If your student's preparing to take one of the six versions of the ISEE, you ought to consider enrolling them in a New York City ISEE prep course provided by 51Թ. These classes take place live online, and your student can interact with their instructor and classmates during class while they review the material that will be tested on the ISEE, along with the test structure and other details.
The ISEE, or Independent School Entrance Exam, delivers an advanced awareness of your child's abilities and personality, which helps admissions officials at private or independent schools throughout the admission process. Many other factors are considered, but the ISEE is considered a reliable tool and is taken into consideration with each student's application packet.
What subjects are covered in a New York City ISEE course?
Basic academic topics including reading, English, math, and writing are tested on the ISEE. Each subject is evaluated at an age-appropriate level on the different versions of the ISEE. The Primary Level has three discrete versions called Primary 2 for students entering 2nd grade, Primary 3 for students entering 3rd grade, and Primary 4 for students entering 4th grade. The Lower Level is for students entering grades 5 or 6; the Middle Level is for students entering grades 7 or 8; and the Upper Level is for students entering grades 9 through 12. Following is a quick description of each subject at each level.
There's a unique auditory comprehension section on the Primary 2 ISEE. Students listen to both fiction and nonfiction passages and answer a few questions about them. The rest of the Primary Level exams have the same content. Primary Levels 2, 3, and 4 have age-appropriate multiple-choice questions in the Reading and Math sections. Students are also given a visual prompt and required to write an unscored story about the picture. Although this Writing Sample isn't scored, schools do review it to get an idea of each student's creativity, writing ability, and personality.
The Lower, Middle, and Upper Level ISEE all include sections on Quantitative Reasoning, Math Achievement, Verbal Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and an Essay.
Students are appraised on their proficiency with mathematical thinking in the Quantitative Reasoning section and their mathematical operations skills on the Math Achievement section. Both sections require students to demonstrate their knowledge of age-appropriate math skills, and only the approach they take is different. Questions involve algebra, data analysis, numbers and operations, problem-solving, and data analysis and probability, among other math skills.
The Verbal Reasoning sections use sentence-completion synonym questions in order to gauge each student's English skills. The expectation is for them to know age-appropriate vocabulary, parts of speech, context and word clues for understanding. Other English skills tested are the use of prefixes, suffixes, and root words from Anglo-Saxon, Latin, and Greek to determine the meaning of words they may not know.
For the Reading Comprehension section, students are evaluated on their abilities to understand main and supporting ideas, grade-appropriate vocabulary, cause and effect relationships, author's intent or purpose, and drawing conclusions or making inferences based on what's stated in the passages. Students will need to discriminate between literal and figurative language, compare and contrast information, and use the material learned in a passage to answer related questions. Again, similar content is tested at varying age levels.
Finally, students respond to a prompt about a subject believed to have relevance to students in each grade level with an essay. Students are responsible for planning and writing a written piece that is well organized and uses grade-appropriate writing skills including grammar, spelling, and various other English writing conventions. Schools review these written pieces because they want to know more about each student and their abilities, and reading their responses to these topics is a good way to do so. This essay isn't the same as college entrance exam essays, as adding in their thoughts and opinions is highly encouraged.
Your student will receive much more in-depth coverage of this material throughout their New York City ISEE course. Studies have shown that collaborating with their classmates and instructor can help your student learn and retain information. If they hit a block on a concept or topic and find it more difficult than it is for the other students, you can sign your student up for individual tutoring sessions. With focused one-on-one attention, they're likely to very quickly get caught up.
What advantages will my student have from taking a New York City ISEE class to prepare for the test?
There are a variety of ways having your student attend New York City ISEE classes can help them prepare. Some have been mentioned already, but one important aspect of learning with a professional instructor is the opportunity to learn test-taking strategies specifically useful for the ISEE and which can be useful for them on test day.
Standardized exams have their own rules and conventions. What should your child do if they're running out of time? Should they answer quickly to make sure no questions are left blank, or should they do their best and leave some blank? The answer depends on the test they're taking and how unanswered questions are treated. A professional New York City ISEE class instructor can discuss this with your student along with other test-specific strategies.
How can I enroll my student in a New York City ISEE course?
Making the entire ISEE test preparation process as convenient as possible for both students and their parents is important to 51Թ. We offer ISEE courses that run for either two or four weeks, and e also offer a variety of sections that meet at different times and days of the week. You should be able to find a course section that matches your family's schedule. New classes start every week, so whenever you want your student to begin, you can get them started. All you have to do is simply contact 51Թ and let us know your student's needs, goals, and schedule, and we can enroll them in a New York City ISEE course that can meet their needs. We look forward to helping your student as they work towards their goals.

Kelsey: New York ISEE course instructor
...to 18, had individually tutored numerous students on college entrance exam preparation, and has worked professionally as an editorial assistant for research institutions. Her personal goal is to help students build a foundation of solid study skills that they can rely on throughout their education so that they have the confidence to perform their best...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- GED
- PSAT
- +79 subjects

Margarita: New York ISEE course instructor
...variety of subjects. I have been tutoring students since I was in 7th grade, and my favorite subject to tutor is math. My family is originally from Russia, and I grew up with a very strong and traditional math background. I always find teaching math to students to be gratifying, and I hope to share...
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- SSAT
- SAT
- +55 subjects

Diptesh: New York ISEE course instructor
...specialize in mathematics and science tutoring as well as standardized exam preparation. In the past, I have helped students achieve significant improvements and success on the SAT, SHSAT, Regents and other exams! I truly believe education is a mutual learning and teaching opportunity and enjoy helping my students achieve a thorough understanding (those "Aha!" moments)...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor of Science, Global Public Health & Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- Advanced Placement
- +88 subjects

Sandy: New York ISEE course instructor
I am Ivy League educated and have the tools to help students achieve academic success. I am committed to education and inspiring students to achieve a lifelong love of learning and confidence from realizing they can achieve their goals. ... Individualize material and approach for each student.... Introduce ourselves, and go over our preferences and styles.
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelors, Finance, Management
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- UK A Level
- ACT
- HSPT
- +117 subjects

Naftali: New York ISEE course instructor
...Test Prep in the past. While I tutor a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about English and Writing. In my experience, there is no best approach for how to tutor students. Every student is different and should be taught in a way that helps them better understand both the subject matter in...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Current Undergrad, Dramatic Writing
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- SSAT
- ACT
- +54 subjects

Joanna: New York ISEE course instructor
...a new path opens to them and a new possibility appears. In my tutoring, the basics are emphasized. The basics are the foundation to understanding bigger and more complicated concepts. Without them, learning becomes a struggle. With them, it can be fun and easy. And when something is fun, students want to do more. It...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- SHSAT
- SAT
- +32 subjects

Erin: New York ISEE course instructor
...students in middle school math. I also taught a class of first graders in my parish. I feel that the most important part of learning is understanding. Using my experiences as both a tutor and as a student, I work with students to help them reach a high understanding of the subject material. Instead of...
Education & Certification
- New Jersey Institute of Technology - Bachelors, Architecture
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- HSPT
- SAT
- +33 subjects

Amy: New York ISEE course instructor
...interested in learning about neuroscience. Since college, I have continued tutoring students on a weekly basis in a wide variety of subjects. I graduated from Middlebury College in 2012 with High Honors in Neuroscience, and now plan to attend medical school. I am a diligent worker and consistently ensure that I am prepared to meet...
Education & Certification
- Middlebury College - Bachelors, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- SSAT
- TACHS
- +60 subjects

Daniel: New York ISEE course instructor
...today. Deficit learning focuses on what a student doesn't know, what (s)he isn't able to do. This kind of instruction can be overwhelming for some students. That's why I've dedicated myself as a tutor to reversing this trend, and encouraging students to recognize the skills they already have, and use them to solve new, bigger...
Education & Certification
- Vanderbilt University - Bachelor of Science, Education Studies - English
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- GED
- +58 subjects

Christine: New York ISEE course instructor
Hi! I'm a freshman at Princeton University from Greenwich, CT. I'm currently pursuing a degree in Operations Research and Financial Engineering, with a certificate in Computer Science. I'm also fluent in Chinese, and currently taking a heritage speaker's Chinese class here at Princeton. I'm more than happy to help you with any math/science/Chinese questions!
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Engineer, Operations Research
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- PSAT
- SAT
- +90 subjects

Margot: New York ISEE course instructor
...new levels, I can help you get there. I am passionate about making every student feel confident and prepared, no matter the academic situation. I began working as a tutor and teacher in high school, and have loved working with students of all ages ever since. I've worked with students from Pre-K through high school...
Education & Certification
- Dartmouth College - Bachelors, Double Major in Music and Theater
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- HSPT
- SHSAT
- SSAT
- +57 subjects

Liz: New York ISEE course instructor
...and appeared in several productions while in London, all of which have contributed to my love of words. My passion for the arts extends to working with children and young adults. I have been a choreographer for middle school musicals for several years. I love working with kids, and have experience tutoring middle school students...
Education & Certification
- University of Southern California - Bachelor in Arts, Theatre
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- TACHS
- SAT
- +40 subjects

Zach: New York ISEE course instructor
...where I graduated with Honors. Now with five years of experience, I am prepared to teach on a wide range of subjects in a variety of styles. When not tutoring, I am a playwright and lyricist, working on my second musical; a drummer playing shows throughout the city; and an amateur media theorist saving up...
Education & Certification
- Wesleyan University - Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- TACHS
- SSAT
- +62 subjects

Sheena: New York ISEE course instructor
...I know how to rephrase questions and bring them back in ways that each student is interested in to see maximum results. Most importantly, I find ways to make the material interesting and easily relatable to my students. A personal investment in material is a great way to see progress! Aside from learning and teaching,...
Education & Certification
- Macaulay Honors College at Hunter College - Bachelors, Economics, Chinese
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SHSAT
- HSPT
- SSAT
- +48 subjects

Jordan: New York ISEE course instructor
...I ask questions, I guide, I challenge, and I direct, but I always enable the student to find the answer on their own. I believe this is the only way that students learn not only to do the work, but to understand the work. Outside of teaching, I love theatre, movies, poetry, art, and running...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelors, Theatre
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT
- Elementary School Reading
- +26 subjects

Amy: New York ISEE course instructor
...understand each student's strengths, weaknesses, and motivations, and to devise a personalized plan based in not just results, but personal accomplishment and goal-setting. Two of my biggest passions are learning new things and working with people. Combine those two together, and you get the exact reason why I'm here. I want to motivate and push...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Current Undergrad, Human Rights, English, Business Management
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- HSPT
- SAT
- +31 subjects

Sarah: New York ISEE course instructor
...school through high school. In my spare time, I enjoy playing the violin, reading, and writing. I live in New York City during the academic year (September - May) and would be happy to tutor in-person (depending on the travel distance) then. Of course, if you/your child is more comfortable with online tutoring, I can...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor in Arts, Journalism
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- +36 subjects

Stephanie: New York ISEE course instructor
...foster great tutor/student relationships. I set high expectations for my personal academic achievements and expect the same from my students. I often serve as a role model for my students. My experiences as a National AP Scholar, graduate of Columbia University with a Bachelors in Neuroscience, and my matriculation into a top 20 MD program...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, Neuroscience & Behavior
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Advanced Placement
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +99 subjects

Christopher: New York ISEE course instructor
...meaning of a sentence. In history I try to help students understand the "historical method" as easily as possible through exposure to historical sources and understanding of their uses--I also frequently approach history from a so-called "bottom-up" or microhistorical approach, which I've found in teaching Roman Republican history can be very useful for students in...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Current Undergrad, Classics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT
- English Grammar and Syntax
- +21 subjects

Moriah: New York ISEE course instructor
...portions of standardized tests but have at times assisted students in the math and science portions as well usually one-on-one. I strongly believe that every students has their own style of learning and must learn at their own pace. Although, sometimes giving them too much leeway may not always be the best solution, I am...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelor in Arts, Music
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- HSPT
- +61 subjects