Image
October 31, 2025

What is the ISEE Middle Level Exam?

Table of Contents

The ISEE Middle Level exam is a key test for students applying to private schools. This article outlines the exam structure, scoring system, and preparation tips to help students excel. Start practicing today with our ISEE Middle Level question bank.

What is the ISEE Middle Level Exam? Structure, Scoring, and Registration Details

The Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) Middle Level is a standardized test designed for students in grades 6 and 7 applying for admission to grades 7 and 8 at independent and private schools. The ISEE assesses a student’s verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, and mathematics achievement, giving schools a comprehensive view of the student’s academic skills.

ISEE Middle Level Exam Structure

The ISEE Middle Level exam is available in both online and paper-based formats. The exam consists of the following sections:

  1. Verbal Reasoning: Assesses vocabulary and reasoning skills.

  2. Quantitative Reasoning: Evaluates mathematical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

  3. Reading Comprehension: Measures the ability to understand and interpret written passages.

  4. Mathematics Achievement: Tests knowledge of mathematical concepts and skills.

  5. Essay: Provides a sample of the student's writing ability.

The total testing time for the ISEE Middle Level is 2 hours and 40 minutes, with two breaks of 10 minutes each. Here's a breakdown of each section:

ISEE Middle Level Exam Breakdown
ISEE Middle Level Exam Breakdown
Section Number of Questions Time Allotted
Verbal Reasoning 40 20 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning 37 35 minutes
Break 10 minutes
Reading Comprehension 36 35 minutes
Mathematics Achievement 47 40 minutes
Break 10 minutes
Essay 1 prompt 30 minutes

Note: The **Analytical Writing** section is always first, followed by the **Verbal Reasoning** and **Quantitative Reasoning** sections, which can be completed in any order.

Section Breakdown:

  • Verbal Reasoning: Includes 40 questions focused on synonyms and sentence completions to assess vocabulary and reasoning.

  • Quantitative Reasoning: 37 questions that test mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills through various word problems and quantitative comparisons. No calculators are allowed.

  • Reading Comprehension: Contains 36 questions related to six reading passages, each followed by questions to assess understanding.

  • Mathematics Achievement: Consists of 47 questions that test the student's knowledge of mathematical concepts, such as arithmetic and basic algebra.

  • Essay: Students are asked to respond to one writing prompt, which is not scored but sent to schools to assess writing ability.

ISEE Middle Level Scoring

The ISEE Middle Level exam is scored using a scaled scoring system. Each section's raw score (number of correct answers) is converted to a scaled score ranging from 760 to 940. The score report includes:

  • Scaled Scores: Reflect performance on each section.

  • Percentile Rank: Compares the student’s performance to peers in the same grade.

  • Stanine Score: A normalized score ranging from 1 to 9, with 5 being average.

A strong stanine score is typically between 7 and 9, while average scores range from 4 to 6.

ISEE Middle Level Registration

The ISEE Middle Level is offered throughout the year. The exam is available during three testing seasons:

  • Fall: August–November

  • Winter: December–March

  • Spring/Summer: April–July

Students may take the exam once per testing season, up to three times per calendar year. To register, visit the official ISEE Registration Page. Registration fees may vary depending on the location and testing method.

Preparing for the ISEE Middle Level Exam

Preparation is key to success on the ISEE Middle Level exam. Here are some strategies to help your child succeed:

1. Understand the Test Format

Familiarizing your child with the test format and types of questions will help reduce anxiety and improve performance.

2. Practice Regularly

Use official practice materials and other reputable resources to help your child get comfortable with the exam structure and question types.

3. Develop Time Management Skills

Teach your child to manage their time effectively during the exam, especially for sections with strict time limits like Quantitative Reasoning and Mathematics Achievement.

For additional study resources and practice questions, explore our ISEE Middle Level question bank.

Read our Articles:

Prepare for the ISEE Middle Level Exam with Practice Questions

The ISEE Middle Level exam requires a solid understanding of the format and ample practice. Start practicing today with our ISEE Middle Level question bank to help your child build confidence and improve their skills.

Get started with the best test prep  

Use our AI agent to intelligently detect and target your weaknesses.

Create a Free Account