If you are at the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) preparation point I’m sure you have already put loads of thought into your child’s education and how to get a leg up. You’ve done your research, you’ve looked at private schools, you know what you want for your child. Now you are ready to take those next steps. Or are you? You are now being faced with the ISEE which is a whole new level of preparation.
Most likely your child has always done well and is reading above grade level and scoring well on math. However, ISEE testing is different than how your child is assessed in school. * This exam is designed to be much higher than grade level in the way it is scored.
What is the test?
On the surface it appears to be split into 4 normal levels for grades 2-12: Primary (2-4), Lower (5&6), Middle (7&8), and Upper (9-12).
The Subjects Covered:
Verbal Reasoning,Quantitative reasoning, Reading comprehension, Mathematics Achievement, and A Writing sample.
According to ERB (the ISEE test makers) “The ISEE consists of carefully constructed and standardized verbal and quantitative reasoning tests that measure a student’s capability for learning, and reading comprehension and mathematics achievement tests that provide specific information about an individual’s strengths and weaknesses in those areas.”
This sounds innocuous enough BUT BE AWARE!
The questions are designed to be tricky. There is more critical thinking, multi-step questions, unusual questions formats, and deeper reading between the lines than what is received in a classroom. It is mentally strenuous and it is quick. The ISEE specifically pushes the age brackets. There will be information students have NOT yet come across in their classroom learning, and the ISEE is asking for prerequisite knowledge.
GIVE YOURSELF PREP TIME
It is suggested to start preparing at least 6-8 months in advance. A decent goal is to shoot for 45-90 hours of instruction time, plus homework. This can be achieved with 1:1 programs, online practice tests, and of course tutors.
PRO -TIPS
Make a consistent study schedule. This is the key to not feeling overloaded.
Look at test taking strategies. All strategies help, and will help calm nerves, though that will not be enough in terms of academics.
Study vocabulary and challenging reading texts from grades above.
Take the practice tests!! There are tests online and will help immensely in seeing where your child is at both academically and comfort wise.
Leave time to take the test twice if necessary. ISEE’s can be taken once per testing season (Fall, Winter, Spring/Summer) which totals three times per year.
During TEST Things to Think About:
Answer All questions.
There is no penalty for wrong answers on the ISEE so you might as well guess. Make sure however to keep track of time, if there is left over time go back and make sure all questions are filled in.
Make sure to read all your questions CAREFULLY! Pay attention to key words and underline them.
When reading, first try to predict answers to the question without looking at the choices. The choices maybe tricky and misleading so try to be solid with your own answer.
Similarly with math, decide what you think is the right answer before you start solving. And use estimations- look at things like bigger/smaller, positive/negative—this will certainly help in eliminate wrong answers.
*In each section start with what you feel is easiest for you. This will help with time and confidence. But again, go back and fill in all answers.
OVERALL MOST IMPORTANT THING:
Slow, steady focus—both in test preparation and test taking.
Because the ISEE is designed to push learning age brackets, the student is not expected to get all the questions right. The tests are curved each year and your child will be compared to other students at their grade level. One child cannot know everything, take a steady approach at a range of content and you and your child will have positive results. Remember this is one part of a multi-faceted application. Your child can show their unique abilities and personality in the interviews, applications, visit days etc. The big goal should be to make sure your child feels as little stress as possible for this rather stressful test!
HELPFUL LINKS:
THE TEST MAKERS WEBSITE:
Practice Tests:
