The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) was established to measure students’ verbal and analytical skills. Independent day schools use these results as part of their admissions process to ensure they only accept standout students.
For many students, the ISEE is the first test they’ll take that could significantly impact their future, and it’s only natural to feel overwhelmed and under immense pressure to succeed. While no student is ever guaranteed placement into a desirable private school, you might be able to improve your chances with these helpful ISEE preparation tips.
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Receive ISEE Tutoring
The ISEE consists of four sections: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, and mathematics achievements. An ISEE tutor can assist students in these areas, regardless of the grade they’re applying to: primary, lower, middle, or upper. ISEE tutors can help students work on their strengths and weaknesses, ensure they’re working at the appropriate grade level, and even focus on problems like anxiety and motivation. Private school admissions are competitive, and receiving expert help from a tutor might give you the edge over other students.
Give Yourself Plenty of Time
After seeing a tutor, you might have identified areas that require attention, and getting up to speed can take time. Don’t leave studying until the last minute. Instead, give yourself plenty of time to brush up on areas you’re not confident in and take the test twice if required. The start of each school year spells the beginning of a new testing season, and you can take the ISEE three times throughout the year in fall, winter, and spring/summer. Taking the test more than once might be worthwhile if you’re not confident in your first test’s results.
Take Practice Tests
No matter how much you work on your confidence and anxieties surrounding taking the ISEE, there is generally no better way to prepare yourself for the real test than by taking practice versions. Full-length practice tests allow you to familiarize yourself with the format, style, and content of the test to avoid any surprises once test day arrives. You can even take mock tests that simulate the testing day with proctor instructions and time limits.
Brush Up On Test-Taking Strategies
Many students experience a great deal of stress while taking tests, even if they are confident in their abilities. However, you might be able to keep that stress to a minimum if you arm yourself with test-taking strategies. These strategies might include reading the test directions thoroughly before starting, skimming through the test to plan which section you’ll work on first, and reading every question closely to avoid misinterpreting them.
Ask for Help
When a desirable test score sees you admitted into your preferred private school, it’s only natural to feel stressed, anxious, nervous, and overwhelmed. You want to succeed, and the pressure can be immense. When you’re experiencing intense feelings in the lead-up to testing day, don’t be afraid to ask those around you for help and support. A friend, family member, mentor, or counselor, can be a listening ear when you’re worried about your performance and results.
There’s no denying that sitting an ISEE can be daunting, especially if your test results dictate the type of school you get into. However, you might be on the path to success when you hire a tutor, take practice tests, and prepare months in advance.
