November 26, 2025
At BASIS Independent McLean, we seek applicants who are interested in learning at an international level, eager to contribute, willing to work hard, and ambitious to join a collaborative, supportive, and joyful community of peers and Learning and Subject Expert Teachers. Be ready to participate in a culture where academics are encouraged, learning is celebrated, and students have fun! To ensure student success and manage the popularity of our program, admissions is a selective process.
What is the Entrance Exam?
BASIS Independent Schools utilizes the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) as the standardized admissions assessment for students applying to grades 2-10 for Fall 2026. Its results show us concepts understood and concepts not yet understood for the grade level they are applying to.
We do not have minimum ISEE score requirements, and the exam is just one component of the overall admissions committee review.
How will your Entrance Exam be conducted this year?
BASIS Independent McLean will offer an in-person ISEE administration on Saturday, February 7. Applicants may also take the ISEE at another testing location (they will still need to request that their scores be sent to BASIS Independent McLean), or applicants may take the ISEE at home using an online format under the supervision of a virtual proctor.
What is a passing score on the Entrance Exam?
The ISEE is not pass or fail. Given that the exam is designed to provide us with insight into a rising grade 2-4 student’s reading and mathematics abilities, and a rising grade 5-10 student’s abilities in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, mathematics achievement, and writing for the grade level they are applying for, the results are 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?
Applicants will be able to view their ISEE score reports online on the Educational Records Bureau (ERB) website within several days of taking the exam. Families should elect to have scores sent directly to BASIS Independent McLean when they register for the ISEE exam.
Do you require students to take the SSAT or other similar outside exams? Do you accept these scores?
We do not require the SSAT, HSPT, or PSAT, nor will the Admissions Team accept or review these scores for the admissions process.
What material is tested on the Entrance Exam?
For students applying to grades 2-4, the exam consists of two subtests, Reading and Math, while students applying to grades 5-10 are assessed in the domains of verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, which measure a student’s capability for learning, as well as reading comprehension and mathematics achievement, and writing which provide specific information about a student’s strengths and weaknesses in these areas. Students in grades 5-12 also complete a 30-minute timed essay that assesses their writing skills.
How long does the Entrance Exam take?
The length of the exam differs according to the grade level at which a student is applying:
The Primary Exam (Grades 2-4)
- Reading: 18-24 questions, 20-30 minutes
- Mathematics: 24-28 questions, 26-30 minutes
- Break and instructions: ~20 min
Lower Level (Grades 5-6)
- Verbal Reasoning: 34 questions, 20 minutes
- Quantitative Reasoning: 38 questions, 35 minutes
- Break (5-10 minutes)
- Reading Comprehension: 25 questions, 25 minutes
- Mathematics Achievement: 30 questions, 30 minutes
- Break (5-10 minutes)
- Essay: 1 prompt, 30 minutes
Middle Level (Grades 7-8)
- Verbal Reasoning: 40 questions, 20 minutes
- Quantitative Reasoning: 37 questions, 35 minutes
- Break & instructions (5-10 minutes)
- Reading Comprehension: 36 questions, 35 minutes
- Mathematics Achievement: 47 questions, 40 minutes
- Break & instructions (5-10 minutes)
- Essay: 1 prompt, 30 minutes
Upper Level (Grades 9-10)
- Verbal Reasoning: 40 questions, 20 minutes
- Quantitative Reasoning: 37 questions, 35 minutes
- Break & instructions (5-10 minutes)
- Reading Comprehension: 36 questions, 35 minutes
- Mathematics Achievement: 47 questions, 40 minutes
- Break & instructions (5-10 minutes)
- Essay: 1 prompt, 30 minutes
Can my student prepare for the ISEE?
While preparation is not necessary, ERB does provide preparatory materials and practice exams on their website.
The exam is used by the Admissions Team and Head of School to assess where your student is, academically speaking.
What should my student bring to the exam?
Please bring a copy of the Verification Letter that is emailed to families after they register for a test, along with an approved form of identification for the student who is testing (a list of acceptable identification documents may be found here). Students taking the Upper Level Exam (grades 9-10) must provide a photo ID.
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 starts at 8:00 AM. All exams will begin promptly at 8:30 AM. We will have a closed campus once the exam begins, and will not allow late students to join. If students arrive after 8:25 AM, they will not be able to participate in the exam and will have to reschedule.
Families are encouraged to arrive by 7:45 AM at the latest to allow enough time to park, check in, and have their students led to their assigned classroom.
How do I sign up for an exam?
The campus will open 30 minutes before the exam starts at 8:00 AM. All exams will begin promptly at 8:30 AM. We will have a closed campus once the exam begins, and will not allow late students to join. If students arrive after 8:25 AM, they will not be able to participate in the exam and will have to reschedule.
Families are encouraged to arrive by 7:45 AM at the latest to allow enough time to park, check in, and have their students led to their assigned classroom.
Once you submit your child’s application in Ravenna, you will be provided with instructions on how to register for the ISEE. If you plan to test at BASIS Independent McLean during one of our in-person administrations, you will need our event code to register. This is provided after you submit your admission application through Ravenna. If you opt to take the ISEE at home or in person at another test site, you can register directly on the ERB website.
When is the next In-Person Entrance Exam date?
Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 8:30 AM
*Please note that we have a limited number of seats available for this test administration, and registration is accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
For in-person tests, ERB requires families to register for the ISEE three weeks in advance. Families may still register up to two weeks in advance, but must pay a late fee. Walk-ins will not be accepted at the door.
We look forward to meeting your student(s) soon at your Entrance Exam!
If you have any questions, email us at mclean-admissions@basisindependent.com
BASIS Independent McLean is an Age 2–Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Red-Tailed Hawks community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.
