If your student is thinking about attending a certain private or independent school, then they can use some assistance with a Varsity Tutors ISEE preparation service. You may already know how effective ISEE test prep can be if you've ever looked up "ISEE help near me" online. The Independent School Entrance Exam, or ISEE, is a test independent and private schools use to see if prospective students can handle their rigorous coursework. Do you feel that your student can benefit from ISEE tutoring? Then please reach out to us to learn more about our ISEE test preparation services.
Why Take the ISEE Exam?
The Independent School Entrance Examination is commonly taken by elementary, middle, and high school students who are applying to competitive private schools. The point of the exam is to give these schools a chance to assess the academic skill sets of the students who are applying there. Earning a strong ISEE score could make your child a more attractive candidate for admission at the school they're most interested in attending. That's why having a strong ISEE test prep plan is important in the lead up to your student's upcoming exam. If you'd like to get your student some extra help with their study plan, you don't need to look up "ISEE tutoring near me" online. Instead, you can easily get started with your child's own ideal ISEE test prep plan by contacting Varsity Tutors today.
ISEE Exam Eligibility Requirements
There are few requirements that your student must satisfy before they can sign up to take the ISEE. It is, however, important that you register them for their test day early because they can fill up quickly. Getting your student signed up for their preferred exam day early can give you the peace of mind that they're on track to take their test by the time it's required to complete the admissions process at the private school they're applying to.
You can easily sign your child up to take the ISEE by visiting the Educational Records Bureau's registration web page. When you're doing this, make sure that you're signing your student up for the correct exam level. Doing this will avoid any delays associated with having to change the test your student is signed up to take at the last minute.
The ISEE is an easy exam to sign up for because of its lack of restrictive eligibility requirements. Outside of the considerations listed above, you should have no problem signing your student up to take the ISEE test they need in order to complete their private school application process. If you'd like help with the test registration process or want to learn more about ISEE requirements, consider reaching out to Varsity Tutors today.
Breaking Down the ISEE Exam
The ISEE exam has four levels: primary level (2nd-4th grade), lower level (5th-6th grade), middle level (7th-8th grade), and upper level (9th-12th grade). Each level comes with tests with multiple-choice questions that cover mathematics and reading topics, plus a writing prompt. (Students taking the primary level exam have to do a picture prompt instead of a writing prompt.) If your student is entering the 5th or 6th grade, here are some specific topics they need to know when taking the ISEE Lower Level exam:
- Vocabulary
- Sentence completion
- Quantitative word problems
- Identifying the main idea of a reading passage
- Drawing conclusions from a reading passage
- Numbers and operations
- Geometry
- Algebra
Is your student applying to a private or independent high school? Below are the details of the ISEE Upper Level exam:
ISEE Upper Level Sections |
# Questions |
Time Allowed (in minutes) |
Verbal Reasoning |
40 |
20 |
Quantitative Reasoning |
37 |
35 |
Reading Comprehension |
36 |
35 |
Math Achievement |
47 |
40 |
Essay |
1 Writing Prompt |
30 |
Whether your student needs to take the lower, middle, or upper level ISEE exam, they'll be asked to complete the same five test sections that are listed in the above table. However, the content of these sections may vary depending on your student's test level. Below, you'll find a brief look at what your student can expect to find in each of these test sections.
The first section of the ISEE exam, Verbal Reasoning, consists primarily of vocabulary questions. Thus, your student will need to have a strong understanding of vocabulary in order to do well on this part of the test. ISEE test prep assistance from Varsity Tutors can help your student build up their vocabulary if they could use some help with it.
The next exam section is called Quantitative Reasoning. This section consists mostly of math word problems. Again, signing up for ISEE test prep help from Varsity Tutors is a great way to get your student help with developing this skill set. Third, your student will also be asked to complete a Reading Comprehension test section. Here, they'll be asked to read complex passages and then demonstrate their understanding of those reading passages by answering a series of multiple-choice questions about the passages. The fourth and final multiple-choice section covers the topic of Math Achievement. This section will ask your student to solve math problems based on mathematics topics they would've learned about at their grade level.
Finally, your student will also be asked to complete an Essay while taking their ISEE exam. This test section, however, is not graded. Instead, your student's essay will be sent to the admissions directors at the schools they apply to. A strong ISEE essay is a great chance for your child to show off their writing abilities. It could influence the admission committee's final decision on your student's application as well. If your student could use some help with their writing skills, then ISEE test prep may be a good option.
As detailed above, the ISEE is a wide-ranging, comprehensive standardized exam. Even if your child already excels in most of the topics they'll be tested on, it can be very beneficial to have a refresher before utilizing their academic skill set on this important test. If you think your child would benefit from working with an ISEE test prep expert, then you don't need to search online for "ISEE test prep near me". Instead, consider reaching out to Varsity Tutors today. You can learn more about the various ISEE test prep options that you can choose from in the following section.
Varsity Tutors Can Help Your Student Study
You have a few different ISEE prep options to consider when deciding which one you'd like your child to pursue. The ISEE courses that you ultimately sign them up for should reflect their learning style and academic needs. You can get an in-depth look at each ISEE prep option by continuing to read below, or by speaking with an educational director today.
The first ISEE prep option you may be interested in for your child is private ISEE tutoring. Signing up for ISEE tutoring may be the right option for your student if they've previously done well when working directly with their educator. ISEE tutors offer the chance to get personalized feedback throughout the entire ISEE preparation process. Your student's ISEE tutors can set them up with a customized ISEE preparation plan that takes their specific needs into account. Your child will be able to work through each of these ISEE prep sessions at their own speed, stopping to get additional guidance from their ISEE prep instructor whenever they need it.
In our ISEE classes, your student receives one-on-one attention with an instructor who's an expert in their field. These ISEE tutors are knowledgeable in reading and math topics, so your student can ask them for assistance on anything that's troubling them. The personalization that your student will receive through their ISEE prep process could help them to create a more efficient ISEE test preparation plan.
What's great about our ISEE courses is that they assist gifted students. Maybe your student is studying for an ISEE Middle Level Exam, even though they're younger than the average junior high pupil. These ISEE class instructors are more than happy to nurture bright minds by helping them study challenging material. Does your student struggle with staying on task? In an ISEE course, a tutor can try to assist them with focusing on their studies by giving them handy time management advice. A tutor can also customize an ISEE prep session to suit your student's personal learning style. Pupils in our ISEE test prep programs can request a tutor to read a passage aloud or use slides if they feel it helps them absorb information better. We love the fact that our ISEE prep services can assist young students in several ways.
Another ISEE prep option you may want to consider is signing your student up for a small group-based ISEE class. This ISEE prep resource gives your child the chance to learn from an expert educator alongside a small group of peers. Taking an ISEE class may be right for your student if they've previously found success in the traditional classroom learning environment. In fact, ISEE classes combine the best of two different worlds. Your student will get all of the benefits of traditional ISEE classes with the convenience of online learning when they sign up to take a group ISEE course.
In fact, each of our ISEE test preparation options are flexible. We make every effort to connect you with an educator who is able to work around your child's schedule. This ensures that they can get the help they need preparing for their upcoming exam without having to worry about making any sacrifices in the other important parts of their lives. You can even sign your student up for an ISEE course that fits neatly into your own schedule.
Scoring the Independent School Entrance Examination
The ISEE has a percentile-based scoring system. This means that your student will earn both a raw score and a percentile rank for each test section they complete. For instance, if your child's raw score in their Math Achievement section was better than 80% of the other students who took the same level ISEE exam, they would earn an 80th percentile ranking for that section. This grading style was designed to give admissions committees a chance to see how the students who apply to their school compare to one another.
The majority, about 54%, of students who take the ISEE end up earning a percentile score somewhere between the 40th and 70th percentiles. Comparatively, about 23% of students score between the 1st and 30th percentiles. The same number, 23%, also score between the 70th and 90th percentiles. Taking ISEE courses can help your student develop the skills they need to be more confident while taking each part of the ISEE. If you think your student would benefit from ISEE courses, then consider contacting us today.
Getting Started
Like any standardized exam, taking the ISEE can be a challenging thing to do. However, your student doesn't have to go through the test preparation process alone. Instead, why not let Varsity Tutors help them get more out of their study sessions with the test preparation plan of their choice? We'd love to use our expertise in the test preparation industry to help your student feel more confident on the day of their exam.
If your student is approaching high school and wants to review anything for test, an ISEE test prep tutor is at their side to help them study. Your student can time themselves with a practice writing prompt or have an instructor drill them on math problems. Rather than spending time online looking up "ISEE help near me", you can easily get your child started with their own ideal test preparation plan by connecting with Varsity Tutors today.
Whatever the age of your student, the lessons they may learn in an ISEE prep program won't just help them now; they could benefit them greatly in the future, especially if they want to pursue higher education. Our ISEE test prep programs are all online, so your student doesn't need to leave home to engage in lessons. To get more information about our ISEE prep services, please contact Varsity Tutors today. Representatives are standing by to assist you in signing your student up for an ISEE test prep program.
Connor: ISEE test prep instructor
...experience in assisting pre-professional (pre-medical and pre-nursing) students looking to succeed in their required general science classes. My tutoring methodology is dependent on the establishment of a strong conceptual framework, and subsequent application of theory through practice problems (the best way to master any pure science). I frequently employ the use of problem sets and...
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- STAAR
- +43 subjects
Kelsey: ISEE test prep instructor
...experience working with students of all ages and a wide range of subjects through her vast tutoring and editing background; she had worked as a lead tutor at a math-focused center for students ages 5 to 18, had individually tutored numerous students on college entrance exam preparation, and has worked professionally as an editorial assistant...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- HSPT
- ACT
- PSAT
- +79 subjects
Erica: ISEE test prep instructor
...examinations *Students who demonstrate challenging behaviors *Long-term tutoring in math and reading--I love to guide a student who initially struggled to meet and exceed expectations! Outside of my direct work with students, I have coordinated a math tutoring program that placed K-12 math tutors into local public schools. I have also served as a Crisis...
Education & Certification
- Oberlin College - Bachelor in Arts, English; Latin Language and Literature
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- SAT
- SSAT
- +77 subjects
Joshua: ISEE test prep instructor
...PSAT, SHSAT, and GRE -- I particularly love tutoring writing, and creative writing is a hobby of mine. My philosophy is that even when we are preparing for a standardized exam, we should always be relating the work to your passions, pursuits, and educational goals to make the work that much more meaningful. In my...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, French and Francophone Studies
- University of Pennsylvania - Master of Science, Social Policy
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Advanced Placement
- TOEFL
- ACT
- +92 subjects
Max: ISEE test prep instructor
...the business world - this past summer I worked at an internship in financial consulting (banking advisory & analytics), and have previously held internship positions in human capital consulting & private equity, as well as in patent law. My interests are widely varied and eclectic - pro baseball (Go Mets!), Broadway theater, American public policy...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Economics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- +104 subjects
Margarita: ISEE test prep instructor
...for math with my students. I also enjoy tutoring test prep, especially since I know how stressful the process of applying to colleges (and later graduate schools) is! With every student, I aim to find an individualized approach that makes our time together productive, helpful, and enjoyable. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, making...
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- +55 subjects
Ariela: ISEE test prep instructor
...I understand that sometimes, the way you package and organize information is the most important part of teaching it to someone else, and that understanding someone's method of processing this information is the easiest way to get it to stick. Like I do backstage, I am excited about solving the puzzle of how someone learns...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Current Undergrad, Theater & Performance Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Advanced Placement
- SAT
- PSAT
- +50 subjects
Rebecca: ISEE test prep instructor
...be able to perform academically at their highest possible level. I also think it is important that learning is not just for one assignment or one test, but rather that it sticks with you to build a solid foundation of knowledge and confidence that you can carry forward. My favorite subjects to tutor include English,...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of Chicago SSA - Masters, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- +53 subjects
Samantha: ISEE test prep instructor
...writing. I have also continued to help many high school seniors with college application essays. While I tutor a variety of subjects, I am very passionate about helping students improve their reading and writing skills, and I really enjoy helping students with Critical Reading and Writing portions of Standardized Tests. I love working with students...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Current Undergrad, Political Science & Legal Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- +36 subjects
Ayomide: ISEE test prep instructor
...lesson. Especially with test prep for standardized exams, which can be a lot of pressure for students, I like to come up with individualized test-taking strategies for each student I tutor. If I can help a student feel more self-confident and self-assured about their classes and exams, then I am doing my job right.... I like to meet students where they are rather than indulge pre-conceived notions of where they should be. I also like to relate lessons to the real world and things students care about. Being a student myself, I understand how boring it can be trying to learn something in a completely abstract manner. If I can relate something, no matter what it is, to the real world or twist it into a fun activity, I do that. Learning does not have to be hard or boring; it's all a matter of perspective and creativity.
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Current Undergrad, Anthropology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- SAT
- Pre-Algebra
- +29 subjects
Gabe: ISEE test prep instructor
...to employ before settling on what works best for them. I aim for my clients to improve as overall students as well, so that they can be successful in the face of any future academic challenges. Aside from my teaching and academic pursuits, my favorite hobbies are playing music and cooking. I play the bass...
Education & Certification
- Wesleyan University - Bachelors, Neuroscience and Behavior
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- ACT
- +40 subjects
Alexandra: ISEE test prep instructor
...a tutor because the traditional classroom method is not best suited for their learning needs. There is nothing more joyful than when a student finally understands the material in a way that makes sense to them. Many times, students need flexibility and patience in order to grasp a foreign concept. I am a firm believer...
Education & Certification
- University of North Texas - Bachelor in Arts, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- COMPASS
- HSPT
- SSAT
- +308 subjects
Jillian: ISEE test prep instructor
...recipient of an award from the French Department at NYU. I first became passionate about tutoring in high school, when I would assist other students in mathematics. I also have experience working with elementary school students in a bilingual New York City public school. One of the aspects of tutoring that I always look forward...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor in Arts, Mathematics and Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- GED
- SAT Subject Tests
- +78 subjects
Stephanie: ISEE test prep instructor
...set high expectations for my personal academic achievements and expect the same from my students. I often serve as a role model for my students. My experiences as a National AP Scholar, graduate of Columbia University with a Bachelors in Neuroscience, and my matriculation into a top 20 MD program at the Icahn School of...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, Neuroscience & Behavior
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +99 subjects
John Raffles: ISEE test prep instructor
...level. Then these ideas are applied to the problem, in order to unlock the solution. Generally, when students are having trouble with a problem (or type of problem) there is a non-sequitur somewhere in that process. My job, which is quite fun in this way, is to identify and correct this misunderstanding. One of the...
Education & Certification
- University of Arizona - Bachelors, Biomedical Engineering and Dance
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- Graduate Test Prep
- +70 subjects
Chase: ISEE test prep instructor
...correctly on a test. A teacher must never lose sight of the idea that he is preparing his students to be successful no matter what endeavor they choose to pursue after graduation. Any chance I get to improve the futures of my students will be just as important to them, and to me, as learning...
Education & Certification
- Western Governors University - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- HSPT
- SSAT
- PSAT
- +144 subjects
Jacob: ISEE test prep instructor
...Schools and students to go schools once a week and tutor the kids as a way to give back to the community. I want to start as a teacher after graduation, get my master's degree, and move into education policy. I have known I wanted to be a teacher for a long time and cannot...
Education & Certification
- Washington University in St Louis - Bachelor in Arts, History/Political Science
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- HSPT
- SSAT
- CLEP
- +69 subjects
Sarah: ISEE test prep instructor
Welcome to my tutor page! I am a committed educator with years of experience as both a classroom teacher and private tutor in a wide array of subjects. I am committed to working with students to support them in achieving their full potential. I look forward to hearing from you!... My teaching philosophy is centered on the student. Everyone learns differently, and as a tutor, it's my responsibility to figure out how to connect students to content in ways that are clear, engaging and specific.
Education & Certification
- Georgetown University - Bachelors, Spanish; Government (Double Major)
- University of Pennsylvania - Masters, International Educational Development
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- Spanish 4
- +40 subjects
Kevin: ISEE test prep instructor
...fit their academic needs. On top of sports, I have spent my entire life learning either the piano, guitar, or ukulele. I traveled to Italy and spent two weeks there to sing for the Pope. I recently completed a ten day medical mission in Vietnam, providing primary health care and aiding the surgery team for...
Education & Certification
- University of California-San Diego - Bachelor of Science, Human Biology/Education Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- SSAT
- PSAT
- +97 subjects
Lena: ISEE test prep instructor
...as a private tutor for students both in middle school and in high school. Over the last year I have tutored international high school students online in test preparation, as well as various academic subjects. I have more informal teaching experience as a counselor intern naturalist at the Point Reyes Nature Science Camp as well....
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Current Undergrad, Political Science and Environmental Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +45 subjects