If you are looking for the perfect Salt Lake City ISEE prep course for your student's needs, Varsity Tutors offers a comprehensive course worth your attention. The ISEE, or Independent School Entrance Examination, is a high-stakes test utilized by independent and magnet schools as an objective way to compare applicants from different backgrounds. It is offered to students going into second grade and up, split into four levels (Primary grades 2-4, Lower 5-6, Middle 7-8, Upper 9+) in order to ensure that each test-taker receives an appropriate academic challenge.
No matter which level ISEE your student is preparing for, we can enroll them in a Salt Lake City ISEE class that covers all of the academic concepts on the exam plus test-taking strategies that could improve their self-confidence on exam day. Continue reading to learn more about how we can help you.
What content areas are typically covered in a Salt Lake City ISEE course?
The Primary Level ISEE is split into three separate exams according to a student's age (Primary 2, Primary 3, and Primary 4). Every test has multiple-choice Math and Reading sections, and Primary 2 also has an exclusive Auditory Comprehension section to measure how well a young test-taker understands spoken material. Each exam also has a writing prompt centered around a picture prompt, providing a glimpse into each student's personality and creativity.
The other three ISEE levels (Lower, Middle, and Upper) all have the same basic structure, though the material gets more challenging as the test-taker gets older. The format consists of five sections: Verbal Reasoning (40 multiple-choice questions in 20 minutes), Quantitative Reasoning (37 questions over 35 minutes), Reading Comprehension (36 items in 35 minutes), Math Achievement (47 questions in 40 minutes), and a timed 30-minute Essay.
Here is a closer look at what students can expect on each section of the exam:
Verbal Reasoning
The assessment's Verbal Reasoning section evaluates a test-taker's vocabulary skills through a series of items regarding synonyms and sentence completions. It isn't feasible to try to memorize every individual word that could appear on the test, so developing a working knowledge of Greek and Latin roots, prefixes, suffixes, and the parts of speech can help a student determine what an unknown word signifies. Students may also be encouraged to read in their spare time to practice using context to define unfamiliar terms.
Quantitative Reasoning
The exam's Quantitative Reasoning section measures a student's mathematical thinking skills, leaving mathematical operations skills to a separate part of the test. Possible topics include the four basic operations and simple probability on the Lower Level ISEE, square roots and the distributive property on the Middle Level ISEE, and exponents and algebraic variables on the Upper Level ISEE.
Reading Comprehension
The test's Reading Comprehension component assesses a test-taker's critical thinking and reading comp skills through a series of passage-based questions. All test-takers need to identify a passage's main idea, an author's intent with a given piece, and its organizational structure. Students taking the Middle Level ISEE and above also need to make inferences based on what they've read and recognize the difference between literal and figurative language. The Upper Level ISEE introduces literary genres to the equation, as test-takers are expected to compare words across genre lines.
Math Achievement
The examination's Math Achievement section stresses a student's ability to actually solve math problems. Possible topics include estimation and percentages on the Lower Level ISEE, prime factorization and proportion on the Middle Level ISEE, and coordinate grids and statistics on the Upper Level ISEE.
Writing
The ISEE's Writing section is not scored, but a copy of your student's work is provided to each school they apply to allow the pertinent admissions department to evaluate their work for themselves. The prompt is structured as a letter of introduction, allowing prospective students to introduce themselves to a school. That said, conventions such as grammar and punctuation are considered as well.
Why should I enroll my student in a Salt Lake City ISEE course?
Every Salt Lake City ISEE class we provide takes place on a live virtual platform, which is basically an online classroom that makes students feel as though they are attending a physical class without the corresponding logistical hassle. Your student will be able to interact with their teacher and their classmates in real time, so asking for help is as easy as raising a hand. Your student's instructor will also be a great communicator with a strong knowledge base about the ISEE, allowing your student to trust everything they hear in class.
Studying with other students in a Salt Lake City ISEE class also provides several advantages. Everyone can work together to establish a collaborative learning environment that may make it easier to develop a fuller understanding of academic concepts. For example, talking over a concept with a peer can make the material feel more approachable than an adult instructor. Students are also free to help each other out during a class so that students can hear alternate perspectives on a topic.
Working in a group also allows each member of that group to split the bill, making standardized test prep more affordable than you might believe. If you feel as though your student could benefit from individualized attention to overcome a particular learning obstacle, you are also free to arrange private study time with the teacher for a little extra help.
Perhaps most importantly, we try to make attending a class as convenient as we can. We offer both two- and four-week class options to make it easier to find a fit for your busy schedule. We also start new classes every week, so it's always a good time for your student to start pursuing their academic goals.
Can I sign my student up for a Salt Lake City ISEE course today?
Sure. Reach out to an expert educational consultant using the contact info provided on this page to learn more about the benefits of taking a Salt Lake City ISEE course and get the enrollment process started. Varsity Tutors looks forward to helping you in any way we are able!

Brian: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
...understanding of tutoring comes from my own confusion as a student. For the earlier part of my K-12 education, school was easy; tests and homework would be mere obstacles to my grade. As I got into progressively harder subjects, especially when entering high school, I had to change in mindset of what it even means...
Education & Certification
- University of Utah - Current Undergrad, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- SSAT
- SSAT- Upper Level
- +15 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - Bachelor of Engineering, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- REGENTS
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +48 subjects

Lowell: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
...years experience in education. My qualifications are as follows: I graduated BYU with a bachelor's in Social Studies Teaching and a minor in Spanish Teaching. I later graduated with a second bachelor's degree in Anthropology. Recently I graduated with a master's in Instructional Design. I have taught high school Spanish and adult ESL. I have...
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Provo - Bachelor of Education, Social Science Teacher Education
- Western Governors University - Masters in Education, Educational, Instructional, and Curriculum Supervision
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- SSAT
- SAT
- +76 subjects

Dane: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
...is Dane Lacey. I'm from the US, but currently studying in Germany. I have over three years of experience teaching and tutoring college-level mathematics. I have two dogs (Sawyer and Joey) and a cat (Kit). My college experience started out taking concurrent enrollment classes while in high school. After I graduated high school, I taught...
Education & Certification
- University of Utah - Bachelor of Science, Applied Mathematics
- Chemnitz University of Technology - Master of Science, Computational Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- GED
- +84 subjects

Aaron: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
...teaching involves instructing non-traditional graduate and undergraduate students in the practical application of business and management concepts. Given the varied (and often unique) backgrounds of our students, this has often posed an andragogical challenge. In our typical management scenario, I regularly have students with no training in interpersonal relations or management. The goal of those...
Education & Certification
- ITT Technical Institute-Indianapolis - Bachelor of Science, Network and System Administration
- University of Phoenix-Online Campus - Doctor of Business Adminstration, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- GED
- UK A Level
- SAT
- +411 subjects

Cera: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
...graduate of Brigham Young University with a Bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering. I am also a Salt Lake Community College graduate. I love building things, challenging the status quo, and studying the way the world works. I have tutored for just over three years, and I tutor physics, algebra, reading, and test prep. Physics is...
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Provo - Bachelor of Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- CLEP
- +111 subjects
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Provo - Bachelor of Science, Human Development and Family Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- CogAT
- REGENTS
- +62 subjects

Jacqueline: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
...to tutor you or your child! I am comfortable tutoring the following subjects: K-6: all subjects 6-12: English, writing, reading, health, biology, anatomy & physiology, test prep, time management, Adults: ESL, special education, reading, writing, scientific writing, health, Certified Health Education Specialist Exam prep, GRE prep, I graduated, in 2012, from Utah Valley University with...
Education & Certification
- Utah Valley University - Bachelor of Science, Public Health Education
- University of Utah - Master in Public Health, Public Health
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- STAAR
- GATE/ TAG
- ACT
- +174 subjects

Christian: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
...let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." This quote from one of Marianne Williamson's classic books sums up my journey in the world of academics. Growing up as a teenager, I used to have...
Education & Certification
- Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-ife - Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering
- Texas AM University - Master of Science, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- +65 subjects

Roberta: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
Every student has their own unique talents. Every student has the ability to master information. Every student can succeed in different ways and on different days.... There is value in all learning though we may not recognize it while we are going through it. But one piece of information, one skill we mastered, will one day be critical in achieving a goal we really want. Hard work is the price we pay for getting to that place where we can enjoy learning and doing.
Education & Certification
- Shenandoah University - Bachelors, Music Education
- Boston University - Masters, Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Science
- English
- Social Studies
- +24 subjects

Yvan: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
I'm patient, personable, and have an incredible gift for explaining things in a way that makes sense. I majored in Math Education (with a minor in Computer Science), and I have more than eight years of experience teaching math and other STEM subjects.
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Provo - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics Teacher Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SCAT Exam
- ASPIRE
- ACT
- +157 subjects

Phoebe: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
...graduate of Bates College in Maine. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies with a minor in Educational Studies. In 2015 I received my California Teaching Credential and have been teaching elementary school since. In the spring of 2018 I received my Masters of Arts in Teaching from Mills College. Previously, I have...
Education & Certification
- Bates College - Bachelor in Arts, Religious Studies
- Mills College - Master of Arts Teaching, Elementary School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- Reading
- Phonics
- +39 subjects

Kelsey: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
Hello! My name is Kelsey Palmer and I am a graduate of San Diego State University with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies in Three Departments: Rhetoric and Writing Strategies, History, and Recreation and Tourism Management. I have a passion for writing and editing and love to share that and help others.
Education & Certification
- San Diego State University - Bachelor in Arts, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- ACT English
- SAT Writing and Language
- +47 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- GED
- SSAT
- SAT
- +67 subjects

Alexis: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
...My name is Lexi and I would love to be your tutor! If you are looking for a patient, kind, loving, caring, responsible tutor, I am your girl! Let go of those pre-stress jitters and just relax. Everything will be okay. We can tackle each assignment, project, or test prep together. I look forward to...
Education & Certification
- Salt Lake Community College - Current Undergrad, Early Childhood Education
- University of Utah - Masters, Early Childhood Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT
- PSAT
- +52 subjects

Celeste: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
...Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at Brigham Young University. Later I earned a Master of Education in education with an emphasis in math K-6 through Southern Utah University. I have taught at the elementary and secondary levels. At the elementary level I taught grades 1-6, and tutored after school in the public school system. On...
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Provo - Bachelor of Science, Elementary School Teaching
- Southern Utah University - Masters in Education, Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Elementary School Reading
- Spanish
- Math
- +38 subjects

Harvest: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
...very large family (35 cousins!), I have always loved helping children. My first teaching position was with a class of 4 and 5 year olds while I was in high school, and I still remember most of my children's names. I tutored at an elementary school while at university, and returned to teaching once I...
Education & Certification
- Saint Marys College of California - Bachelor in Arts, International Relations
- University of London - Master of Arts, Development Economics and International Development
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- GED
- ACT
- Algebra 2
- +47 subjects

Ashley: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
...I have been in the teaching profession for the last 10 years. Two of those years as a Teacher's Aid in an Elementary School, six as a first grade teacher, one as an Elementary Science Specialist and one year teaching English, Science and History at the Middle and High School levels. I also have experience...
Education & Certification
- University of Utah - Bachelor in Arts, English
- University of Phoenix-Utah Campus - Master of Arts, Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- STAAR
- ACT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +49 subjects

Jeffrey: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
...is one of coaching, mentoring, and helping the student understand exactly what level and detail of help that they need to get ahead. Combining the personal discipline learned during 20 years as a Naval Officer with the unique expertise learned in one-on-one communication with peers and sailors as well as my five children, I can...
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Provo - Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering
- City University of Seattle - Master of Science, Project Management
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- TOEFL
- SAT
- PSAT
- +342 subjects

Eric: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
I am a lover of all things STEM. I believe in helping students help themselves. I have a lot of experience working with students as young as 4th grade all the way up to high school and college. STEM is more than just knowledge, it is practical skills that we all use everyday.
Education & Certification
- Utah State University - Bachelor of Science, Geology
- University of Utah - Certificate, Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- CLEP
- GED
- +117 subjects