ISEE Levels, Test Sections, and Timing

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

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
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
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
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
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
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

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *