Expert Preparation for TAS Admissions
In Taiwan, the Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) is the primary assessment used for admission to Taipei American School (TAS). Beyond Taiwan, the ISEE is recognized by over 1,200 elite independent schools worldwide. It is the preferred entrance exam for students in Grades 2–12, offering flexible formats including paper-based, online, and at-home testing to suit various student needs.
At AEI, our ISEE preparation courses are meticulously designed to help students secure the competitive scores necessary for placement.
ISEE Levels & Eligibility
Students are tested according to their rising grade level:
- Primary 2, 3, & 4 Exams: For applicants entering Grades 2, 3, and 4.
- Lower Level: For applicants entering Grades 5–6. (The most common entry point for TAS middle school).
- Middle Level: For applicants entering Grades 7–8.
- Upper Level: For applicants entering Grades 9–12.
The AEI Advantage: 15 Years of TAS Success
With over 15 years of experience specializing in TAS admissions, our instructors possess an unparalleled understanding of ISEE strategies and core competencies. We guide students through the specific nuances of the exam to ensure they are prepared to perform at their absolute peak.
Testing Seasons
The ISEE may be taken once per testing season (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer), with a maximum of three attempts per academic year. For TAS applicants, the school typically hosts an on-campus exam in February. We recommend students coordinate with the TAS admissions office for specific registration details following their application submission.
Understanding the ISEE Score Report
The ISEE uses a raw scoring system where points are awarded only for correct answers; no points are deducted for incorrect responses. Students are encouraged to answer every question.
The resulting ISEE Report provides two critical metrics:
- Scaled Scores: Raw scores are converted to a scale ranging from 760 to 940 for the Lower, Middle, and Upper levels.
- Percentile Ranks & Stanines: Schools evaluate applicants based on their percentile rank compared to a three-year “norm group” of peers in the same grade. A Stanine (Standard Nine) score is also provided to help schools quickly assess a student’s relative standing.
ISEE Exam Structures
Lower Level (Rising Grades 5–6)
Students applying to attend 5th or 6th grade take the ISEE Lower Level exam. The exam lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes (including breaks):
Section | Questions | Duration |
Verbal Reasoning | 34 | 20 |
Quantitative Reasoning | 38 | 35 |
Break | ||
Reading Comprehension | 25 | 25 |
Mathematics Achievement | 30 | 30 |
Break | ||
Essay (Unscored) | Essay topic*1 | 30 |
Middle & Upper Levels (Rising Grades 7–12)
Students applying to attend grades 7 or 8 can take the Intermediate ISEE exam. The exam time is 2 hours and 50 minutes (including breaks):
Section | Questions | Duration |
Verbal Reasoning | 40 | 20 |
Quantitative Reasoning | 37 | 35 |
Break | ||
Reading Comprehension | 36 | 35 |
Mathematics Achievement | 47 | 40 |
Break | ||
Essay (Unscored) | Essay topic*1 | 30 |
Prepare with the Experts at AEI
AEI’s rigorous ISEE curriculum is a staple for families targeting top-tier international schools. Our Winter Intensive Course is our most popular program, featuring:
- Systematic Content Mastery: In-depth study of Verbal, Quantitative, and Mathematical Proficiency.
- Proctored Mock Exams: Realistic simulation testing to build stamina and reduce anxiety.
- Comprehensive Review: Granular analysis of mock results to refine strategy before the official exam.
We also offer Elite 1-on-1 Mentorship for students across all grades.
