Math isn’t everyone’s favorite subject, but the Lower Level ISEE might seem to think it is, because this test includes two math sections instead of just one. “Two math sections!” you might say, and feel like giving up. Even if you dread the thought of math class, you can succeed on each of these sections by understanding what makes each section special, the kinds of problems it asks, and how you can use some free online practice tests to prepare yourself for each one.

So, how does the Mathematics Achievement section differ from the Quantitative Reasoning section on the Lower Level ISEE? The Quantitative Reasoning section asks you to solve math problems that don’t require you to calculate the answer; instead, you use your problem-solving skills to reason your way to it. The Mathematics Achievement section, on the other hand, does ask you to calculate answers, because it asks you problems based on things you have learned in previous math classes. While thinking of everything you’ve learned in math classes may bring to mind lots of material, it is a set amount of material that you can study, as opposed to the Quantitative Reasoning section’s questions, which are more difficult to predict and often seem more unfamiliar to test takers. The Mathematics Achievement section consists of 30 problems that you have a half hour (thirty minutes) to solve. This works out to one minute per problem. While that may not seem like a lot of time, not all of the problems on the Lower Level ISEE are difficult. Some of them will be easy, and you’ll be able to solve them in much less than a minute!

Some students find it helpful to begin their preparation for the exam by taking a Full-Length Lower Level ISEE Mathematics Practice Test. The extended format of these tests gives you the chance to assess your test-taking speed and ability and see what an actual exam might be like. After you finish, the results page includes extensive explanations for each of the answers and more information on each question’s relevant concepts. These free online practice tests can also help you refine your Lower Level ISEE Math study plan by showing you which concepts you most need to review. Using the online Learning Tools, you can precisely target your studies. When you’re ready to evaluate your progress, you can take another one of the Full-Length Lower Level ISEE Mathematics Achievement Practice Tests.

If you need to review some of the math topics that are tested on the Lower Level ISEE, you can use Varsity Tutors’ free ISEE Lower Level Mathematics Achievement Practice Tests to brush up on your math skills! Think of a Practice Test as being like a little quiz. Each one contains about a dozen problems that are based on topics that the Lower Level ISEE’s Mathematics Achievement section tests. After you finish a Practice Test, statistics about how well you did are displayed, not only displaying a single score, but a comparison of that score to the scores of other students who answered the same problems. Each problem also comes with a full answer explanation, in case you answer any incorrectly. Reviewing the problems that you miss is the best way to make sure you don’t make the same mistakes over and over again. By knowing what sorts of problems you will encounter on the Mathematics Achievement section of the Lower Level ISEE and practicing ahead of time so that you’re ready, you’ll feel ready to do your personal best on test day.