Varsity Tutors offers a comprehensive Houston ISEE prep course for students looking to improve their study skills in advance of their testing date. ISEE is an acronym for "Independent School Entrance Examination," a standardized test that some magnet and independent schools across the country use as one of many admission criteria. A good score does not guarantee anything but can be seen as one step forward in your student's pursuit of their academic potential.
The ISEE is available at four "levels" because it would be foolish to give a test-taker preparing for second grade the same exam as somebody entering high school. Students entering grades 2-4 take a Primary Level ISEE, those entering grades 5-6 take the Lower Level ISEE, those entering grades 7-8 take the Middle Level ISEE, and those entering high school take the Upper Level ISEE. Varsity Tutors offers a Houston ISEE class for each of these examinations, so trust us with their test prep today.
Which academic topics are generally covered in a Houston ISEE course?
The Lower, Middle, and Upper Level ISEEs follow the same core format of five sections. The Verbal Reasoning section contains 40 multiple-choice questions in just 20 minutes, so students need to move quickly if they hope to finish on time. Questions on the section consist primarily of sentence completions and synonyms to measure a test-taker's vocabulary. It isn't feasible to try to study every word in the English language, so students should not use a dictionary or thesaurus when studying for this section. Instead, they should study Greek and Latin word roots, how to use context to define unfamiliar terms, and common suffixes and prefixes to help them figure out what a word might mean. Reading can also be an effective way to improve a student's vocabulary without necessarily trying to.
The ISEE's Quantitative Reasoning portion stresses mathematical thinking over performing operations. Test-takers have 35 minutes to answer 37 multiple-choice questions on this section of the exam. Sample topics include addition and subtraction on the Lower Level ISEE, square roots and percentages on the Middle Level ISEE, and introductory statistics and algebra on the Upper Level ISEE.
The examination's Reading Comprehension section consists of 36 multiple-choice items based on grade-appropriate reading passages. All students are expected to be able to identify a main idea and its supporting details in a passage, evaluate a passage's structural logic, and determine what influence an author's intent may have had on the piece. Older students are also asked to draw inferences based on the material in a passage, compare and contrast works to one another, and incorporate literary genres into their analysis. If your student frequently loses focus during lengthy reading passages, taking notes as they go along may promote a more active engagement with the material. Test-takers have a total of 35 minutes to finish this section.
The test's Math Achievement component stresses the ability to actually perform mathematical operations. Test-takers have 40 minutes to answer 47 multiple-choice items on this section. Sample topics include decimals and fractions for Lower Level test-takers, ratios/proportions and prime factorization for Middle Level students, and statistics and graphing on the Upper Level ISEE.
The last of the ISEE's sections is an unscored Essay. A copy of a student's work is included with their application, allowing schools to assess their written communication skills and personality for themselves. While students are introducing themselves on this section, conventions of written English such as grammar and spelling are also important. Test-takers have half an hour to plan and compose their written piece, so composing an outline beforehand is recommended.
The Primary Level ISEE uses a completely different format than that described above. Students entering grades 2, 3, and 4 each take a special exam tailored to their level, designated by a numeral after the word "primary." For instance, a student entering third grade takes a test called the Primary 3. All three sections have age-appropriate multiple-choice sections in Math and Reading, and Primary 2 also has an Auditory Comprehension section to measure a young child's listening skills. All three tests finish with a picture-based writing prompt to give schools an idea of each applicant's organization and creative thinking abilities.
Why should I enroll the student in my life in a Houston ISEE course provided by Varsity Tutors?
Every Houston ISEE course we provide takes place on an exclusive online classroom called our live virtual platform. Students are free to interact with their teacher and their peers in real-time, making it feel as though everybody is in the same classroom even if you're separated by miles geographically. If your student needs help, all they have to do is raise their hand to receive assistance.
Each Houston ISEE class is also taught by an expert instructor, so you can count on your student receiving up-to-date information and strategies. Working with other students may also prove helpful. For example, group assignments can require a student to explain why they want to take a particular approach to a question, potentially leading to a greater grasp of the underlying material. Sharing a classroom also allows multiple students to share the associated expense, providing a greater value for your money than you could get elsewhere. If you ever feel like your student needs personalized assistance to master a particular concept, their classroom instructor is also available for extra help sessions outside of class meeting times.
Varsity Tutors also makes attending a class as easy as possible. We offer both two-week and four-week classes so that something works for even the busiest of students. We also launch brand new classes on a weekly basis, so we're ready whenever you are.
How do I sign my student up for a Houston ISEE course today?
You can use the contact info provided below to speak with a knowledgeable educational consultant and learn more about how to sign up for a Houston ISEE class. Varsity Tutors has helped countless students, and we eagerly await the opportunity to do the same for your student!
Bryan: Houston ISEE course instructor
...allows me to use practice problems from trusted resources along with problems that I craft on my own to ensure that the student's weak points are properly tended. Additionally, designing each session based on the individual prevents from wasting time covering material that he/she is already proficient in. I have a wide range of experience...
Education & Certification
- Rice University - Bachelors, Biological Sciences
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- PSAT
- SAT
- +52 subjects
Education & Certification
- Rice University - Bachelor in Arts, Biological and Physical Sciences
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- Spanish 1
- Geometry
- +35 subjects
Sarah: Houston ISEE course instructor
...from kindergarten to middle school in many different subject areas. I love the learning process, and figuring out how to best design a lesson for a specific student so that learning is fun, engaging and meaningful. For me, learning is not about drilling memorization facts. My ultimate goal with students is to make a connection...
Education & Certification
- Vanderbilt University - Bachelor in Arts, Art History
- American University of Paris - Master of Arts, Communications
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- STAAR
- Test Prep
- +17 subjects
Megan: Houston ISEE course instructor
...B.S. in Neuroscience from Baylor University, and minors in biology and biochemistry, I have a passion for all sciences. I spent 3 years as a supplemental instructor for chemistry students, which made me passionate about tutoring and teaching beyond Baylor. I love seeing the "Ah-Ha" moment in students and helping them reach their academic goals....
Education & Certification
- Baylor University - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- HSPT
- PSAT
- TACHS
- +49 subjects
Nicole: Houston ISEE course instructor
...classes of 8th grade Science. Currently I am a School Counselor at an elementary school and I work with students grades pk - 6. My passion for learning is infectious and I strive to make connections between the subject matter and the real world. It is important for students to have a connection to the...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelor of Science, Biology Teacher Education
- Lamar University - Masters in Education, Counselor Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- GCSE
- A Level
- +89 subjects
Abigail: Houston ISEE course instructor
...and genetics, and I also have a strong background in Literature Review and Grant Proposal writing as well as Theatre, Music, and Literature. I believe in making every subject as approachable as possible for every student by tailoring study habits to the students individual style. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, enjoying the outdoors,...
Education & Certification
- Tulane University of Louisiana - Bachelor of Science, Public Health
- Tulane University of Louisiana - Master of Science, Genetics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Test Prep
- College Level American Literature
- College Biology
- +91 subjects
Saad: Houston ISEE course instructor
...is something I enjoy the most. I believe that to become an excellent tutor one must have a desire to assist students in the learning process, and this is one quality which I feel I definitely possess. I have been tutoring students ages from 10-24 and SAT for 5+ years. I know how to get...
Education & Certification
- Prairie View A & M University - Current Undergrad, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- STAAR EOC
- ACT
- SAT
- +75 subjects
Rebecca : Houston ISEE course instructor
...school. I understand the frustrations of students who want to improve their performance. When I was a student, I excelled at school not because I'm naturally brilliant, but because I have high expectations. Although history and english and how to clearly explain concepts in writing came easily to me, test taking and math did not....
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor of Science, Theater and Film
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ESL/ELL
- Social Studies
- Writing
- +22 subjects
Michael: Houston ISEE course instructor
...is Michael Torano, and I have a Bachelor's of Science degree from Texas A&M University in Genetics with a minor in English. I am also a native Spanish speaker with 17 hours of College level Spanish credit, and a 5 on the AP Spanish Language exam. I love taking time to help students understand content,...
Education & Certification
- The Texas AM University System Office - Bachelor of Science, Genetics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- STAAR
- SAT
- GED
- +118 subjects
Maria G.: Houston ISEE course instructor
...new teachers in PRAXIS, TEXES and CSET Spanish teaching certification exam. I am a LOTE EC-12 - Spanish Highly Qualified Certified Teacher in the State of Texas and, I possess the endorsement with the highest score on the PRAXIS Test - Spanish World Language. I am a native Spanish speaker and English is my second...
Education & Certification
- Universidad del Valle de Mexico - Bachelor of Science, Manufacturing Engineering
- Houston Baptist University - Masters in Education, Curriculum and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- HSPT
- A Level
- REGENTS
- +49 subjects
Keith: Houston ISEE course instructor
...someone who cares for students, a highly motivated individual and I love math. I am currently a math teacher for Middle School and have several years of tutoring experience. I am a skilled numbers specialist and mathematician. One of my biggest success stories is that I helped tutor a young man who went back to...
Education & Certification
- University of Mississippi - Bachelors, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- GED
- Test Prep
- Pre-Algebra
- +11 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelors, Accounting and Finance
- University of Houston Law Center - PHD, Law
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- ASPIRE
- CAHSEE
- +125 subjects
Katherine: Houston ISEE course instructor
...and do?" and "The why behind the option(s) is/are the best selection(s) to choose". I possess over thirty-plus years in leadership positions in the healthcare arena and education focusing on student/learner success in academia and healthcare settings. I am able to see the "The Big Picture" and assess, develop, plan interventions and implementation of curriculum/instruction...
Education & Certification
- Hawaii Loa College- HPU - Bachelor of Science, Nursing (RN)
- University of Phoenix-Albuquerque CampusUniversity of Houston - Doctor of Education, Health Occupations Teacher Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- TEAS
- Elementary School Reading
- Medicine
- +15 subjects
Shaine: Houston ISEE course instructor
...I treasure the opportunity of inspiring them to take an interest in something that will benefit them in their lives. I have been working over 25 years in high school and colleges. I am a well experienced math teacher after working many years and I am delighted that I am able to successfully transfer the...
Education & Certification
- Al-Zahra - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics Teacher Education
- Science and Research Branch Azad University - Master of Science, Mathematics Teacher Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- A Level
- CLEP
- ACT
- +42 subjects
Princess: Houston ISEE course instructor
...in Biomedical Sciences. This, together with my academic background, has fully equipped me to teach. From the moment I began observing young people with learning and behavioral difficulties, and their unwillingness to study, I was confronted by the issues which many young people experience today. We live in an information age where traditional teaching methods...
Education & Certification
- Baylor University - Bachelor of Science, Health Sciences, General
- Drexel College of Medicine - Master of Science, Biomedical Sciences
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- +60 subjects
Megan: Houston ISEE course instructor
...I'm currently in the middle of an undergraduate in Applied Mathematics. I was fortunate enough to have a paradigm shift in the way I perceived myself and the world around me and love getting to share the good news with others: people who prefer reading and making music and art can also do great in...
Education & Certification
- Associates Complete - Associate in Science, Mathematics
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelor in Arts, Applied Mathematics, Biology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- Statistics
- College Algebra
- +48 subjects
Steven: Houston ISEE course instructor
...a recent college graduate with degrees in civil engineering and biomedical engineering. I have always been an avid book reader and math lover - I love to tutor in math, English/ Reading, and physics, and also have experience in test prep. When teaching I believe in keeping things simple and adding interesting tidbits so that...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
- University of Houston - Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- PSAT
- Geometry
- +32 subjects
Andre: Houston ISEE course instructor
...be my pleasure to work with you toward the success of your assessment. As a 15 year veteran to education, I have been involved in many different facets of standardized tests, assessments, and preparation for college. As a current doctoral student, I have pledged myself to become a lifelong learner and I hope that you...
Education & Certification
- Eastern Illinois University - Bachelors, Political Science/Pre-Law
- Lamar University - Masters, Educational Leadership
- Concordia University-Ann Arbor - Current Grad, Educational Leadership
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- GED
- +55 subjects
Stacie: Houston ISEE course instructor
...in a wide variety of subject areas. At this time, I focus almost exclusively on assisting students seeking top scores on graduate admissions exams, including the GRE, GMAT and LSAT. In my free time I enjoy watching all kinds of sports, reading, playing board games, going to concerts, and spending time with my friends, family,...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Arlington - Bachelors, English
- Texas AM University - Commerce - Current Grad Student, Secondary Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- ASPIRE
- ACT
- +134 subjects
Ashton: Houston ISEE course instructor
...in film from Mary Baldwin University, and I have a master's decree in creative writing from Regis University. I tutor English and writing courses as these are the subjects I am most proficient in and most enjoy. I also help prepare students for state and college board testing, reviewing helpful strategies. I teach to help...
Education & Certification
- Mary Baldwin University - Bachelor in Arts, Creative Writing
- Regis University - Master of Arts, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- TOEFL
- WISC IV
- STAAR EOC
- +71 subjects