How many times can my child take the ISEE in a year?

Unlike those unlimited streaming subscriptions, the ISEE does have a cap on retakes. Students can take the ISEE up to three times in a single school year, but there’s a twist. The testing year is divided into three seasons: Fall (August–November), Winter (December–March), and Spring/Summer (April–July). Your child can only take the test once per season.

That means if your child sits for the exam in October, the next available chance would be in December, followed by a possible third attempt in April. It’s like having three golden tickets, so use them wisely.

Here’s why this matters: U.S. private schools often accept the best score, so retakes can be strategic. For example, the first attempt is often a reality check, the second a big improvement, and the third a final polish. However, waiting until the last minute to start prep means you’ll lose this advantage.

Think of it as a trilogy—Part One introduces the story, Part Two raises the stakes, and Part Three seals the happy ending. Plan early, and those three chances could make all the difference. And don’t worry, we’re here to make sure your child’s first attempt feels like the grand finale.