If you would like to get high-quality Washington, DC ISEE prep assistance for your student, contact Varsity Tutors today. Choose from options that fit your student's preferred way of learning and your family's schedule. We have ISEE prep courses and also offer one-on-one ISEE tutoring. You can even choose to have your student spend time studying in both of these settings.
The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is a standardized test that provides admissions professionals accurate insights into your student's abilities and personality. It's one of the pieces they look at along with other application materials. Whether your student would prefer to take part in a Washington, DC ISEE prep class or work with an ISEE tutor, or both, we can support them as they work towards preparing to do their best on test day.
What subjects can be covered in a Washington, DC ISEE prep class or by an ISEE tutor?
To provide an accurate and precise measure of your student's abilities, there are six levels of ISEE. For the youngest students, there are the Primary 2, 3, and 4 Level tests, given to students entering the grade number in the test's title. As students get older, there are the Lower, Middle, and Upper Level tests, given to students entering grades 5 or 6, grades 7 or 8, or any year of high school, respectively. We'll see a quick overview of the three Primary Level exams first and then look at the latter three.
Primary Level 2 has a unique Auditory Comprehension section, where they listen to passages and answer questions about them. All Primary Levels have a Math and Reading section with multiple-choice questions testing students on grade-appropriate topics like basic math operations and vocabulary. The final piece is a Writing Sample, given to students as a picture prompt for them to write a story about. This unscored piece is used by schools to see a student's personality, creativity, and writing ability.
The Lower, Middle, and Upper Levels each have the same sections, with the only difference being the grade level the content is targeted towards. The Verbal Reasoning section evaluates your student's understanding of grade-appropriate vocabulary, ability to recognize context clues to word meanings and other elements, recognition of prefixes and suffixes and how they can help define an unknown word, and parts of speech.
On the Reading Comprehension section, students showcase their ability to understand passages they read. They prove they can identify the main points and the supporting details and ideas, the purpose, and the piece's tone based on the author's word choices. They'll also infer details and draw conclusions not specifically stated, locate data in the passage and apply it to practical questions, recognize cause-and-effect relationships, and compare and contrast information.
There are two math-related sections on each test. The Math Achievement section focuses on the ability to correctly complete math operations. The Quantitative Reasoning section more about mathematical thinking. Both have problems with numbers and equations, variables and exponents that use algebra, measurement, geometry, and problem-solving skills. The differences between the sections are subtle, and that's something an instructor can discuss during a Washington, DC ISEE class session.
The Essay conveys an indication of your student's personality and writing abilities. Each test provides a prompt reflecting a topic generally interesting to students at the targeted grade level. The way your student responds conveys more about them as a person and as a student.
This is a quick glance at the information your student will be reviewing in their ISEE class or tutoring sessions. If they're taking either the two- or four-week ISEE course and having an especially hard time with one or two topics, you can sign them up for individual instruction sessions provided by Varsity Tutors. They can work at their own pace, taking the time they need with their tutor to fully understand the subject and feel confident they've mastered it.
How do I know which Washington DC ISEE prep study option to enroll my student in?
For some students, the choice will be easy. If your student thrives in a classroom setting, the Washington DC ISEE prep course is probably going to be your best choice. On the other hand, if they're motivated and concentrate better in one-on-one settings, you should consider signing them up for lessons with a Washington DC ISEE tutor. If the choice isn't that obvious for your student, continue reading to learn more about the benefits of each option.
Working in the collaborative environment found in a group class, including one that meets online, can help with learning and retention. Another benefit of the virtual classroom test prep option is the ability to get ideas from the instructor and from other students. Since there's more than content review involved in preparing for a standardized test like the ISEE, those who have taken it previously might be able to offer suggestions on how to handle it when your student runs into a question they don't know, how to make sure they have enough time to finish all the problems within the time limits, and other test-taking strategies. If your student's understanding of the ISEE topics is pretty evenly distributed, and the other factors mentioned here resonate with them, the Washington DC ISEE prep class may be the best choice.
If your student has uneven skills and could use some customization in their ISEE review process, working with a private ISEE instructor might help. When meeting with a group of students, the study schedule can't be changed whenever one or two students need more or less time with a subject. A private tutor can do exactly that, and the ability to customize sessions is probably the best reason to choose this option.
How can I get my student signed up for a Washington DC ISEE prep class or tutor now?
To get started, simply contact Varsity Tutors, answer a few questions about your student's grade level, goals, and your family's schedule, and our educational consultants will sign your student up for the Washington, DC ISEE preparation choice that you feel will work best for your child.
Alexandra: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...hundred students twice a week for three years. I have over 150 hours of teacher training and countless hours in the classroom. Furthermore, I was the editor of our student newspaper, The Daily Cardinal, and have extensive writing-coaching skills in addition to a strong grasp on the English language. I am currently employed by an...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - Bachelors, History and Journalism
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- GED
- SSAT
- ACT
- +23 subjects
David: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...at the Harvard Debate Council summer workshops, and have developed and taught a political philosophy curriculum at the Harvard Center for Hellenic Studies in Greece. I love working with kids, and I read and write children's books and young adult fiction in my spare time (as well as poetry and adult fiction). I love exploring...
Education & Certification
- Harvard University - Current Undergrad, English
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +34 subjects
Ben: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...it turns out I found my life's passion in my very first economics class. It is my favorite subject to tutor and I love to keep up my self learning in advanced concepts. While taking economics courses I started tutoring by helping struggling students through classes we had together, and by word of mouth ended...
Education & Certification
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus - Bachelors, B.S. Economics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- SAT
- Anatomy
- +34 subjects
Samuel: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...summer of 2019 interning in Berlin at a think tank. Prior to starting at SAIS, I worked at a non-governmental organization working electoral reform and assistance projects in Jordan and Libya. I completed my undergraduate education at Brown University in May 2015, graduating with an honors degree in International Relations. Outside of class, I was...
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Bachelors, International Relations
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Advanced Placement
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +35 subjects
Natalie: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...major because of my interest in science as well as mysteries (especially Nancy Drew as a kid!). In my free time I enjoy hiking, kayaking, playing tennis, working on arts and crafts, and traveling My love of learning started at a young age, thanks to my parents and a library card that opened my eyes...
Education & Certification
- Duquesne University - Bachelors, Biochemistry
- Duquesne University - Masters, Forensic Science and Law
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- REGENTS
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- +77 subjects
Jayde: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...(and one of the top high schools in the country). I have a very strong background in the social sciences, the humanities, English (grammar + lit), and French (language, culture + politics). In addition to the aforementioned subjects, I tutor students in the ISEE (having taken them myself, as a student). Most recently, I taught...
Education & Certification
- Haverford College - Bachelors, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- Arithmetic
- Middle School Math
- +21 subjects
Paula: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...learning styles, behaviors, and abilities while making learning an exciting, positive experience. Learners are diverse in every way, and each student requires unique strategies, motivators, and reinforcers to be successful throughout the learning process. I take pride in knowing that my students look forward to learning and gain confidence to tackle new challenges; as they...
Education & Certification
- Notre Dame of Maryland University - Bachelors, Elementary/Special Education
- Loyola University Maryland - Current Grad Student, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- Other
- Test Prep
- +13 subjects
Clare: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...reading. I work with my team to analyze student data and to work with them to create interventions that bring students from a lower test score to passing test score. Before my work as a teacher, I worked on a pilot program with bringing their program into a St. Louis City charter school. In this...
Education & Certification
- Elon University - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
- Fontbonne University - Master of Arts Teaching, Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- HSPT
- SSAT
- SAT
- +83 subjects
Stanley: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...school program funded by Wegmans when teaching for the Syracuse City School District. I have tutored in Maryland after school hours for all grade levels in High School and now Middle School. Being a certified Secondary Social Studies educator, I can tutor anything related to that content from grades 7-12, from Geography, Government, Economics, World...
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
- Syracuse University - Master of Science, Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- CAHSEE
- ISEE- Upper Level
- Test Prep
- +29 subjects
Laura: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...science. Then, before attending college I spent 6 months teaching English in Peru. Last year, as a sophomore in college, I was a TA for the Spanish Department, responsible for creating and executing my own lesson plans for two one-hour classes per week for Spanish 102, grading homework and designing my own quizzes. I also...
Education & Certification
- Washington University in St Louis - Bachelor of Science, Anthropology/PreMed
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- ACT
- SSAT
- +33 subjects
Elizabeth: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...and other standardized tests assessing English ability. I have also been tutoring since I was in high school, and love to help students improve their writing and reading skills. It helps that I've also worked in the marketing field proofreading copy! I would be more than happy to help you and your child. Please let...
Education & Certification
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus - Bachelors, Psychology and Political Science
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- GED
- SAT Reading
- +33 subjects
Erin: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...algebra, trigonometry, and calculus to high school and university students for about 12 years. Similarly, have 12 years of experience with the SAT, ACT, and ISEE/SSAT, and about 4 years of experience teaching GRE and GMAT. As far as hobbies go, I enjoy reading science fiction, classic literature, and comic books. Rock-climbing is a big...
Education & Certification
- Stanford - Bachelors, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +77 subjects
Elizabeth: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
I am a graduate from the University of Michigan, with a major in the Literature, Arts and Science program. Currently, I develop Trainings for an Enterprise, creating course curriculums, developing interactive training and providing support for their learning and development needs. I love assisting grade school students with Math, Reading and Comprehension, Phoenetics, and various subjects.
Education & Certification
- The University of Michigan - Bachelors, Film & Video Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- Reading
- ISEE- Lower Level
- +13 subjects
Kate: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...of all ages reach their full academic potential in a variety of subjects. As an MBA grad, I am well versed in all business-related courses: economics, marketing, leadership and teamwork, accounting, even public speaking. I also have a strong background in Civics and Government, from when I received my Bachelor's Degree in Criminology and Justice...
Education & Certification
- The College of New Jersey - Bachelors, Criminology
- University of Maryland-College Park - Masters, Masters of Business Administration
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- +49 subjects
Nathan: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...college, I worked as an assistant director of a Learning Center, and a big part of my job was working on test prep with students. I enjoyed my work, and I was successful at it because I was able to develop connections with my students and alter my teaching style to meet their needs, while...
Education & Certification
- Clark University - Bachelor in Arts, English and History
- The George Washington University Law School - Juris Doctor, Law
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Advanced Placement
- SSAT
- SAT
- +29 subjects
Rohiel: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...to tutor others who are having difficulty with these subjects. I am currently attending the University of Maryland at Baltimore County for Math and Chemical Engineering B.S. degrees. I have been tutoring for over two years and absolutely love it! My teaching style depends on the student I am teaching. I am comfortable with any...
Education & Certification
- University of Maryland-Baltimore County - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
- University of Maryland-Baltimore County - Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- CLEP
- ISEE- Lower Level
- Trigonometry
- +25 subjects
Cory: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...focusing on Gender Studies. When I am not in school, I am tutoring! I started tutoring when I was 15, working with two elementary school kids; in kindergarten and 4th grade. I worked with them on everything from reading comprehension and counting to World History and long division. I learned how to be patient teaching...
Education & Certification
- Berry College - Bachelors, Biochemistry, Sociology
- Northeastern University - Juris Doctor, Legal Studies
- Tufts University - Master in Public Health, Public Health
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- HSPT
- SSAT
- High School Biology
- +70 subjects
Kelly: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...the State of Florida Department of Education. I am endorsed in reading and ESOL. Since graduation, I have spent time being a 4th grade teacher of reading and social studies, helping to run a retail store, and traveling. During my time as a 4th grade teacher I also tutored students who needed extra help after...
Education & Certification
- Florida State University - Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- FCAT 2.0
- HSPT
- ACT
- +29 subjects
Kristy: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...students. Next, I was a paraprofessional for students with learning disabilities and autism. Last, I taught kindergarten. I have a wide range of tutoring and teaching experience, and I love to help students get excited about learning. I currently am an attorney, so I have extensive writing, reading, and research skills. In my free time,...
Education & Certification
- Elon University - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
- Rutgers Law School - Juris Doctor, Legal Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- A Level
- Music
- Algebra
- +34 subjects
Rebecca: Washington ISEE test prep instructor
...Maryland. I've always loved to teach. I think one of the most exciting things about learning is to be able to pass it on to others. It is also one of the main reasons I have a passion for becoming a doctor. I went to University of Maryland, College Park for college and majored in...
Education & Certification
- University of Maryland-College Park - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
- University of Maryland-College Park - Current Grad Student, English
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- CLEP
- +111 subjects