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.

Ariela: Homer Glen ISEE test prep instructor
...the reasons that I am good at test taking, is my ability to organize information. It's a skill I use both in my academic life, as well as professionally; as a stage manager, it is often my job to take in complicated and conflicting pieces of information (the blocking, a quick change in costumes, changes...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Current Undergrad, Theater & Performance Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- SAT
- Advanced Placement
- +50 subjects

Soung: Homer Glen ISEE test prep instructor
...years experience. I have an exceptional ability to teach math to students with severe learning challenges. I make all levels of math understandable and foster confidence in the student. I'm also expert in SAT/ACT test preparation and high school admission tests. I have a BA in Chemistry from The University of Chicago and a PhD...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, Chemistry
- Northwestern University - Doctor of Science, Molecular Pharmacology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- MAP
- ACT 8-Week Prep Class
- +42 subjects

Katie: Homer Glen ISEE test prep instructor
...I understand firsthand the importance of standardized tests as students make goals for their next level of education; I am happy to help students prepare for these exams. I enjoy students of all ages and am excited to tutor a wide range of subjects, although my first loves are math and English (especially grammar). I...
Education & Certification
- University of Notre Dame - Bachelor in Arts, American Studies, Gender Studies
- University of Connecticut - Master of Arts, Higher Education and Student Affaris
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- SSAT
- SAT
- +40 subjects

Samantha: Homer Glen ISEE test prep instructor
...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 and helping them realize their full academic potential. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, exploring Chicago, reading, and cooking.
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Current Undergrad, Political Science & Legal Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- +36 subjects

Gregory: Homer Glen ISEE test prep instructor
empty... Relaxed and accommodating, but direct and impact-driven.... Get to know their background and the best way they retain information.... Provide self-prep materials, and evaluate their performance.... Show impact of results and progress.... Find alternative approaches, and practice.... Help them practice reading and understand main concepts.... Give them effective instruction, but also time.... Provide fun examples or real-life applications.
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelors, Economics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- PSAT
- +38 subjects

Felipe: Homer Glen ISEE test prep instructor
...New Jersey and New York. In addition, I worked as a journalist for three years in Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York. I believe my experiences make me an excellent listener and a proficient editor. I enjoy working with students on English, Spanish, and Writing. I have a thoughtful and patient approach. I grew...
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelors, Comparative Literature
- CUNY Graduate School of Journalism - Masters, Business Journalism
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- English
- Literature
- High School English
- +8 subjects

Daniel: Homer Glen ISEE test prep instructor
...elements of critical thinking, problem solving, analyzing and evaluating. I integrate a question that is stated in the form of a problem, which triggers students to critically think and construct an answer throughout the lesson. For me, the impact of student learning is essentially how I can continue to motivate students’ high levels of thinking....
Education & Certification
- Lake Forest College - Bachelor in Arts, Education and History
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- ACT
- SSAT
- +52 subjects

Hannah: Homer Glen ISEE test prep instructor
I graduated from Georgia Tech majoring in Industrial and Systems Engineering and Pre-teaching , and I just moved to Chicago to attend Chicago State University Pharmacy School. I have been tutoring a lot of students [K-12] in various subjects for more than ten years. ... Helping students to reach their goals.... I would talk about my background and share my past experience of studying. I also would ask what their goals are.
Education & Certification
- Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Chicago State University - PHD, Pharmacy
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- ACT
- ISAT
- +33 subjects

Rebecca: Homer Glen ISEE test prep instructor
...with the students and seeing them master the material over the course of the semester. Professionally, I have worked both as a programmer and as a marketer. I believe my greatest strengths are in teaching math and helping students prepare for standardized tests, including the GMAT. In my spare time, I enjoy cross country skiing,...
Education & Certification
- University of Notre Dame - Bachelors, Computer Science, Theology
- University of Notre Dame - Masters in Business Administration, Marketing
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- HSPT
- English Grammar and Syntax
- +39 subjects

Amy: Homer Glen ISEE test prep instructor
I am currently a school teacher. I teach both special education and general education elementary and middle school students. I am able to break down skills in a way that children can understand. I love it when everything clicks for the student. ... My teaching philosophy is that every person can learn; it is just a matter of finding out how they learn.
Education & Certification
- Indiana University-Bloomington - Bachelors, Theatre
- National Louis University - Masters, Teaching
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- Reading
- Summer
- +18 subjects

Nora: Homer Glen ISEE test prep instructor
...Gracie; and watch crime shows and horror movies. My tutoring style is very personalized, and I love finding creative ways to motivate and help my students really understand their work. It is very important to me that I give my students a solid foundation, background information, and customized techniques to make their learning as exciting...
Education & Certification
- School of the Art Institute of Chicago - Current Undergrad, Fashion Design
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- SSAT
- ACT
- +29 subjects

Katie: Homer Glen ISEE test prep instructor
...mother!) I tutor all of my subjects with passion, striving to make every session meaningful and fun. My subjects are Music, General Music Theory or AP Music Theory, Clarinet, Math, Essay Writing and Editing at all levels, English, Writing, ESL, ISEE, SSAT, Test Prep, General Summer Tutoring/ Homework support, Study Skills, and Organization/Time Management. My...
Education & Certification
- Northeastern Illinois University - Current Undergrad, Music Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- Technology and Coding
- ISEE- Lower Level
- +25 subjects

Sonjanita: Homer Glen ISEE test prep instructor
...the students do from them, especially as it relates to the use of new media technologies. All children can learn! All children are intelligent! My job is to help them feel secure in who they are as students and as individuals; while working to build their love of learning. I am a lifelong learner that...
Education & Certification
- University of IL - Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, English
- National Louis University - Masters, Administration and Supervision
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ASPIRE
- ISAT
- PSAT
- +140 subjects

Kim: Homer Glen ISEE test prep instructor
...sixth graders in Math, Reading, and English. I have also spent the past 7 summers tutoring students in grades K-7. I have a B.A. degree in Elementary Education from Millikin University with a middle school endorsement in Math. I have a Master's degree from Concordia University in Curriculum and Instruction and have completed classes toward...
Education & Certification
- Millikin University - Bachelor in Arts, Elementary Education
- Concordia University-Ann Arbor - Master of Arts, Curriculum and Instruction
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- Elementary Math
- Test Prep
- +21 subjects

Lisa: Homer Glen ISEE test prep instructor
...and I even encourage productive struggle! I use strategic questioning and visuals to guide my students through their struggle to help them realize with some hard work and focus, they can and will understand the material. Learning is fun and finally grasping that concept that has boggled your mind for so long is an extremely...
Education & Certification
- Illinois State University - Bachelor in Arts, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Elementary School Math
- Geometry
- Social Studies
- +17 subjects

Janet: Homer Glen ISEE test prep instructor
...US and Canada, I enjoying working with students of all ages. With a background in Special Education and tutoring for test prep (GED, ACT, SAT), I have a heart for those who find it difficult to succeed in the classroom. It is my passion to encourage students and help them learn strategies to succeed in...
Education & Certification
- Moody Bible Institue - Bachelors, International Mnistries
- Lamar University - Masters, School Counseling
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- PSAT
- GED
- +64 subjects

Stephen: Homer Glen ISEE test prep instructor
...than me just telling them the answer. The more the students can come to their own solutions, the more memorable the lessons will be. In my spare time I enjoy reading, playing skill games like scrabble, bridge, and poker, and outdoor activities like biking, camping, and canoeing when the weather is nice.
Education & Certification
- Grinnell College - Bachelor in Arts, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT 8-Week Prep Class
- TOEFL
- ACT 4-Week Prep Class
- +80 subjects

Susan: Homer Glen ISEE test prep instructor
...make sure to fully hear your students needs to make sure that we are working towards a common goal. I've had experience collaborating with classroom teachers as well. Please also check out my resume so you can see my credentials and teaching experiences. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you and...
Education & Certification
- Eastern Illinois University - Bachelor in Arts, Elementary Education
- Saint Xavier University - Master of Science, Teaching and Leadership
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- MAP
- HSPT
- PARCC
- +88 subjects

Ellen: Homer Glen ISEE test prep instructor
...University, and an ESL endorsement certificate from the University of Illinois. I have classroom and tutoring experience working with children ages 5-12, and I love teaching everything from beginning sounds to algebra to how to write an amazing personal narrative. My belief as an educator is to focus on the individual interests and talents of...
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Early Childhood Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- HSPT
- Comparative Literature
- Algebra
- +18 subjects

Bryson: Homer Glen ISEE test prep instructor
...my high schools days, where I would work in the language lab to help my peers increase their proficiency with Spanish and French. After graduating from high school with my IB diploma, I attended New York University, where I majored in Politics and Spanish. I then attended Loyola Marymount University where I received my master's...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor in Arts, Spanish
- Loyola Marymount University - Master of Arts, Urban Education and Leadership
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- PSAT
- SAT
- +51 subjects