December 2, 2024
At BASIS Independent Brooklyn, we seek applicants who have an interest in learning at an international level, a willingness to work hard, with an ambition to join a collaborative, supportive, and joyful community of peers and Subject Expert Teachers. Be ready to participate in a culture where a love of learning is developed, academics are celebrated, and students engage in a joyous environment! To both ensure student success and manage the popularity of our program, admissions is a selective process.
What is the Entrance Exam?
The BASIS Independent Schools Entrance Exam is part of the admissions process for students applying for grades 2–10 for Fall 2025. Its results show us concepts understood, and concepts not yet understood for the grade level they are applying for. All grade 2-10 applicants will take this Entrance Exam.
How is your Entrance Exam conducted?
Entrance Exams will be conducted in person on our campuses this admissions season. Staff members proctor the paper and pencil, timed exam.
What is a passing score on the Entrance Exam?
This exam is not pass or fail. Given that the exam is diagnostic in nature, we consider it to be just one part of our comprehensive admissions process, along with all the other application requirements.
How will I learn the results of the Entrance Exam?
We do not share exam results with applicants or parents.
Do you require students to take the ISEE or other similar outside exams? Do you accept these scores?
We do not require the ISEE, HSPT, or SSAT, nor will the Admissions Team accept or review these scores. All grade 2–10 applicants are required to take the BASIS Independent Schools Entrance Exam.
What is on the Entrance Exam?
Our Entrance Exam covers three topics: Math, English/Language Arts, and Writing. The content of these exams is created based on the material needed for the grade students are applying for.
Math: Students will be presented with a set of open-ended math questions based on their incoming grade level and the BASIS Curriculum Schools program. Exam length: 40 minutes.
English/Language Arts: Students will be presented with reading comprehension and grammar multiple-choice questions. Students will read short passages and then answer questions to assess their comprehension, as well as their knowledge of words in context, literary devices, etc. Students will also be presented with grammar questions that will ask them to correct sentences or identify parts of speech. Exam length: 30 minutes.
Writing: Students will be presented with an essay prompt and asked to write a response. Exam length: 30 minutes.
How long does the Entrance Exam take?
In total, we ask for families to allow two hours. Students have 100 minutes to complete the exam. These two hours will allow enough time for the proctor to take attendance, read the instructions, and for all students to complete all three parts of the exam. We commonly find middle and high school applicants take the full time, but for grades 5 and below, it can vary from 45 minutes to an hour and a half.
How should my student prepare academically for the exam?
Preparation is not necessary. We want students to focus on their current academics at their current school and not study for or stress over an exam they will never know the results of. The exam is used by the Admissions Team and Head of School to find out where your student is, academically speaking. As BASIS Independent Schools offers an advanced curriculum, it is completely normal for your child to encounter some challenging or unknown concepts on our exam.
What should my student bring to the exam?
Students are required to bring their own pencils and erasers. Admissions will have extra pencils and erasers if needed, but students should not depend on using them. Students are also welcome to bring a water bottle, but it cannot be a glass bottle. We do not allow food in our classrooms. Cell phones, calculators, rulers, and smartwatches are not allowed.
When should we arrive on campus for the exam?
The campus will open 30 minutes before the exam start time, 8:30 AM for the December 7 and 14 dates. All exams will begin promptly at 9:00 AM. We will have a closed campus once the exam begins and will not allow late students to join. If students arrive after 8:55 AM they will not be able to participate in the exam and will have to reschedule. Families are encouraged to arrive by 8:45 AM at the latest to allow enough time to check-in and have their students led to their assigned classroom.
How do I sign up for an exam?
Once you submit an application, you will be guided in the application portal to schedule your exam date.
When are the In-Person Entrance Exam dates?
Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 9:00 AM at 405 Gold Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 9:00 AM at 405 Gold Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
What if my student can’t attend the in-person Entrance Exam times?
If you are unable to join us at our December 7 or 14 Entrance Exam, there will be one makeup day on Monday, December 16 at 8:00 AM. The makeup exam will take place at our Upper School Campus at 556 Columbia Street.
We look forward to meeting your student(s) soon at your Entrance Exam!
If you have any questions, email us at
