Developing Your Study Plan
Take a free practice test online to get your baseline score. Do a quick online search for ISEE practice tests. Pretend like you’re taking a real test by timing yourself and following all of the instructions. When you finish, check your score to see how well you did. This will give you a starting point for studying. Based on the practice test, identify which topics you’re struggling with so you can spend more time studying them.
Study for 6-8 months if you have an average baseline score. The ISEE contains higher level content, so it’s challenging for most students. You’ll likely encounter vocabulary and mathematical concepts you haven’t studied in class. To ensure you’re fully prepared, start studying at least 6 months before you’re planning to take the ISEE. You may be able to prepare over a shorter period of time if you have a high baseline score. On the other hand, give yourself about 9-12 months of prep if you have a low baseline score.
Schedule 30-60 minute study blocks into each day. You likely already have a very busy schedule, so it might be challenging to fit your ISEE studies into your schedule. Study a little every day so it’s easier to fit your test prep sessions into your schedule. Set aside 30-60 minute blocks of time every day for studying. As an example, you might study for 30 minutes before school and 30 minutes right after school.
Learn the formatting for the test so you know what to expect on test day. The ISEE is a standardized test that has 5 timed sections. Once the time runs out on a section, you can’t work on that section any longer. The first 4 sections are scored, while the essay you'll complete in the final section is sent unscored to the school you want to attend. Be prepared for the following sections: Section 1: Verbal - 20 minutes Section 2: Quantitative - 35 minutes Section 3: Reading Comprehension - 35 minutes Section 4: Math Achievement - 40 minutes Section 5: Essay - 30 minutes
Use ISEE test prep materials to help you study. Take advantage of online resources or purchase a study guide to help you better prepare for the test. ISEE prep materials will help you understand the test format, learn test-taking strategies, and cover the content you’ll need to know. Additionally, take practice tests to help you monitor your progress. Visit https://iseepracticetest.com/ for free practice materials and additional help for a low fee.Tip: You may be able to use practice materials for other standardized tests, like the SAT and ACT. However, ISEE prep materials will be your best option for learning the content that will be on the test, as well as the structure of the questions.
Complete all of the questions even if you have to guess. You receive one point for each right answer on the ISEE, and you won’t lose points for wrong answers. It’s best to guess on questions you don’t know so you have a chance to get a point for that question. Always try to finish the section, even if you just bubble answers. Skip hard questions and come back to them at the end of the test.
Improving Your Verbal and Math Skills
Use flashcards to improve your vocabulary. The vocabulary section of the ISEE can be difficult if you’re not prepared, so it’s important to study vocabulary. Print out flashcards that are available online or create your own. If you’re making your own, use challenging words that you come across in your practice materials. Visit Quizlet for premade vocabulary flashcards or to make your own. You can even find sets other students have made for the ISEE! You could also use vocabulary flashcards made for other high school level standardized tests, like the SAT or ACT.
Read for 30 minutes daily to help you build your verbal skills. In addition to your regular study sessions, read books or news articles for at least 30 minutes daily. Reading will improve your vocabulary, understanding of sentence structure, and reading comprehension. Alternate scholarly and fun texts so that it’s easier to stick to your reading goal. Search online for recommended reading lists for high school students. Pick the books that seem most interesting to you and read those. Mix in some fun choices to help you stay motivated to keep reading.
Do practice reading passages from the ISEE and other tests. The reading comprehension section of the ISEE will include reading passages and questions about each reading. To practice for this section, look for reading passages for the ISEE or standardized tests online. Time yourself as you do the practice passages so you feel the pressure you’ll feel on test day. Then, check your answers and read the explanations for the correct answers. If you buy ISEE practice materials, they’ll likely contain practice reading passages that you can use. Check the practice materials to find out how long you should set your timer for when timing yourself.
Write a practice essay once a week to improve your writing skills. The final section on the ISEE is an essay that won’t be scored. However, the school you want to attend will receive a copy of your essay, so it’s important to take it seriously. The best way to get better at writing is to write often. Spend 1 study session each week writing a practice essay to help you become a better writer. Ask a friend or teacher for feedback on your writing to help you improve. You’ll have 30 minutes to complete your essay. While it’s ungraded, the schools you apply to will read your essay.
Visit the Khan Academy website to brush up your math skills. The ISEE test contains math concepts that you typically won’t study until grades 9 and 10. Use online resources like Khan Academy to help you learn how to solve these types of math problems. Study the following types of math to prepare for the test: Algebra Geometry Data probability
Registering for the ISEE
Visit the website for the ISEE to register for the test. It’s quick and easy to register for the ISEE. Click on the website link or do a quick online search for “register for the ISEE.” This will take you to the site where you register. You can find the website here: https://iseeonline.erblearn.org/Variation: Walk-in registration is available at some testing sites. Check online to see if your testing site allows walk-ins. If the do, there’s an extra $40 fee for walk-ins.
Create a parent/guardian account so you can register for the text. Click on the button on the website to create an account. Enter a parent or guardian’s name, phone number, work information, email, and a password. Then, select “create account.” You can create an account here: https://iseeonline.erblearn.org/Account/RegisterVariation: If you already have an account, you don’t need to create a new one.
Request accommodations during registration if you have a learning difference. If you regularly receive testing accommodations for a learning difference, you may be able to get them on the ISEE. Submit your request through the “accommodations” link in your account. Complete the ISEE Accommodations Request Form and provide your current school’s name and address so the test administrator can collect a statement from them. Then, submit one of the following supporting documents: A complete psycho-educational evaluation dated within the last three years A 504 plan from the current school year An individualized education plan (IEP) from the current school year A school accommodation plan from the current school year A doctor’s note if you have a chronic illness or disability
Pay the $200 fee to complete your registration. The cost to take the ISEE is $200, which you’ll pay online when you register. After you submit your payment, you’ll receive a confirmation that you’re registered for the test. Save your confirmation as proof that you’re registered.
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