Understanding the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE)
In selecting a Harpeth Hall class, the admission team takes great care in identifying and considering each student in the holistic context of her academic, personal, and community experiences.
One aspect of the application that can seem daunting is the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE). Parents and students may wonder how much the ISEE weighs in the application review. No admission decision is made based solely on score results. Most important to know: the ISEE is only one piece of Harpeth Hall’s holistic application review. The admission committee reviews the ISEE within the context of a student’s entire file including her application essay, interview, transcript, and teacher recommendation(s). An applicant has the opportunity to help us identify her particular areas of strength, her unique interests and characteristics, and her ability to thrive in a challenging academic environment.
Every application tells an important story, and ISEE scores represent one element of an applicant's individual academic record. As educators, our admission committee is well versed in interpreting each applicant’s score report alongside her complete application and academic history. The ISEE is offered multiple times throughout the year; therefore, the expectations for student comprehension varies. ISEE scores are based on the number of correct answers a student gives. It benefits the student to make an educated guess by eliminating answers that are likely incorrect and choosing a response from what remains. A wrong answer and an omitted answer count the same.
It is important to keep in mind that students in multiple grades take each test level. For example, students currently in 4th and 5th grades take the Lower Level ISEE. Naturally, there will be material on the test that is unfamiliar to students, and no student is expected to know the answer to every question. In each of the four sections of the score report, subsections of specific concepts are measured. When reviewing a student’s results, the committee takes into consideration the full report. When considering a student’s ISEE scores, several factors come into play:
● No student is expected to know the answer to every question.
● Students in multiple grades take each test level. For example, students currently in 4th and 5th grades take the Lower Level ISEE. Naturally, there will be material on the test that is unfamiliar to students.
● The admission team recognizes taking the ISEE is often the first time a rising 5th grader sits for standardized testing.
● Expectations for student comprehension vary depending on when in the school year the test is taken.
● A student’s scores are compared only to other independent school applicants who tested for the same grade during the past three years. Applicants are not compared to students applying to a different grade who are taking the same level test.
If you have not done so already, register your daughter to take the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE). Harpeth Hall will host the ISEE for applicants on Dec. 7, Jan. 10, and Jan. 24. After completing the Harpeth Hall admission application, select a date from within your admission portal. We will follow up with a registration code for you to use for official ISEE registration via their website. If you prefer to test at another location, register here and have scores sent to Harpeth Hall. Harpeth Hall’s school code 431670. Applicants are recommended to sit for the ISEE by Jan. 31.
Harpeth Hall accepts only one ISEE score per admission cycle. For information on interpreting ISEE score results, click here.
Fee waivers are available for Harpeth Hall applicants. Begin your financial aid application through Clarity to qualify. Reach out to us to request a fee waiver.
Thank you for your interest in Harpeth Hall.
Lisa Hall '88
Associate Director of Admission
hall@harpethhall.org
Karen Horne
Admission Counselor
admission@harpethhall.org