Is your student yearning to enroll in a desired private or independent school? Let Varsity Tutors assist them with an ISEE prep course. If you've already spent time looking up things like "ISEE help near me" online, then you may already know how effective it can be to work with an expert while preparing for this exam. The ISEE, short for the Independent School Entrance Exam, is a test that private and independent schools use to measure a pupil's knowledge in academic topics to determine admission. Contact us for more information about how ISEE prep courses can help your student pursue academic success.
Why Take the ISEE?
Your student may need to take the Independent School Entrance Examination if you plan on sending them to a private elementary, middle, or high school. The exam was designed to help competitive private schools assess the competency of the students who apply to them. That means that a good score on the ISEE could help a student get accepted into their first choice private school. This is why taking ISEE classes can be such a valuable addition to your student's test preparation process. You can easily sign up for ISEE classes by getting in touch with Varsity Tutors today. Or, keep reading to get more information on the exam and what taking ISEE courses can do for your child.
ISEE Exam Eligibility Requirements
If your child needs to take the ISEE, there aren't many requirements that they'll need to satisfy before you can sign them up. To register for the exam, it's recommended that you get started with the process as soon as possible. This can make it easier to get a slot on your ideal test date. Since the registration process for an exam day typically fills up fast, you should move quickly.
You can easily sign up for the test day of your choice by going online and visiting the Educational Records Bureau's registration web page. Make sure that you select the right level test so that there aren't any issues in getting your child set up to take the exam they need to in order to complete their private school applications process. If you'd like to get some help registering for the ISEE, then signing up for ISEE courses with Varsity Tutors can assist you. Consider reaching out to an educational director today if you're ready to get started with the process or if you'd like to hear more about ISEE prep courses.
Breaking Down the ISEE Exam
The ISEE exam contains four levels. Each level has multiple-choice and essay questions that cover mathematics and reading. Below are the test versions and grade levels:
ISEE Versions |
Grade Level of Test-Taker |
Primary Level (3 versions: Primary 2, 3, and 4) |
Entering 2nd Grade (Primary 2), 3rd Grade (Primary 3), or 4th Grade (Primary 4) |
Lower Level |
Entering 5th or 6th Grade |
Middle Level |
Entering 7th or 8th Grade |
Upper Level |
Entering 9th Grade or Above |
If your student is entering the 7th or 8th grade, they would have to take the ISEE Middle Level exam. Here are its contents:
ISEE Middle 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 |
As the table above shows, there are five sections on the ISEE, no matter which test level your child is signed up to take. The first section of the exam, Verbal Reasoning, features questions based on vocabulary. The second section, Quantitative Reasoning, is composed of a series of math word problems. This section was designed to assess how prepared your child is to problem solve. They'll need to use their mathematical skills in the context of word problems. Third, your child will also take a Reading Comprehension test section. Here, your child will need to demonstrate that they can understand complex reading passages and answer questions based on their content. Finally, the fourth and final multiple-choice section is Math Achievement. On this test section, your student will need to show their math skills. The content of this exam will vary depending on which ISEE level your student is taking.
Lastly, the test also features an Essay section with one writing prompt. This essay will not be scored. Instead, it will be sent to the admissions director at the school your child is applying to. The admissions team uses your student's Essay response as a writing example. A strong essay could help to make your student a more attractive candidate for admission at the schools they're most interested in attending.
Clearly, there are a lot of different academic subjects your student will need to be strong in if they want to earn a good score on the ISEE examination. Of course, this is something that is often easier said than done. If your student could use a refresher on one or more of these test sections, then signing them up for an ISEE prep course with Varsity Tutors can help. In the next section, you'll get more information on how taking an ISEE prep course can help your child prepare for their upcoming exam. If you already know you want to sign your child up to work with an educator, you don't have to spend any additional time online looking up things like "ISEE tutoring near me". Instead, you can easily get them started with the test prep plan that makes the most sense for them by reaching out to Varsity Tutors today.
Finding Your Child's Ideal ISEE Prep Class
There are a few different ISEE course options that you can choose from when deciding which ISEE prep classes your child should take. The ISEE prep classes that you ultimately sign up for can be based on your student's learning style, test goals, and existing academic abilities. To get a more in-depth look at each of these ISEE course options, continue reading.
The first ISEE course option you can consider is private test prep tutoring. This ISEE course may be the right fit for your student if they've previously enjoyed working directly with their educator. Signing up for this ISEE class style gives your child the opportunity to learn from an expert ISEE class instructor through a series of one-on-one study sessions. Your child's ISEE class instructor can set them up with a customized learning plan that is based entirely on their specific academic needs. The amount of personalization that your student will get through their ISEE class could help them get more out of their study sessions.
Another test preparation option you may be interested in for your child is a small group classes. This may be the right study plan for your student if they've previously enjoyed learning in the traditional classroom learning environment. They'll get to learn from their instructor through a series of lessons that are delivered to them along with a small group of peers. This test preparation option combines the benefits of the traditional classroom learning environment with the convenience of online learning. Contact us today if you think this would be the right fit for your student.
Since your student's acceptance to a specific school can be decided by how well they do on the ISEE, they need to possess strong reading and math skills. If your student struggles with understanding those subjects, this is where an ISEE prep class comes in. In our ISEE classes, a tutor can use creative and fun methods to try to help your student comprehend a subject better. For example, if your student is at the primary level, a tutor can use objects like counters and play money to help them understand math concepts better. If you have an older student, a tutor can assist them with charts or textbooks.
Additionally, an ISEE course can help your student learn how to be more organized. Does your student struggle with studying because they have papers scattered everywhere? An ISEE course tutor can teach your student how to organize folders and notebooks neatly, so they can spend less time searching for papers and more time focusing on their work. An ISEE class can help your student with organization, a skill they can use throughout their education.
As test day approaches, there are various ways your student and a tutor can work together to prepare in an ISEE class. A tutor can review topics with your student by using flashcards or mnemonics. If your student feels a little afraid of the test, a tutor can try to ease their nerves with techniques like breathing exercises or mantras. A tutor can even issue a practice exam, which allows a student to time themselves. They can also help your student develop good study skills. It's important for young pupils to practice good study habits because they will need them if they decide to attend college.
Additionally, your student's test preparation instructor can help them develop better general test-taking skills. For instance, if your child has ever dealt with test anxiety in the past, then their educator can show them techniques they can use to overcome this anxiety while they're taking their upcoming ISEE test. Your child's teacher can also show them tips they can use to manage their time more effectively while taking comprehensive standardized tests like the ISEE. These are skills that your student will be able to utilize on their upcoming test as well as on any future exams they may take. Thus, your student can get a well-rounded learning process when they sign up for the test preparation plan of their choice. Instead of looking up "ISEE help near me" online, contact us today if you'd like to get your child started with an experienced educator.
ISEE Test Statistics
Students who take the ISEE earn a percentile rank for each section they complete. This percentile rank corresponds to their performance on the test as compared to the other students who are taking the same ISEE test level. For example, if you're student was better than 70% of the other ISEE test takers on a given test section, then they would score in the 70th percentile on that test section. This grading style allows private schools to not only get a raw score from the students that apply, but to also get a sense of how these students compare to one another academically.
The majority of students, about 54% depending on the year, end up placing between the 40th and 70th percentiles. Around 23% of students place within the 1st through 30th percentiles and the same percentage place between the 70th and 90th percentiles. If your child doesn't outperform the other students taking their ISEE level test, that's okay. They can still definitely be admitted into the private school of their choice. However, of course, earning a higher percentile score can be a big boost to their admissions chances. That's why ISEE prep courses can be such a huge addition to their study plan. You can easily sign up for the ISEE prep class that is the best fit for their needs by speaking with an educational director at Varsity Tutors today.
Getting Started
The Independent School Entrance Examination is an important standardized test that may influence the competitive private schools that your student is able to attend. That's why having a strong test preparation plan is so important. If you think your child would benefit from taking an ISEE prep class with Varsity Tutors, you don't need to spend time online looking up "ISEE tutoring near me". Instead, you can easily get them started with their own ideal study plan by contacting us today.
Our ISEE courses run on a flexible schedule, so they don't get in the way of your student's after-school activities or other obligations. In addition, we provide a Live Learning Platform for your student to speak with a tutor through a smartphone, tablet, or computer. This ensures that your child can get the test preparation assistance they need without forcing you or them to make too many scheduling sacrifices. You can easily get your child started with an expert educator without having to worry about how it will fit into both of your schedules. If you want to learn more about how ISEE prep classes can assist your student, please email or call Varsity Tutors today. Educational Directors are standing by to help you get started.

Madera: Trenton ISEE course instructor
...University of Michigan Ann Arbor and a PhD from Drew University in Madison NJ. It is awesome to work with students who are committed to success but I also like to assist with students who might have veered off path and are working to better themselves academically. Let's get some work done. It would be...
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - Bachelor in Arts, Music History, Literature, and Theory
- Drew University - Doctor of Philosophy, U.S. History
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACCUPLACER
- GED
- SAT Subject Tests
- +55 subjects

Matthew: Trenton ISEE course instructor
...semesters, I often took up multiple positions to be a resource for tutoring and mentoring to underclassman students. This included teaching an introduction to chemistry lab course and being a peer-mentor and President of the Making Doctors Club, a community of aspiring health professionals (pre-med, dental, vet, PA, etc.) helping them in achieving their pre-health...
Education & Certification
- University of Delaware - Bachelor in Arts, Chemistry
- University of Connecticut - Doctor of Medical Dentistry, Predentistry
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- STAAR EOC
- HSPT
- REGENTS
- +61 subjects

Joshua: Trenton ISEE course instructor
...a public school in Harlem as the College Counselor working with students from grades 6-12. In my two years of experience, I have had the opportunity to network with college admissions counselors across the country, and I gladly connect my students to any college admissions departments I am familiar with. Although my tutoring specialty is...
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
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- GED
- +92 subjects

Serita: Trenton ISEE course instructor
...of experience tutoring for the SSATs. I have my Masters in Special Education and Secondary Math. I graduated from Columbia University in 2010 where I majored in history. I believe every student has the ability, when given the correct resources, to learn. I will be dedicated to helping your student maximize their learning and gain confidence...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Chestnut Hill College - Master of Science, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- SSAT
- TOEFL
- +41 subjects

Grant: Trenton ISEE course instructor
...community college. I enjoy helping my students learn to solve problems on their own, think for themselves, and learn the strategies to excel at standardized tests. In my free time I play soccer and sing karaoke with friends, volunteer my time with Trenton's Habitat for Humanity, and I'm currently teaching myself French.
Education & Certification
- Texas A & M University-College Station - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology/Mathematics
- Princeton Theological Seminary - Masters, Theology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- Advanced Placement
- ACT
- +33 subjects

Mahir: Trenton ISEE course instructor
...are math and the sciences. Because of my background in high school and major in college, I have plenty of experience with Calculus I through IV, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. I love helping students in math and science and it gives me a sense of satisfaction to see other people succeed. As the eldest of...
Education & Certification
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SSAT
- +62 subjects

Rachel: Trenton ISEE course instructor
...grade. I tutor a broad range of subjects, but am most passionate about Reading, Phonics, and Mathematics. I strongly believe in a hands-on approach to teaching and learning. I also think it is best to identify the learning style of the students to make sure that they understand the material on a deeper level. My...
Education & Certification
- Shippensburg University - Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education
- Cabrini College - Masters in Education, Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Algebra
- Test Prep
- College Algebra
- +18 subjects

Brian: Trenton ISEE course instructor
...where all of this is possible. I approach education from a whole-child perspective. A student's success is not based solely on their academic achievement, but their social/emotional development, their relationships with their peers, family, surrounding community, culture, and world. This enveloping philosophy begins with developing a student's character, heart, intellect, and creativity equally; the things...
Education & Certification
- Messiah College - Bachelors, Psychology
- CUNY Hunter College - Masters, Early Childhood Special Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- Reading
- Other
- +15 subjects

Stephanie: Trenton ISEE course instructor
If students remain teachable and avoid shutting down, they will have the extra energy and potential to learn. In addition to the students' attitude, the teacher must be dynamic, allow relearn/retakes and urge students to get outside help. Hearing the same information from a different teacher can make a huge difference in retention.... The more and more I come across chemistry students, the more I see them trying to "rote" memorization. Since it is cumulative, you must remember the information so you can apply it to the next concept. Math is the same way; you must know how to do the problem and why.
Education & Certification
- UNLV - Bachelors, Secondary Education - biological science
- University of Phoenix-Las Vegas Campus - Masters, Educational Leadership
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- HSPT
- SSAT- Upper Level
- College Chemistry
- +23 subjects

Theresa: Trenton ISEE course instructor
...advanced students. Now, I am seeking teaching positions for writing as I transition to graduate school next year at Columbia University for fiction. My entire academic career has focused on meaning that could be derived from literature, and articulating those ideas through written or verbal communication. When I began teaching, I emphasized to my students...
Education & Certification
- Rutgers University, New Brunswick - Bachelors, Double Major in English and Psychology
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Masters, Masters of Fine Arts in Fiction
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- PSAT
- +58 subjects

Megan: Trenton ISEE course instructor
...and give them the tools they need to succeed. I have good study and organizational skills, and I have many tips and tricks to help individuals improve test scores. I really enjoy helping people to reach their full potential in each subject area, and I will do my best to explain concepts in a manner...
Education & Certification
- Northeastern University - Current Undergrad, Speech Language Pathology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- HSPT
- +41 subjects

Alice: Trenton ISEE course instructor
...up my teaching certification program teaching American History in a Philadelphia public school. I have extensive experience teaching and tutoring English, History and essay writing with elementary, middle and high school students. I strongly believe learning is a collaborative, student directed process and I love helping students acquire long-term learning skills. My favorite part of...
Education & Certification
- Bryn Mawr College - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology/Education/Child & Family Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT
- SSAT
- +40 subjects

Aalok: Trenton ISEE course instructor
...comes to preparing them for entering high school or college. While I cannot guarantee scores like the ones I have, I do promise my very best to help you get your highest score or grades possible! If you have any questions - please feel free to ask. I'd be glad to answer them. THANK YOU...
Education & Certification
- Lehigh University - Bachelor in Arts, Behavioral Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- REGENTS
- SAT
- +41 subjects

Emily: Trenton ISEE course instructor
...order to motivate them to succeed. Providing students with examples that make sense to them and apply to their lives is so important and necessary for success. I've been passionate about helping students for as long as I can remember. I always wanted to play school with my younger brothers! I'm looking forward to working...
Education & Certification
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Special Education
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus - Masters in Education, Curriculum and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- Test Prep
- 3rd Grade Math
- +59 subjects

Rebecca: Trenton ISEE course instructor
...well as in standardized test preparation. I learned a lot of effective test-taking strategies while completing my undergraduate degree and taking the SAT and MCAT standardized tests. I enjoy sharing my strategies with students and helping them to fine-tune their own skills to meet their academic goals. In my teaching, along with reviewing important course...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- HSPT
- SAT
- SSAT
- +43 subjects

Robin: Trenton ISEE course instructor
...needs. I want to be your child's support system as they discover, learn, and grow in a student-centered, hands-on, and inclusive learning environment where they can take ownership of their learning. Making learning a practical and personal experience is key to doing so. While fostering student creativity, curiosity, and risk-taking, my students have fun and...
Education & Certification
- The College of New Jersey - Bachelor in Arts, Elementary School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Other
- Substitute
- Reading
- +27 subjects
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelor in Arts, Mathematics
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Doctor of Philosophy, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- TACHS
- CogAT
- +76 subjects

Martin: Trenton ISEE course instructor
...in public and private school settings at both the high school and college level. I have an undergraduate mathematics degree, and taught AP Calculus at a North Carolina high school. I also have a PhD in philosophy, and have taught at major research universities in Missouri and Ohio. I am personally invested in my students'...
Education & Certification
- Davidson College - Bachelors, Philosophy and Mathematics
- Washington University in St Louis - PHD, Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- SAT
- +63 subjects

Rhonda: Trenton ISEE course instructor
...have been teaching in the state of New Jersey for twenty-one years and I love what I do! I have taught every grade from pre-kindergarten to eighth except for third and sixth grades. I enjoy teaching because there are so many ways to teach a student that were not available when I was a student...
Education & Certification
- Virginia State University - Bachelors, English
- CUNY Brooklyn College - Masters, Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- Elementary School Math
- ISEE- Lower Level
- +28 subjects

Rena: Trenton ISEE course instructor
...classes. Besides taking classes in these subjects, I tutored at my local library with a volunteer group called Homework Helpers for all four years of high school. I tutored students in kindergarten up to eighth grade in all subjects. Not only did I help them with their homework but I also prepared them for upcoming...
Education & Certification
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick - Current Undergrad, Urban Planning and Design
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- SHSAT
- TACHS
- +30 subjects