ISEE | Top 10 Strategies to Help You Ace the ISEE

In order to attend an independent or magnet school, many New York City students will take the Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE). A high score on this exam is essential to join one of these schools, so we recommend that students take this test seriously! Here are our top 10 Strategies to Help You Ace the ISEE

1. Know the Level

Students need to make sure that they sign up for the correct ISEE level. The Lower Level is for students up to grade five, the Middle Level is for students in sixth and seventh grade, and the Upper Level is for students in eighth grade and up.

2. Understand the Content

The Independent School Entrance Exam covers five different sections: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, math problems, and an essay. While the number of questions varies based on each level, in general each section has a time limit of approximately half an hour.

3. Choose Test Date

The vhas a special rule for students: test-takers can only sit for the ISEE once every six months. That makes it essential to time the exam carefully. Students can take it once for practice and then again six months later, but it’s key to pick these dates with the six month restriction in mind.

4. Practice the Essay

The essay section on the Independent School Entrance Exam does not count toward the final score, but each school a student applies to will see a copy of this writing sample. Using proper grammar and strong writing techniques will boost chances of admission.

5. Take Practice ISEE Tests

The best way to get ready for the Independent School Entrance Exam is to take some practice exams. This gives students a sense of their weak spots, and then they can work on building up these areas before the test.

6. Go Through QC Problems

One unique section on the Independent School Entrance Exam includes quantitative comparison problems, which is a combination of word problem and equation solving. These questions ask students to use problem-solving skills to determine values, and they can be a little tricky at first. Extra practice can help students in this area.

7. Build Up Vocabulary

The verbal reasoning section asks students to answer problems on synonyms and sentence completion. Having a strong vocabulary will help test-takers move through this section more quickly, and reading plenty of books can help students work on their language arts skills.

8. Use SSAT Tools

The SSAT is similar to the Independent School Entrance Examination, so students can benefit from SSAT prep even when they’re working on ISEE mastery. The major difference between the two exams is that the SSAT can be taken as often as students want (no six month waiting period), but the content is nearly identical.

9. Try Challenging Math Problems

A good way to build up skills for the math section is to go through challenging math problems every week. Many of the math and quantitative comparison problems require students to use their problem-solving skills, and there are often creative solutions that can save time on test day. Working through a book of math problems can help students get ready for the test.

10. Consider ISEE Test Prep

After learning more about the ISEE and choosing a test date, students should make a plan to reach ISEE mastery for the exam. That could include self-study, group classes, or private tutoring. It’s most important to stay consistent and keep working toward a top score, no matter what method students choose.

Are You Considering Test Prep for the Independent School Entrance Exam?

Preparation for the ISEE does not have to be daunting and exasperating; instead, it can represent an important opportunity along a student’s path to learning mastery. Indeed, the perspectives and abilities acquired during preparation can be transformative and last a lifetime.

Our two-track approach to mastering content and improving test-taking skills means that students will not only thoroughly understand the fundamental concepts and skills tested by the ISEE exam, but they will also excel in using essential techniques to improve attitude, endurance and focus. Our students hone their independent thinking skills while developing a resilient mindset so they can perform on test day in a powerful, resourceful, creative and calm manner.

Please call 917.287.7927 now for a complimentary consultation to discuss how Origins Tutoring can help your child achieve his or her personal best on the Independent School Entrance Exam.