Private High School Admissions & The ISEE
If your student is applying to private schools in Chicago, like Francis W. Parker, Latin School of Chicago, or University Chicago Laboratory Schools, they’ll need to take the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE). The ISEE is a widely accepted standardized exam for admission and scholarship decisions at top independent schools across the country. Because the admissions process varies so much by school, it’s normal to feel confused about the independent school application and admissions process, as well as the steps students need to take to succeed on the ISEE.
At Test Prep Chicago, we provide effective, targeted ISEE tutoring to help students feel confident and prepared when they test. Click below to find key information about the ISEE, private high school admissions, and how Test Prep Chicago can help:
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What is the ISEE?
Learn about the Independent School Entrance Exam, its contents, how scoring works, and more!
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Which Schools Use the ISEE?
Find a list of schools that use the ISEE as a factor in admissions decisions here.
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What Does Admissions Look Like?
Find out more about the Independent High School admissions process.
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Important Dates for 2025
Get an idea of important dates relating to admissions and ISEE testing here.
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How Can Test Prep Chicago Help?
Discover how TPC can help your child be successful on the ISEE.
What is the ISEE?
The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is administered by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB) and is used by private schools across the U.S., including in Chicago. Here’s what you need to know:
Format & Timing
The Upper Level ISEE runs about 2 hours and 50 minutes and includes 5 sections: Verbal Reasoning (20 minutes, 40 questions), Quantitative Reasoning (35 minutes, 37 questions), Reading Comprehension (35 minutes, 36 questions), Math (40 minutes, 47 questions), and an optional Essay section (1 prompt, 30 minutes, unscored). There are two 5-10 minute breaks included. The total length of the test, not including additional sections, is 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Scores on the ISEE are converted into stanines (1-9) that are associated with national percentiles. For example, a stanine of 9 indicates 96th-99th percentile. Independent schools use ISEE stanines to help influence admissions and scholarship decisions.
The ISEE is offered online with a paper/pencil option.
No calculator is allowed, and there is no guessing penalty.
Note: students may take the test multiple times. Students may take the ISEE once per testing season, or up to three times a year. Be aware that testing dates and accepted score windows vary by school.
Test Dates
The ISEE is offered in three seasons each year: fall, winter, and spring/summer. Most families take the test in November, December, or January. You can register for the exam through ERB’s portal, approximately 3 weeks prior to the desired test date.
Extended Time
Students with documented needs (ADHD, dyslexia, processing disorders, and more) may receive accommodations on the ISEE, including extended time (i.e. time-and-a-half, or 50% additional time) and frequent breaks. In order to request this, parents need to log in to create an ERB parent account, where they can request accommodations by uploading current IEP or 504 Plan documentation. Once approved, accommodations can last up to 15 months. This will not negatively impact your student’s application process.
Which Schools Use the ISEE?
Many of Chicago’s top independent schools require the ISEE, including:
Francis Parker School
Latin School of Chicago
University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
And many others in the Chicagoland area, Chicago suburbs, and other cities across the United States.
Because each school has its own admissions criteria, it’s essential for parents to verify requirements with target schools.
How Does the Independent School Admissions Process Work?
The ISEE is a part of a holistic review that private high school conduct, which typically also includes:
Application Submission: Includes 7th/8th grade transcripts, test scores, essays, and recommendations.
Shadow Days/Interviews: Many schools ask applicants to spend a day on campus or attend interviews.
Holistic Evaluation: Admissions committees consider test scores, academic records, writing samples, extracurriculars, and personal fit.
Decisions & Scholarships: Offers include acceptance and, when applicable, merit-based scholarships, often tied to strong ISEE scores.
There is no centralized application system for private schools, and each school manages its own admissions process through its individual website or admissions portal. Students will typically submit the required application materials directly to each school. Deadlines and required materials can vary, so it’s important to check each school’s admissions page carefully and plan accordingly.
Important Dates for 2025 Admissions
Test Seasons: Fall (August-November), Winter (December-March), Spring/Summer (April-July). Most Chicago students test between November and December
Registration: Through ERB’s portal, 3 weeks before desired test date
Score Reporting: Scores release online approximately 7-10 business days after testing and are valid for one academic year
Admissions Decisions: Students will likely be notified in Winter/Spring of 2026, although admission notification dates vary by school
How Can Test Prep Chicago Help?
Our ISEE Test Prep programs help students build the confidence and knowledge necessary to succeed on the exam. Our programs include:
Full courses, 1-day workshops and/or individual tutoring
Comprehensive packets including practice questions, detailed explanations, and test-taking strategies
Access to our online testing platform where students complete diagnostic and final tests and homework assignments. Students and parents receive results, analytics and step-by-step solutions for all test and homework practice questions
Supplementary material so students can get familiar with any specific formatting and concepts tested on the ISEE
Additional assistance with preparing for other HSEEs, including the HSPT and CPS HSAT