What is the ISEE Lower Level?
The Independent School Entrance Exam is a widely accepted admissions exam accepted by independent private schools. The ISEE is often used as one component of the admissions package, which also includes essays and interviews.
What is tested on the ISEE Lower Level?
The ISEE consists of 5 subtests, Verbal Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Reasoning, Mathematics Achievement, and the Essay.
When can students take the ISEE?
Students can take the exam once per testing season. There are three testing seasons per year. Many students aim to complete the test during the fall season, in October or November. Then, a winter test date can be used as a backup date.
Verbal Reasoning
ISEE Lower Level Verbal Reasoning success happens when students become interested in and knowledgeable about the intricacies and detail of English words and their meanings, not upon surface level memorization of definitions. For example, careful reading and thinking about stem words and answer choices allows for the most efficient and accurate process of elimination strategies. Knowledge of the way prefixes, roots, and suffixes make meaning allows students to make highly informed choices, even if faced with new words. All of our students use the VR section to become word scholars, and we support their student with the best techniques for learning a high volume of essential secondary level vocabulary.
Reading Comprehension
ISEE Reading Comprehension success depends on solid reading fundamentals and effective pacing and question interpretation strategies put into kid-friendly terms so students can gain self-control and precision of thinking during their testing period.
Quantitative Reasoning
A strong foundation in mathematics is essential for ISEE QR. One of the greatest challenges for ISEE test-takers is the presence of middle 5th and early 6th grade mathematics material, many students will not have learned in school prior to taking the exam. We employ a carefully-planned sequence of modules designed to help students master essential middle school math skills needed not only to be successful on this exam but also to enter 6th grade with great confidence.
Mathematics Achievement
The Mathematics Achievement section asks students to demonstrate mastery of a wide variety of skills from long division to early algebra. Our materials sequence the right lessons in the right order to ensure students have the skills they need and feel confident in their ability to work efficiently during the testing window.
Essay
We use the ISEE essay as an opportunity to develop the most relevant middle-level writing skills, including paragraph structure, punctuation tools, transitions, and writing with well-chosen vocabulary and thoughtful detail. Students become skilled at developing quality ideas within a timed writing context, a skill that translates immediately to other timed essays, such as proctored writing samples required by schools.
Proctored Practice Tests
We host ISEE practice tests in our offices or remotely. Our proctors are well-trained to create the most realistic testing environment for students. We also observe and record student pace in order to identify exact moments where students may be rushing or encountering obstacles.
