If you would like to get high-quality Washington, DC ISEE prep assistance for your student, contact Varsity Tutors today. Choose from options that fit your student's preferred way of learning and your family's schedule. We have ISEE prep courses and also offer one-on-one ISEE tutoring. You can even choose to have your student spend time studying in both of these settings.
The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is a standardized test that provides admissions professionals accurate insights into your student's abilities and personality. It's one of the pieces they look at along with other application materials. Whether your student would prefer to take part in a Washington, DC ISEE prep class or work with an ISEE tutor, or both, we can support them as they work towards preparing to do their best on test day.
What subjects can be covered in a Washington, DC ISEE prep class or by an ISEE tutor?
To provide an accurate and precise measure of your student's abilities, there are six levels of ISEE. For the youngest students, there are the Primary 2, 3, and 4 Level tests, given to students entering the grade number in the test's title. As students get older, there are the Lower, Middle, and Upper Level tests, given to students entering grades 5 or 6, grades 7 or 8, or any year of high school, respectively. We'll see a quick overview of the three Primary Level exams first and then look at the latter three.
Primary Level 2 has a unique Auditory Comprehension section, where they listen to passages and answer questions about them. All Primary Levels have a Math and Reading section with multiple-choice questions testing students on grade-appropriate topics like basic math operations and vocabulary. The final piece is a Writing Sample, given to students as a picture prompt for them to write a story about. This unscored piece is used by schools to see a student's personality, creativity, and writing ability.
The Lower, Middle, and Upper Levels each have the same sections, with the only difference being the grade level the content is targeted towards. The Verbal Reasoning section evaluates your student's understanding of grade-appropriate vocabulary, ability to recognize context clues to word meanings and other elements, recognition of prefixes and suffixes and how they can help define an unknown word, and parts of speech.
On the Reading Comprehension section, students showcase their ability to understand passages they read. They prove they can identify the main points and the supporting details and ideas, the purpose, and the piece's tone based on the author's word choices. They'll also infer details and draw conclusions not specifically stated, locate data in the passage and apply it to practical questions, recognize cause-and-effect relationships, and compare and contrast information.
There are two math-related sections on each test. The Math Achievement section focuses on the ability to correctly complete math operations. The Quantitative Reasoning section more about mathematical thinking. Both have problems with numbers and equations, variables and exponents that use algebra, measurement, geometry, and problem-solving skills. The differences between the sections are subtle, and that's something an instructor can discuss during a Washington, DC ISEE class session.
The Essay conveys an indication of your student's personality and writing abilities. Each test provides a prompt reflecting a topic generally interesting to students at the targeted grade level. The way your student responds conveys more about them as a person and as a student.
This is a quick glance at the information your student will be reviewing in their ISEE class or tutoring sessions. If they're taking either the two- or four-week ISEE course and having an especially hard time with one or two topics, you can sign them up for individual instruction sessions provided by Varsity Tutors. They can work at their own pace, taking the time they need with their tutor to fully understand the subject and feel confident they've mastered it.
How do I know which Washington DC ISEE prep study option to enroll my student in?
For some students, the choice will be easy. If your student thrives in a classroom setting, the Washington DC ISEE prep course is probably going to be your best choice. On the other hand, if they're motivated and concentrate better in one-on-one settings, you should consider signing them up for lessons with a Washington DC ISEE tutor. If the choice isn't that obvious for your student, continue reading to learn more about the benefits of each option.
Working in the collaborative environment found in a group class, including one that meets online, can help with learning and retention. Another benefit of the virtual classroom test prep option is the ability to get ideas from the instructor and from other students. Since there's more than content review involved in preparing for a standardized test like the ISEE, those who have taken it previously might be able to offer suggestions on how to handle it when your student runs into a question they don't know, how to make sure they have enough time to finish all the problems within the time limits, and other test-taking strategies. If your student's understanding of the ISEE topics is pretty evenly distributed, and the other factors mentioned here resonate with them, the Washington DC ISEE prep class may be the best choice.
If your student has uneven skills and could use some customization in their ISEE review process, working with a private ISEE instructor might help. When meeting with a group of students, the study schedule can't be changed whenever one or two students need more or less time with a subject. A private tutor can do exactly that, and the ability to customize sessions is probably the best reason to choose this option.
How can I get my student signed up for a Washington DC ISEE prep class or tutor now?
To get started, simply contact Varsity Tutors, answer a few questions about your student's grade level, goals, and your family's schedule, and our educational consultants will sign your student up for the Washington, DC ISEE preparation choice that you feel will work best for your child.
Alexandra: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a 3.6 GPA, earning a dual degree in Journalism and History, both with the Comprehensive Honors award. During my time at UW, I taught public health and safety to groups of twenty to two hundred students twice a week for three years. I have over 150 hours...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - Bachelors, History and Journalism
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- GED
- ACT
- +23 subjects
Erin: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...far as hobbies go, I enjoy reading science fiction, classic literature, and comic books. Rock-climbing is a big thing for me, as is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I'm also into dancing, including salsa, bachata, zouk, swing, and Argentine tango. Also I love science! I study it every day to make sure I'm on top of the classes...
Education & Certification
- Stanford - Bachelors, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- TOEFL
- +77 subjects
Daeyong: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...Society, an organization dedicated to promoting the education and enjoyment of math to younger students. Every time I tutor students privately or through these organizations, I find it extremely rewarding when a student finally understands a new concept, or applies a concept I have taught them to a real-world scenario. Though I particularly love to...
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- SSAT
- SSAT Prep - Upper Level Class
- +54 subjects
Cynthia: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...a recent graduate from Princeton University, home for the summer in the Philadelphia area. I was a Neuroscience major, and I will be pursuing my PhD in Neuroscience in the fall at Johns Hopkins. I have been tutoring high school students outside of class in college and involved in STEM academics and research mentorship as...
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelors, Neuroscience
- Johns Hopkins University - PHD, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SSAT
- +72 subjects
Ben: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...I started tutoring by helping struggling students through classes we had together, and by word of mouth ended up tutoring a number of students in the economics department. I am passionate about learning and took as many courses as possible in college including courses in chemistry, physics, biology and opera performance. I am also passionate about...
Education & Certification
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus - Bachelors, B.S. Economics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- SSAT
- Study Skills and Organization
- +34 subjects
Rohiel: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...having difficulty with these subjects. I am currently attending the University of Maryland at Baltimore County for Math and Chemical Engineering B.S. degrees. I have been tutoring for over two years and absolutely love it! My teaching style depends on the student I am teaching. I am comfortable with any type of student and all...
Education & Certification
- University of Maryland-Baltimore County - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
- University of Maryland-Baltimore County - Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- CLEP
- Science
- Algebra
- +25 subjects
Samantha: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...test prep, French, math or economics, my approach to tutoring is to find what strategies work best for the student and work on methods for students to be able to make progress both in and out of tutoring sessions. My favorite part of tutoring is seeing students improve and build confidence in areas they used...
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Bachelors, 1. International and Comparative Political Science 2. Economics
- Johns Hopkins University-Schools of Advanced International Studies - Current Grad Student, 1. Conflict Management 2. International Economics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +96 subjects
Kate: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...a strong background in Civics and Government, from when I received my Bachelor's Degree in Criminology and Justice Studies at The College of New Jersey. I minored in French and have been studying and learning the language since I was a child. Another strength of mine is paper and essay writing - I loved it...
Education & Certification
- The College of New Jersey - Bachelors, Criminology
- University of Maryland-College Park - Masters, Masters of Business Administration
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +49 subjects
Carolyn: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...but I am always eager to meet new people and both teach and learn from them! Physics and Math can be very intimidating when you are first experiencing them, but I believe that they can be incredibly rewarding and fun subjects, and I enjoy helping students reap that reward. Since I was a kid, I...
Education & Certification
- Missouri University of Science and Technology - Bachelor of Science, Physics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- Art
- Pre-Calculus
- +23 subjects
Regina: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...competencies. My professional services experience and my educational background encapsulate a number of the position competencies. I have a history of strong staff management, working closely with teams on individual development plans, and understand my role to assist and promote staff member success. I actively seek upward and peer feedback and recognize its importance in...
Education & Certification
- Florida Memorial University - Bachelors, Criminal Justice
- Nova Southeastern University - Masters, Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Phonics
- ISEE-Lower Level Quantitative Reasoning
- Elementary School Writing
- +11 subjects
Matt: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...has always been very gratifying for me to help students develop academically and improve their performances on important tests like the LSAT and SAT. I have an excellent academic record and have done very well on standardized tests such as the SAT and the LSAT. I understand the skills and strategies needed to succeed on...
Education & Certification
- William and Mary - Bachelors, Psychology and Philosophy Double Major
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- +24 subjects
Cornelia: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...may be born into status, but with education they can navigate their network and privilege. One may be born into destitute circumstances, but with their education can rise above their situation. One of the only things that a child should not have to earn is their right to knowledge. Education is a human right. Every...
Education & Certification
- American University - Bachelor in Arts, Communication
- Lesley College - Masters in Education, Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- SSAT
- SAT Writing and Language
- +23 subjects
Elyon: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...I graduated high school at the age of 15. I took a year off to play sports and practice martial arts before coming to college in D.C. In the past I have attended numerous Hackathons including the Google DC Hack 2013, 2014 as well as 2015. I am also well versed in many programming languages...
Education & Certification
- Howard University - Bachelors, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- College Computer Science
- AP Computer Science
- +26 subjects
Jennifer: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...in their heads. I enjoy tutoring one-on-one since I have found that engaging a student directly in the learning process helps him/her to understand (and remember) the topic more fully, rather than letting them get by on just rote memorization that is forgotten once the test is over. One of my favorite things to tutor...
Education & Certification
- Smith College - Bachelor in Arts, Classical Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT
- +15 subjects
Cory: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...from reading comprehension and counting to World History and long division. I learned how to be patient teaching a brilliant, incorrigible young man to read. After two years there I worked at a local college's tutoring center. I specialized in College Algebra and essay composition, but worked on many other subjects as well, including organizational...
Education & Certification
- Berry College - Bachelors, Biochemistry, Sociology
- Northeastern University - Juris Doctor, Legal Studies
- Tufts University - Master in Public Health, Public Health
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- HSPT
- SSAT
- College Level American History
- +70 subjects
Clare: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...worked on a pilot program with bringing their program into a St. Louis City charter school. In this position, I worked with students from 5th to 8th grade who were reading and doing math at a 1st grade level and up in an intense specials rotation. I know how to work with students of all...
Education & Certification
- Elon University - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
- Fontbonne University - Master of Arts Teaching, Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- HSPT
- SAT
- SSAT
- +83 subjects
Lucille: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...I assisted in tutoring and training other corps members in specific skills while in AmeriCorps, and in my various roles in the games industry I put together and led a variety of training sessions for new hires, as well as provided coaching and mentoring for colleagues. I understand the stress and fear that students can...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Bachelor of Science, Global Studies
- Georgetown University - Juris Doctor, Legal Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- Macroeconomics
- High School English
- +67 subjects
Seth: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...my passion. I studied International Relations as an undergrad at Connecticut College, and I am currently working towards a Master of Arts in Teaching to be a high school social studies teacher. I tutored peers in college in subjects like US History and political science, and I have worked with basic reading and math skills...
Education & Certification
- Connecticut College - Bachelors, International Relations
- Towson University - Current Grad Student, Master's of Arts in Teaching- Secondary Social Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT
- HSPT
- +57 subjects
Jennifer: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...am a graduate of Slippery Rock University. There I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. I furthered my education at Towson University and earned a Masters Degree in Reading. I would love to encourage and assist your child in enhancing his/her educational skills. I have 17 years of teaching experience and am a Lead...
Education & Certification
- Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor in Arts, Elementary Education
- Towson University - Masters, Reading
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- Other
- Writing
- +15 subjects
Emily: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...teaching assistant for an Introduction to Genetics course. Over the past 4 years during my PhD I have formally tutored math and science of various levels, culminating in at 200 hours of lessons. I have experience tutoring elementary science, and high school biology/chemistry, as well as college level biology courses. I also have experience tutoring...
Education & Certification
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Johns Hopkins University - Doctor of Philosophy, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- PARCC
- GED
- +81 subjects