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ISEE test essay topics, and the SSAT writing sample

E3n doesn’t publish its ISEE test essay topics. A prompt is picked at random for each test date, and the Educational Records Bureau (ERB) guides say there are over one hundred for each level, written so students can tell schools more about themselves. The essay is the last part of the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) at Lower, Middle and Upper Levels. It isn’t scored, and only the schools you send scores to get a copy.

  • 30 minutesISEE essay time, one prompt
  • UnscoredSent to the schools you choose
  • Over 100 promptsFor each level, in ERB’s 2021 guides
Where to study

Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

How the ISEE essay works

  • Online and at home, the essay is typed, with spell check built in.
  • On paper, it’s handwritten in black or blue ballpoint pen on two lined pages, and ERB’s guide says to copy the prompt at the top. You get paper for notes.
  • Families don’t get a copy of the essay, which E3n says keeps the prompts secure.
  • Primary Levels have no essay.

Where can you find sample ISEE essay topics?

Each of ERB’s What to Expect on the ISEE guides has three sample essay topics with lined pages to practice on. Each guide’s practice test also ends with an essay prompt.

The free ERB guides and sample tests →

Tips for the ISEE essay from ERB

  • Use the 30 minutes in three steps: organize your thoughts, make notes or a short outline, then write the final copy.
  • Write about the topic you’re given.
  • Add descriptions and details.
  • Check grammar, spelling, punctuation and capitals.
  • Keep handwriting easy to read, and leave time to read the essay through at the end.

ERB’s guide has a checklist for practice, but no checklist is allowed into the real test.

SSAT writing sample topics

  • Middle Level Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT): 25 minutes, choosing between a creative story starter and a personal question.
  • Upper Level: 25 minutes, choosing between a personal and a general question.
  • Elementary Level: 15 minutes to tell a story about a picture, with a beginning, middle and end.
  • It comes first at Middle and Upper Level and last at Elementary Level.
  • It isn’t scored, but schools that get the score report get a copy. Parents can buy a copy of a Middle or Upper Level writing sample for $26; Elementary samples aren’t available to families.
The rest of the SSAT →
Sources: E3n · ERB and 5 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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