As you seek to give your student effective Chicago ISEE prep tools, Varsity Tutors can set you up with services that work for your student. If you are hoping to have your student admitted to an Independent School, a good score on the ISEE can help your student's application stand out. Because of the impact this exam can have on your student's academic future, preparing effectively is important. The services that are available can suit the needs of a variety of students and schedules.
The ISEE stands for the Independent School Entrance Exam. There are four levels of the exam that exist, and each level corresponds to particular student ages. The Primary Level has three versions (2, 3, and 4), and is for students entering grades 2, 3, or 4. The Lower Level is for students entering 5th or 6th grade. The Middle Level is for students entering 7th or 8th grade, and the Upper Level is for students approaching grades nine and up. Many Independent Schools use the ISEE as a part of their application process.
What can my student learn about during Chicago ISEE prep?
The three highest levels of the ISEE (Lower, Middle, and Upper) each contain five sections. The sections are Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Math Achievement, and the Essay section. The sections are allocated the same amount of time across the three highest levels and feature the same number of questions. However, the specific content of the sections varies in accordance with the abilities of students of different ages. The Primary Level of the ISEE contains three sections which are the Reading section, the Math Section, and the Writing Sample. The Level 2 Primary Level exam also contains an Auditory Comprehension section. Let's take a moment to learn a bit more about these test sections. We will focus on the three highest levels of the ISEE as the Primary Level ISEE exams contain more elementary reading, math, and writing skills.
The Verbal Reasoning section of the exam assesses a student's ability to use the English language to answer questions based on synonyms and sentence completion. For the Lower Level, students must be able to use context to answer questions and know the vocabulary appropriate to their age. Those at the Middle Level will need an understanding of the parts of speech and prefixes, suffixes, and word roots from the key linguistic ancestors of English. Upper-Level students must demonstrate their knowledge of the skills of the preceding levels as well as higher-level vocabulary and word knowledge.
In the Quantitative Reasoning section, students will have a chance to display their understanding of mathematical skills and concepts. Lower Level students must be able to do the four basic math functions, be able to estimate, and understand number logic. The Middle Level will feature questions involving data analysis, geometry, and integers. The Upper Level contains questions with probability, solving equations, and making inferences about data sets.
The Reading Comprehension section involves understanding the key ideas of a passage and the author's intent. All levels will require an understanding of the organization and structure of a piece. Students must display knowledge of age-appropriate vocabulary, understand tone and style, and be able to infer information that is not explicitly stated.
The Math Achievement section is focused on a student's ability to execute particular mathematical operations. Skills such as algebra, geometry, probability, and solving word problems appear throughout the various age-levels of this section.
The Essay section is intended to give students a chance to share more about themselves by responding to a prompt aimed at students of their age. Students must effectively organize their response, and use grammar, punctuation, and spelling effectively.
How can Chicago ISEE prep help my student to study more effectively?
To help your student with their preparation, there are two Chicago ISEE preparation options. A Chicago ISEE prep course takes place in a group environment. Working with a Chicago ISEE tutor allows your student to learn one-on-one with an academic mentor.
In a Chicago ISEE prep class, your student will learn alongside other students and their instructor in a live virtual classroom. These sessions allow your student to hear live lectures and engage in discussions with other students. These classes cover the material for whatever ISEE level that your student is preparing to take. They will be able to learn about the material from the skilled instructor and from their interactions with their classmates. This environment can be an effective, collaborative learning environment. The instructor can be attentive to the needs of the group and spend extra time on material that is difficult.
There are two and four-week sessions of these classes that are available. You can register your student for a section that meets at a time that works for their schedule, and because all sections meet online, you don't have to worry about helping your student commute.
If your student works with a Chicago ISEE tutor, they can experience learning based on their needs, learning style, and goals. These individualized sessions focus on the content that is most important for your student, and their mentor can give them resources that help them to engage with the material as well as possible. Our Live Learning Platform allows your student to receive guidance and feedback from their instructor in real-time.
What do I do to sign my student up for Chicago ISEE prep?
Our Educational Consultants are available over the internet and over the phone to assist you. They can answer questions, help you pick which service is right for your student, and help with the registration process. Whatever your student's needs, they can help you choose a service that fits your student's academic and logistical needs.
Varsity Tutors can set your student up with resources and instruction for their Chicago ISEE preparation. In addition to offering convenient scheduling, these services offer learning environments that can challenge your student to prepare as well as possible. If you are interested in registering your student, contact an Educational Consultant today.

Alex: Chicago ISEE test prep instructor
...in subjects such as stats, economics, finance, etc., and I still feel ardently that the best way to fully understand a subject is to teach it! I have years of experience teaching algebra I & II, economics and Spanish, but also love to assist students with ACT, SAT, LSAT and GMAT test prep. One of the greatest investments you can make is in improving your college/grad school aptitude testing skills, as just a couple hours...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - Bachelor in Arts, International Relations
- University of Southern California - Masters in Business Administration, Real Estate
- University of Southern California - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Management
- College Economics
- ISEE- Lower Level
- +77 subjects

Janet: Chicago ISEE test prep instructor
As an educator for 20 years in both the US and Canada, I enjoying working with students of all ages. With a background in Special Education and tutoring for test prep (GED, ACT, SAT), I have a heart for those who find it difficult to succeed in the classroom. It is my passion to encourage students and help them learn strategies to succeed in their education and in life. ... All students have the ability to learn, so the challenge, as a teacher or tutor, is to understand how the student learns best. Utilizing that learning style, I desire to encourage the student and provide opportunities for the student to succeed. Beyond the current learning style, I believe it is important to equip the student with skills to learn in any classroom environment which they may encounter. Critical thinking skills are equally important to prepare the student for both classroom success and life.
Education & Certification
- Moody Bible Institue - Bachelors, International Mnistries
- Lamar University - Masters, School Counseling
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Middle School Reading
- Test Prep
- English Grammar and Syntax
- +64 subjects

Katie: Chicago ISEE test prep instructor
...make goals for their next level of education; I am happy to help students prepare for these exams. I enjoy students of all ages and am excited to tutor a wide range of subjects, although my first loves are math and English (especially grammar). I truly believe my sincere energy and enthusiasm can help make students excited about learning. I welcome questions and value honesty while tutoring. My personal interests include international education, traveling, hiking,...
Education & Certification
- University of Notre Dame - Bachelor in Arts, American Studies, Gender Studies
- University of Connecticut - Master of Arts, Higher Education and Student Affaris
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- English Grammar and Syntax
- ACT English
- Geography
- +40 subjects

Samantha: Chicago ISEE test prep instructor
...Science and Legal Studies this spring. In the fall, I will begin attending law school at Northwestern Law. For many years, I tutored a wide range of students in Spanish, English literature, and writing. I have also continued to help many high school seniors with college application essays. While I tutor a variety of subjects, I am very passionate about helping students improve their reading and writing skills, and I really enjoy helping students with...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Current Undergrad, Political Science & Legal Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT Reading
- ACT Writing
- College Essays
- +36 subjects

Gabe: Chicago ISEE test prep instructor
...aim for my clients to improve as overall students as well, so that they can be successful in the face of any future academic challenges. Aside from my teaching and academic pursuits, my favorite hobbies are playing music and cooking. I play the bass and sitar in any style from Indian classical music to Top 40 Taylor Swift hits. In the kitchen, I love to take a scientific approach to cooking, understanding the chemical reactions...
Education & Certification
- Wesleyan University - Bachelors, Neuroscience and Behavior
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- College Algebra
- Honors Chemistry
- Algebra
- +40 subjects

Amy: Chicago ISEE test prep instructor
I am currently a school teacher. I teach both special education and general education elementary and middle school students. I am able to break down skills in a way that children can understand. I love it when everything clicks for the student. ... My teaching philosophy is that every person can learn; it is just a matter of finding out how they learn.
Education & Certification
- Indiana University-Bloomington - Bachelors, Theatre
- National Louis University - Masters, Teaching
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Writing
- Elementary School Math
- SSAT- Middle Level
- +18 subjects

Felipe: Chicago ISEE test prep instructor
...a journalist for three years in Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York. I believe my experiences make me an excellent listener and a proficient editor. I enjoy working with students on English, Spanish, and Writing. I have a thoughtful and patient approach. I grew up in a trilingual household and am pursuing a graduate degree in Creative Writing. I studied Comparative Literature in college. I look forward to working with students and helping them...
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelors, Comparative Literature
- CUNY Graduate School of Journalism - Masters, Business Journalism
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- English
- Writing
- Literature
- +8 subjects

Max: Chicago ISEE test prep instructor
...classrooms and teach lessons about sex and drug education. I will also be serving as the Treasurer of the Honors College Advisory Board which is essentially the student government of the Honors College at UIC. Outside of academics, I am an avid golfer and volleyball player. I played each of the sports for all four years throughout high school, and I also played competitive golf during the summers. While I do not play these sports...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Current Undergrad, Biological Sciences
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT Math
- College Essays
- 12th Grade Math
- +132 subjects

Shea: Chicago ISEE test prep instructor
...of me and my mission as a teacher. Ever since I started teaching 5 years ago, I have been committed to accommodating the needs of each individual student, and instilling a lifelong love of learning in all of my students. As a very passionate, caring, nurturing, and knowledgeable teacher, I thrive on the success of my students ??? our future. As a tutor with Varsity Tutors, I???m eager to have the opportunity to help more...
Education & Certification
- Western Illinois University - Bachelors, Computer Science
- National-Louis University - Masters, Teaching
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Reading
- ISEE- Lower Level
- English Grammar and Syntax
- +14 subjects

Adrianna: Chicago ISEE test prep instructor
...in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood of Chicago, IL. I have also taught math in self-contained and remedial setting. I really love to help students find their voice in writing. I found that for me, as soon as I began to write about things I was passionate about on an individual level, I was able to unlock a lot of creativity. If students write about what they know, rather than what they think someone would...
Education & Certification
- Rice University - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology and Policy Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- 10th Grade Writing
- 5th Grade Reading
- Essay Editing
- +74 subjects

Maria: Chicago ISEE test prep instructor
...current curriculum. Also, having just gone through the college admission process, I am very well versed in all things college prep and understand what it takes to get into a top tier school. In particular, I am extremely strong in math. Outside of academics, I am very involved in dance. Throughout high school, I competed in dance competitions throughout the northeast coast. Now, I stay involved through clubs on campus! My guilty pleasures are reality...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Current Undergrad, Economics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Essay Editing
- AP Physics 1
- Study Skills and Organization
- +59 subjects

Nora: Chicago ISEE test prep instructor
...design and experimenting with photography, fibers, sculpture, and ceramics. In my free time I love to read; be outdoors; hike; play with my two dogs, Skippy and Lily, and my cat, Gracie; and watch crime shows and horror movies. My tutoring style is very personalized, and I love finding creative ways to motivate and help my students really understand their work. It is very important to me that I give my students a solid foundation,...
Education & Certification
- School of the Art Institute of Chicago - Current Undergrad, Fashion Design
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- College Essays
- Study Skills
- SSAT
- +29 subjects

Andrea: Chicago ISEE test prep instructor
I believe in helping each student reach his or her full potential. Each student learns material differently, and I try to implement different techniques to try and help everyone do his or her very best. If I haven't helped a student understand the material, then I haven't done my job correctly.... I believe in helping each student reach his or her full potential. Each student learns material differently, and I try to implement different techniques to try to help everyone do his or her very best. If I haven't helped a student understand the material, then I haven't done my job correctly.
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelors, Integrative Biology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Adult Literacy
- ACT English
- 4th Grade Science
- +127 subjects

Hannah: Chicago ISEE test prep instructor
I graduated from Georgia Tech majoring in Industrial and Systems Engineering and Pre-teaching , and I just moved to Chicago to attend Chicago State University Pharmacy School. I have been tutoring a lot of students [K-12] in various subjects for more than ten years. ... Helping students to reach their goals.... I would talk about my background and share my past experience of studying. I also would ask what their goals are.... If they make mistakes, I would let students correct them first by themselves.
Education & Certification
- Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Chicago State University - PHD, Pharmacy
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Test in Chemistry
- SAT Math
- SAT
- +33 subjects

Emily: Chicago ISEE test prep instructor
...learning, in any subject. I look forward to accompanying students through any challenges that stand in the way of that connection and leading students to their own version of success. I've worked across various sectors and have always maintained a love for one-on-one teaching, especially working with children and teaching languages. My experience includes living, working, and traveling abroad, and I rely on this intercultural perspective when presenting language and social studies lessons. I am...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelors, 1) Spanish 2) History
- The New School - Masters, 1) International Affairs 2) Environmental Policy
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- ESL/ELL
- +42 subjects

Pete: Chicago ISEE test prep instructor
...understand the gap that can form between teachers and students first hand. Combining a relational teaching style, and a strong value of education, I believe that the unique needs of every student deserve consideration and that it is the role of the tutor to find the perfect way to teach. It is my personal wish that if a student has a special need, I can fulfill it through flexibility, kindness, and optimistic determination.... The strongest teachers I have had always taught more than just the material. Their presence brightened the classroom and united students on a personal level. I hope that as a teacher, I can do the same and more.
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - Bachelors, Honors English Literature and Mathematics Minor
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- HTML
- Study Skills
- High School Chemistry
- +80 subjects

Alye: Chicago ISEE test prep instructor
I am currently finishing my M.A. in English at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. I am excited to help you reach your goals-- whether that is preparation for testing, or working towards a better grade in a troubling class. I can't wait to work with you!... Let's get to know each other! What are your goals for tutoring? What are your ambitions? Do you have a certain college in mind? How can I help you make all those goals, ambitions, and dreams come to fruition?
Education & Certification
- DePaul University - Bachelors, English
- DePaul University - Masters, English
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ISEE-Upper Level Writing
- SAT Writing and Language
- Study Skills and Organization
- +41 subjects

Sarah: Chicago ISEE test prep instructor
...students from pre-K to college age in subjects ranging from pre-reading/phonics skills, language arts, basic Spanish and study skills to high level math and college test prep. I have a bachelor's in elementary education with endorsements in early childhood and reading and a minor in general business. I have taught eight grade, fourth grade, kindergarten and pre-school. My favorite part about teaching is watching those "aha" moments as students grasp a new or difficult concept...
Education & Certification
- Drake University - Bachelors, Elementary education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Math
- Calculus
- ISEE- Middle Level
- +26 subjects

Sasha: Chicago ISEE test prep instructor
...most circumstances, students are not excited about taking standardized tests, and many are intimidated. Instead of reinforcing that fear, I aim to help students understand standardized tests as the puzzles that they are. By emphasizing connections between the contents of the tests and students' interests, I am able to highlight the patterns and rules that the tests operate under. High standardized test scores unlock a world of educational possibilities, and while they are not an...
Education & Certification
- Oberlin College - Bachelors, Neuroscience and Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Geometry
- IB Psychology SL
- Pre-Algebra
- +63 subjects

Shelby: Chicago ISEE test prep instructor
...industry. I work with a variety of student whether it's students fresh out of high school or, like myself, students that decided they wanted to go back and pursue another degree. I personally believe that every student must be treated as the individual they are. Everyone learns differently and it is up to me and the student I work with to figure out what works best for them when it comes to expanding upon and...
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan-Dearborn - Bachelor in Arts, Mass Communications
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Writing
- TOEFL
- Biology
- +39 subjects