If you have been looking into formal Ann Arbor ISEE prep to help the student in your life reach for academic success, Varsity Tutors can help. The ISEE is a high-stakes exam that private and independent schools may consider as part of their competitive application process. It is divided into four different levels to give students of a variety of ages an appropriate academic challenge: Primary (for students going into grades 2-4), Lower (5-6), Middle (7-8), and Upper (9 and up).
While a good score does not guarantee admission to a particular school, it can be a step in the right direction. If your student learns best in a collaborative learning environment, you might want to enroll them in an Ann Arbor ISEE prep course so that they can study with several peers. If they would do better in a one-on-one setting, the services of an Ann Arbor ISEE tutor may be more fitting. Either way, your student will wonder how they ever prepared for a standardized exam without professional assistance.
What content areas can Ann Arbor ISEE prep be expected to cover?
The Primary Level ISEE exams are grade-specific, so a student entering second grade would take the Primary 2 while one heading to third grade would take Primary 3. Primary 2 has an Auditory Comprehension section that requires students to answer questions based on something read to them, while all three Primary Level ISEEs have Reading and Math sections with age-appropriate questions. All three tests also have a short Writing section that schools read to get a sense for each applicant's creativity and communication skills.
The other three ISEE exams share a basic format consisting of the following five sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Math Achievement, and Essay. The content gets more difficult at higher levels, but the time available and number of questions does not change. Here is a closer look at what your student can expect on exam day:
Verbal Reasoning
The Verbal Reasoning section evaluates a test-taker's vocabulary skills through a series of sentence completions and synonym-based questions. Topics include using context clues at the Lower Level; Greek, Latin, and Anglo-Saxon word roots at the Middle Level; and prefixes and suffixes at the Upper Level. Test-takers have a total of 40 multiple-choice questions to answer in just 20 minutes, so moving quickly is key.
Quantitative Reasoning
The Quantitative Reasoning component emphasizes mathematical thinking over operations. Topics include simple probability and symmetry at the Elementary Level, integers and fractions at the Middle Level, and exponents and algebraic variables at the Upper Level. Test-takers have a total of 37 multiple-choice questions to answer in 35 minutes on this section.
Reading Comprehension
The Reading Comprehension portion measures a student's critical thinking and reading comprehension skills. Topics include main idea and author's intent at the Elementary Level, inference and literal vs. figurative language at the Middle Level, and working with multiple literary genres at the Upper Level. If your student could remember more of what they read, they may benefit from learning active reading techniques such as note-taking to promote a more thorough engagement with the material. Students have 35 minutes to answer 36 multiple-choice questions on this section.
Math Achievement
Unlike the Quantitative Reasoning section, the Math Achievement section concentrates on quantitative problem-solving skills at all three levels. Potential topics include estimation and decimals at the Lower Level, quadrilaterals and triangles at the Middle Level, and calculating the mode, median, mean, and range of a data set at the Upper Level. Students have 40 minutes to answer 47 multiple-choice questions here.
Essay
The 30-minute essay allows test-takers to introduce themselves to the schools that they are applying to. Since this essay is given directly to every school a student applies to, it does not receive a numerical score.
What are some of the advantages of each Ann Arbor ISEE preparation option provided by Varsity Tutors?
If you choose to enroll your student in an Ann Arbor ISEE prep class, they attend regular class sessions on a proprietary live virtual platform and discuss academic concepts and test-taking strategies with a knowledgeable teacher and a small handful of other students. Our virtual classroom supports real-time interaction, so asking for help is just as simple as it would be in a physical classroom. Each instructor is also vetted thoroughly, so you can count on a strong communicator with an extensive knowledge base to draw upon.
You might think that having several students in the same class could be problematic, but it's actually a positive. Students can explain concepts to one another while the teacher is busy with somebody else, fostering a collaborative learning environment that may help everyone build a better understanding of pertinent concepts. Working in groups can also help your student approach problems in new ways, expediting the learning process. Studying in a group also allows multiple people to split the bill, making expert test prep more affordable for everybody involved. If you feel like your student needs individualized attention, you can also arrange private study sessions with the teacher as needed.
That said, some students need a one-on-one learning environment to pursue their educational goals. A private tutor can take the time to understand your student's preferred learning style and design sessions around it to improve study efficiency. They can also introduce new material at your student's pace, ensuring that they are engaged without feeling hopeless.
We also try to make all of our services as convenient as possible for busy students. We offer both two and four-week ISEE courses to make it easier to find one you can commit to. We also launch new courses each week so that we're ready to get started as soon as you are. Likewise, clients who choose a private instructor can study on our proprietary Live Learning Platform so that they don't have to worry about a commute.
Can I enroll my student in Ann Arbor ISEE prep today?
Just contact an educational consultant today to learn more about how to sign up for Ann Arbor ISEE prep with Varsity Tutors. We hope to hear from you soon!

Joyce: Ann Arbor ISEE test prep instructor
I am currently a student at Columbia University studying Biomedical Engineering. Throughout high school, I tutored my peers in math, science, and standardized testing and found that I loved seeing my students passionate about what they are learning. Outside of tutoring, you can find me exploring the outdoors or tasting the newest restaurants in NYC.
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Current Undergrad Student, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Writing and Language
- Geometry
- Calculus
- +23 subjects

Arianna: Ann Arbor ISEE test prep instructor
...but a motivation to help others. I have helped students get into Ivy League schools as well as other top universities across the country with top scholarships. I tutor in all subjects from French to Essay Writing and Algebra to Chemistry! I want my students and tutees to see the value in themselves and know that they can accomplish anything with determination and hard work! Realizing you can do it is half the battle and...
Education & Certification
- Dartmouth College - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Music
- Elementary School Science
- +437 subjects

JaRod: Ann Arbor ISEE test prep instructor
I am High energy, love working with the youth. I have a great experience with teaching and mentoring others, throughout my college and professional career I have given back to the community. Through various different organizations (i.e. National Society of Black Engineers, Boy Scouts of America, various mentoring programs).... Introduce myself, and say a funny joke.... By allowing them to teach me, with my guidance.... By asking them to do examples through my sessions.... Switch to a different learning method, either it's on a whiteboard, or video examples.
Education & Certification
- Texas Tech University - Current Undergrad, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Statistics
- IB Physics SL
- ACT Aspire
- +63 subjects

Aubrey: Ann Arbor ISEE test prep instructor
...education at Adrian College, getting my Bachelor's in Biology and Secondary Education, as well as successfully minored in psychology. I have one year professional experience and five years clinical experience. I tutor the science, biology, environmental science, life sciences, and earth science. My favorite subject to teach is definitely biology and environmental science, though I teach all of my subjects with equal enthusiasm. Outside of teaching, I am an avid equestrian and animal lover/caretaker. I...
Education & Certification
- Adrian College - Bachelor in Arts, Biology and Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Elementary Math
- Pre-Algebra
- Psychology
- +13 subjects

Erika: Ann Arbor ISEE test prep instructor
...to learn to adapt and through that process, I have gained the skills to tutor others. My tutoring philosophy is to learn what styles best fit the tutee and modify the information to fit that style. I tutor so I can help others set themselves up for a better life. Currently, I am a college student at the University of Michigan- Ann Arbor majoring in Movement Science in the School of Kinesiology and minoring in...
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- MCAT
- English
- ISEE- Lower Level
- +40 subjects

Candice: Ann Arbor ISEE test prep instructor
...and lit that spark in me to fall in love with learning and education. Ever since then I've followed that passion into becoming an educator. I currently teach Pre-K and have experience teaching elementary school, working one-on-one with at-risk students, teaching english language learners, and tutoring students in different academic areas. Tutoring students gives me the chance to help a student who may be struggling, needs that extra motivation or wants to take the extra...
Education & Certification
- Madonna University - Bachelors, Compressive Elementary/Early Childhood
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Test Prep
- ESL/ELL
- Math
- +11 subjects

Leya: Ann Arbor ISEE test prep instructor
...has allowed me to explore public health topics such as health disparities, health equities, and its impact on health and medicine, and I am so excited to further pursue these topics as a physician. My first experience of "tutoring" was in 3rd grade when a friend asked me to edit her essay for English class; since then, I have edited hundreds of essays and have offered writing support for many of my peers, college applicants,...
Education & Certification
- Wayne State University - Bachelor of Science, Public Health
- Wayne State University - Doctor of Medicine, Community Health and Preventive Medicine
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Mathematics
- IB Extended Essay
- ACT Writing
- +116 subjects

Sylvia: Ann Arbor ISEE test prep instructor
I taught high school English in a brick-and-mortar classroom for eight years. I'm that nerdy, overly excited English teacher who gets really into discussions and trying to help my students learn to love and appreciate the power of language--written and spoken. It's so cool to find references to literature in every day life, and it's fun when my students start to see that, too.
Education & Certification
- Kansas Wesleyan University - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Reading
- Writing
- ISEE-Upper Level Writing
- +52 subjects

Marie: Ann Arbor ISEE test prep instructor
...a ski instructor; and an independent consultant. Presently, I am studying German. I just completed my Sailing accreditation from The Royal Yachting Association. I truly enjoy learning new things and helping others learn. I have a Bachelor of Engineering from GMI: Engineering Management Institute known as Kettering University today. My Master of Engineering is from the University of Michigan. I have specialties in Dynamics, Machine Design, and Materials. I love learning and helping others learn....
Education & Certification
- Ketter - Mechanical Engineer, Atmospheric Physics and Dynamics
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - Master of Engineering, Electromechanical Technology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Learning Differences
- Math
- ISEE-Middle Level Mathematics Achievement
- +86 subjects

Nicole: Ann Arbor ISEE test prep instructor
I have more than 20 years experience as an secondary science and math educator and Students have often told me they didn't like math or think they were good at it until they took my class. I look forward to helping you achieve your goals.
Education & Certification
- Wayne State University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- University of Michigan-Dearborn - Master of Science, Environmental Science
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- AP Chemistry
- Linear Algebra
- Pre-Calculus
- +62 subjects

Kari: Ann Arbor ISEE test prep instructor
...as well as highlighting my expertise in differentiating instruction, and demonstrate my leadership skills. Being a highly adaptable and versatile educator, I have enjoyed the opportunity to teach a diverse group of children, including those with mild to severe learning disabilities, autism, non-compliant behaviors, and physical challenges. These experiences have helped me blossom into a compassionate teacher. I strive on taking each student's unique goals, needs, and interests into account and create effective lesson plans...
Education & Certification
- Western Illinois University - Bachelor in Arts, Special Education
- University of Phoenix-Colorado Campus - Masters in Education, Educational Administration
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Test Prep
- HSPT Reading
- ISEE-Middle Level Verbal Reasoning
- +42 subjects

Sarah: Ann Arbor ISEE test prep instructor
...El Salvador for 6 months as a volunteer. This year I have decided to leave the classroom to care for my son who was born in January 2020. However, I am extremely passionate about education, particularly ELA, reading, ENL/ESL, and Spanish so I decided to sign up as a tutor and continue to guide students to their best future. I am an avid reader and enjoy reading with my son. My husband is Salvadoran and...
Education & Certification
- Siena Heights University - Bachelor of Fine Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- High School Writing
- Spelling Bee
- Fiction Writing
- +55 subjects

Shubhashish: Ann Arbor ISEE test prep instructor
...my work was dealing with the day to day. Including, scheduling meetings and managing daily calendars, handling financial matters and documents, communicating with clients, and making business purchases. I am also a trained engineer, studying at the University of Michigan, with a lot of website development knowledge. As an Intern at the New York County District Attorney's Office I spearheaded a program to decrease the levels of opioid abuse in New York City. I worked...
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - Bachelor of Engineering, Electrical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- GED Math
- High School Physics
- Middle School Writing
- +98 subjects

Lisa: Ann Arbor ISEE test prep instructor
My name is Lisa, and I have been teaching for 9 years now. I have taught 1st grade, K-4 Title 1 intervention, 6th and 7th grade math, and for the past 4 years I have been teaching 8th grade math intervention at a virtual school. I love teaching math, and helping students to understand math concepts in ways that make sense for them. I am able to tutor in person and online.
Education & Certification
- Eastern Michigan University - Bachelor of Science, Elementary School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- Elementary School Reading
- Science
- +19 subjects
Education & Certification
- Mumbai University - Bachelor of Engineering, Electrical Engineering
- Northeastern University - Engineering, Computer and Information Sciences, General
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Linear Algebra
- Distributed Computing
- PCAT
- +118 subjects

Jyl: Ann Arbor ISEE test prep instructor
...anthropology, writing, and sociology. Five years ago I became a middle school classroom teacher in San Francisco, CA, specializing in English and history. I spent the last two years teaching overseas in Lisbon, Portugal, working with diverse students from around the world. My teaching credentials in both elementary education, and secondary English and Social Sciences, coupled with my enthusiasm and dedication for working with young people, make me a very understanding, flexible and reliable tutor....
Education & Certification
- Michigan State University - Bachelors, Journalism
- Humboldt State University - Masters, Interdisciplinary Social Sciences
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ISEE- Middle Level
- World History
- Study Skills
- +31 subjects

Elijah: Ann Arbor ISEE test prep instructor
I am a board-certified, licensed naturopathic doctor. Before becoming a doctor I spent several years tutoring and teaching. I have worked with students of all ages, from 3 year olds learning phonics to graduate students studying histology and physiology. I specialize in general sciences, medical sciences, reading comprehension, literary analysis, and composition. I love working with students of all ages and I love to teach.... I love teaching and I love working with kids. I understand that a good teacher needs to combine perception, patience, persistence, and respect. A gifted teacher discerns the uniqueness in each learner, and then tailors their lesson to that learner. I am able to recognize my students' learning needs, and I shape my language in a way that makes information more accessible and digestible. I believe passionately that education elevates both the student and the community, and I approach teaching with the seriousness and devotion that every learner deserves.
Education & Certification
- Humboldt State University - Bachelor in Arts, International Studies
- National College of Natural Medicine - PHD, Naturopathic Doctorate
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- 4th Grade Writing
- CLEP
- Social Sciences
- +129 subjects

Anne: Ann Arbor ISEE test prep instructor
...favorite subject to teach is English Language Arts, though I work with students oral subjects. Helping students to succeed in academics and life goals is my main motivation as a teacher. I greatly value summer enrichment. I like to ensure students learn the material by working hard, yet look at each student as an individual who may need different ways of learning and different levels of support. Some students are shy, some are outgoing; some...
Education & Certification
- John Carroll University - Bachelors, English
- Madonna University - Masters, Learning Disabilities
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT- Middle Level
- Writing
- IB Extended Essay
- +22 subjects

Thomas: Ann Arbor ISEE test prep instructor
...Historical Studies), and Central Michigan University (MA and ABD: History). I have taught college (history and honors writing) and test prep for the past fourteen years. I have also worked as a tutor, book editor, author (on test prep), game-based-learning instructor, and standardized test designer and scorer during these years. While I teach a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about History, Writing, and Test Prep. While I do not have formal training...
Education & Certification
- Michigan State University - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Central Michigan University - Doctor of Philosophy, History
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- GRE Analytical Writing
- Study Skills
- Geography
- +129 subjects

Kissie: Ann Arbor ISEE test prep instructor
I have been teaching in the education field for seventeen years and I really enjoy it. I also have four children of my own whom I get a chance to really enjoy now that I work from home.... My teaching philosophy is to always help the student, even if it involves giving extra time. Many students learn by modeling and doing. Learning does not always have to be verbal.... In a typical first session with a student, I would ask questions first to get to know them a little. Find out what do they mostly like to do and ask about interests and hobbies.
Education & Certification
- University of Detroit Mercy - Bachelors, Secondary Education
- Concordia University-Portland - Masters, Educational Leadership
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Middle School Writing
- Middle School Reading
- SSAT- Upper Level
- +48 subjects