The synonym section of the ISEE test is very challenging due to the difficult vocabulary, as well as the traps that the test-makers include to confuse you. The first trap to look out for is the Secondary Part of Speech Trap. Sometimes the word has a secondary meaning when it is used in a different part of speech. For example, words can be both a noun and a verb, and have different meanings depending on…
The key to performing well on the verbal section of the ISEE is mastering vocabulary. One of the main ways to understand how words are built is to study prefixes and roots. It is important to be able to break words that you do not recognize into pieces and decipher the meanings, because it’s better to be able to understand how words are made up than to just memorize them by rote. For example, the…
In order to perform well on the ISEE, learning to study vocabulary is crucial. The Verbal section challenges the vocabulary skills of even the strongest students. It can be difficult to study vocabulary with your busy schedule, but without making it a priority, you will not be able to perform well on the synonyms and sentence completions portions of the ISEE exam. What is most important to remember about studying vocabulary is that you will…
Private schools use the test scores for about ⅓ of their admission decision. They typically consider grades, scores, and extracurriculars/recommendations all equally. Remind your child that this test is not the end of the world, and will not be the only indicator of their ability to get into a good school. A perfect score is not necessary, and schools are looking for well-rounded students, so the test is just one part of the application. Private…
Is your child taking the ISEE? It’s important for you and your child to understand that the test is far more challenging than the typical tests they have taken in school. The test is taken by the best and brightest students applying for competitive schools, so the pool of students taking the test is already very high-achieving. The makers of the test have developed the content to be challenging enough that most students will not…
Will your child need special accommodations to take the ISEE test? The exam proctors will make every effort to arrange special administrations for students who are unable to take the ISEE under standard conditions because of a documented learning difference or a physical challenge. Read on for instructions on eligibility and how to apply for accommodations. As far as eligibility, students with a documented disability may be eligible for accommodations such as extended time (50…
We recommend that students take the ISEE multiple times. Ideally, students take the test once during the course of test preparation with a tutor, and then again at the end of test preparation. This gives students multiple times to learn from their mistakes and practice time-management and test-taking strategies. It also gives tutors the opportunity to use the student’s test as an additional formal assessment with which to guide their instruction over the remainder of…
If your child is interested in attending an independent school, they will likely need to take the Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) in order to apply. You’ll be set to go once you read our list of ISEE don’ts. Don’t wait until the last minute to prep. Starting early is essential to understanding and becoming comfortable with the test format, which in turn is essential for a good score. Don’t skip the practice tests. Boston…
Levels & Timing The ISEE has four levels. All levels of the ISEE test include both reading and mathematics multiple-choice questions as well as a writing prompt*. The number of questions and test timing vary. *Writing sample is not administered for New York City applicants when taking the ISEE Primary only. Primary Level (entering Grades 2 – 4) Primary Level 2 (entering Grade 2) Section Questions Time Allotted Auditory Comprehension 6 7 minutes Reading 18…
Testing Seasons Students may register to take the ISEE one time in any or all of three testing seasons. The ISEE testing seasons are defined as Fall (August–November), Winter (December–March), and Spring/Summer (April–July). ISEE does not encourage multiple testing, but we do offer students and families that option. Formats The ISEE is available in both online and paper testing formats. Format availability varies by level and test location. Both modalities have the same number of…
