PLAN AHEAD
ISEE Timeline & Test Dates
Plan your child’s path to private school success. Know when to test, when to start, and how to stay on track.
View PlansTIMING MATTERS
When Should My Child Start Preparing?
The earlier you begin, the more confident and prepared your child will feel on test day. A well-structured prep plan makes all the difference.
Diagnostic Testing
Identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses early so we can focus where it matters most.
Skill Building
Address gaps methodically with targeted lessons designed around the ISEE curriculum.
Strategy Development
Learn test-specific approaches for every section — from pacing to process of elimination.
Practice Exams
Build stamina and familiarity with full-length practice tests under realistic conditions.
Reduced Anxiety
Confidence comes from preparation. Consistent practice turns test-day nerves into calm readiness.
TESTING SCHEDULE
When Is the ISEE Offered?
The ISEE is administered three times per year across three testing seasons. Understanding the schedule helps you choose the ideal window for your child.
Fall
August — November
Ideal for early applications and first attempts. Gives students maximum time to retest if needed.
Winter
December — March
Popular for final testing before school application deadlines. Most families aim for this window.
Spring / Summer
April — July
Great for early starters or second-year applicants who want to get ahead of the process.
Important: Students may take the ISEE only once per testing season, up to three times total per year. All scores are reported to schools, so most families plan one strong sitting rather than multiple attempts.
REGISTRATION
How to Register for the ISEE
Registration is handled directly by the ERB — the Educational Records Bureau. Here’s what you need to know before you sign up.
Register through ERB
Create a parent account at iseetest.org, choose your test format (online or paper), pick a test date and location, and pay the registration fee. Schools must be designated before testing — scores are not portable after the fact.
- Standard fee: ~$125–$200 depending on format and location
- Late registration adds a fee — register at least 3 weeks early
- Fee waivers available for qualifying families
- Designate up to 6 schools to receive scores at no extra cost
What You’ll Need
Before you register, gather a few items so checkout is smooth and your student is set up for success on test day.
- Student’s legal name, date of birth, and current grade
- List of target schools (codes available on ERB site)
- Accommodation documentation if applicable (504, IEP)
- Government photo ID for online testing — or school-issued ID for paper
- Valid email for score notifications
Need help choosing a date or format? Call us at (877) 638-0707 — we’ll walk through it with you.
Online vs. Paper — Which Format Should We Pick?
The content is identical. The choice comes down to logistics, comfort, and where your test centers are located.
Online ISEE
Most Popular- Where: Prometric test centers or at-home with remote proctoring
- Scores back: 2–3 business days
- Flexibility: more dates and locations available year-round
- Format: on-screen multiple choice, on-screen essay typed
- Best for: students comfortable typing and reading on screen
Paper ISEE
Traditional- Where: large group testing sites and some independent schools
- Scores back: 7–10 business days
- Flexibility: fewer dates per testing season — book early
- Format: bubble-sheet multiple choice, handwritten essay
- Best for: students who prefer reading and writing on paper
ACCOMMODATIONS
Testing Accommodations for Learning Differences
Students with documented learning differences can request accommodations such as extended time, separate room, breaks, or assistive technology.
How to Request Accommodations
Submit accommodation requests through your parent ERB account when you register. You’ll need to upload current documentation — typically a 504 plan, IEP, or psycho-educational evaluation (usually within the last 3 years).
Common approved accommodations include extended time (50% or 100%), separate testing room, extra breaks, and large-print or text-to-speech tools.
Apply early — ERB approval typically takes 4–6 weeks. Don’t wait until the week before testing.PREP TIMELINE
How Long Does ISEE Prep Usually Take?
Most families prep for 3–4 months. Students aiming for top stanines (8–9) or starting from a lower baseline often need 5–6 months. Each phase builds on the last, creating a clear path to test-day success.
Phase 1
Diagnostic & Plan
Baseline assessment to map your child’s current performance and design a targeted prep strategy.
Phase 2
Skill Building
Deep work on weak areas — verbal reasoning, math, reading comprehension, and vocabulary.
Phase 3
Practice Tests
Timed full-length practice exams to simulate test conditions and track score progress.
Phase 4
Final Review
Last-mile refinement, strategy reinforcement, and confidence building before test day.
Sessions are typically 1—2 times per week, customized to fit your family’s schedule.
APPLICATION TIMING
When Should We Test for Fall Admission?
Most private schools have application deadlines in January for the following fall. Working backward, here’s when to test — and what each window gets you.
Best Window
October – November
Fall testing season
Scores back well before January 15 deadlines. Leaves room for one retake in the Winter window if needed. Strongly recommended for students applying to top-tier private schools.
Good Backup
December – Early January
Winter testing season
Cuts the timeline close but works for many schools. Online scores back in 2–3 days; paper scores in 7–10 days. Confirm each school’s deadline before booking.
Risky / Late
February – March
Late winter / spring
Only suitable for schools with rolling admissions or late February/March deadlines. Most competitive schools will have already made decisions by this window.
Always check each target school’s individual deadline. Some Texas schools (Hockaday, St. John’s, etc.) require ISEE scores by early December for priority review. Building a 1–2 month buffer before your earliest deadline gives you a backup plan.
YOUR NEXT STEPS
Let’s Map Out Your Child’s Ideal Prep Plan
Getting started is simple. Follow these four steps to put your child on the path to ISEE success.
01
Choose the Right Testing Window
Select a test season that aligns with your school application deadlines and gives enough prep time.
02
Map Out an Ideal Prep Schedule
Work backward from test day to build a realistic weekly schedule that fits your family’s routine.
03
Start with a Diagnostic Test
Establish a baseline score to identify exactly where your child needs the most support.
04
Match with the Perfect Tutor
Get paired with an expert ISEE tutor who fits your child’s learning style and schedule.