
| Reading Comprehension | 36 | 35 minutes |
| Mathematics Achievement | 47 | 40 minutes |
| Break | – | 5-10 minutes |
| Essay | 1 prompt | 30 minutes |
| Total Time: | 2 hours, 40 minutes + two 5- to 10-minute breaks | |
Allison Green
Boston Tutoring Services