Award-Winning ISEE Tutors serving Columbus, OH

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Elena
Certified ISEE Tutor
Elena
MS University of Edinburgh • BA Mcgill University
1+ Years Tutoring

I am a graduate of McGill University (BA First Class Honors) and the University of Edinburgh (MSc First Class Honors with Distinction) with over eight years of tutoring experience. I am currently a curriculum developer for a company which creates relatable and culturally-literate courses for middle and high-schools, and am particularly adept at communicating and explaining concepts in a quirky, engaging, and intelligent manner. I was named Scotland International Young Thinker of the Year 2014 for exactly that sort of work. Much of my tutoring background is in test-prep and essay coaching, which I enjoy because it allows the tutor and student to think strategically together, and work as a team to achieve concrete results. I have worked with students ranging in age from 6-32, and believe that, in an educational context, a few jokes never hurt anybody. I love reading and learning, and my educational approach is centered around making the material just as engaging to students as it is to me. I think J.K. Rowlings, the writer of Harry Potter, is just as brilliant as Stephen Hawking, and in my free time, I manage my (terrible) fantasy baseball team, write songs for my comedy band, and crack jokes about terrible science-fiction movies with my friends.

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Arielle
Certified ISEE Tutor
Arielle
BA Yale University • Current Grad Student, Early Childhood Education Johns Hopkins University
7+ Years Tutoring

I am a Yale grad, Johns Hopkins master's candidate, and certified early childhood educator. At Yale, I studied History and Child Development. I went on to teach with Teach For America, and I am currently in my 3rd year of teaching. Tutoring has been an interest of mine for many years. I started tutoring when I was in middle school, and I haven't stopped. I thoroughly enjoy working with students of all ages to help supplement their learning. I am looking forward to helping your child to meet his/her goals!

SAT Scores
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Certified ISEE Tutor
Peter
MS Ohio State • BA Syracuse University
1+ Years Tutoring

I'm looking forward to helping your student find personal success in their academic lives!

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Certified ISEE Tutor
Sr
BA Princeton University
6+ Years Tutoring

I'm excited to be tutoring again.

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Certified ISEE Tutor
Amos
MS The Juilliard School • BA Johns Hopkins University
4+ Years Tutoring

I am a music and arts industry professional with over 20 years experience working in a variety of settings. It would be my pleasure to help you achieve your academic and musical goals.

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Certified ISEE Tutor
Christine
BA University of Chicago
6+ Years Tutoring

I'm a rising fourth year at the University of Chicago, studying Biological Sciences.

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Certified ISEE Tutor
Ben
BA Kenyon College
1+ Years Tutoring

I am a rising sophomore at Kenyon College, a small liberal arts school an hour out of Columbus, Ohio, majoring in Philosophy. It is difficult to identify a specialty of mine because I have worked with students from 1st grade through high school on topics ranging from elementary science to trigonometry test prep, but my foremost strength is the three sections of the SAT. I have roughly three years of experience tutoring and last year taught a test prep class. My approach to tutoring is to identify a students strengths and build upon them through frequent quizzes and reflective analysis. Additionally, having just gone through the college admissions process, I am privy to its length and complexity so can lend advice on anything, namely essays. I have plenty of experience writing and have been published in a local newspaper. While I think math is the easiest subject for me to teach, writing and writing skills are my favorite to teach because to see a writers progress is an extraordinary sight and, further, challenge.

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Certified ISEE Tutor
Chloe
BA University
1+ Years Tutoring

I am currently a Gifted Intervention Specialist, teaching advanced mathematics to 3rd, 4th and 5th graders on a daily basis. This is my third year being in this role.

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Certified ISEE Tutor
Jessica
PhD Nova Southeastern University • BA University of Pennsylvania
1+ Years Tutoring

I am a licensed physician from Florida who is currently changing careers. I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2009 and have extensive tutoring and editing experience. While a student, I became a certified writing tutor through the Critical Writing Department. Since I completed my writing requirement at the University prior to matriculating, I was the first freshman tutor to be accepted into this selective program. The tutoring program involved a preliminary peer-tutor training course prior to beginning tutoring, in order to certify that I had the appropriate background to provide professional feedback to fellow students on their literary works and projects. After graduation, I worked for a full-service learning center where I created and implemented high school lesson plans for home-schooled students, provided academic support for students ranging in ages from 8 to 20 years old, and taught group and individual standardized testing preparation classes. I have also assisted students with application essays for various undergraduate and graduate programs.

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Certified ISEE Tutor
Adam
MRE George Mason University • MRE University of Mary Washington
7+ Years Tutoring

I have been tutoring for over 12 years. I have worked with many different students in many different subjects. I've worked as a classroom teacher and instructional content creator, as well. My favorite part of tutoring is knowing that I am making a real difference for my students. I am looking forward to helping more students achieve their academic goals!

SAT Scores
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Certified ISEE Tutor
Katherine
Undergraduate Degree New York University
2+ Years Tutoring

The ISEE throws a mix of verbal reasoning, quantitative comparisons, and reading comprehension at students who are often encountering these question formats for the first time. Katherine breaks each section into repeatable strategies — like eliminating trap answers on synonym questions and setting up equations for word problems — so test day feels familiar rather than overwhelming. Her background in both math and writing analysis means she can coach across every section without switching tutors.

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Certified ISEE Tutor
Zachary
BA Northwestern University • Studied Cognitive Science Northwestern University
10+ Years Tutoring

I am pursuing a career as an actor, but am thrilled to continue to flex my intellectual side and share my passion for learning with the next generation. In college, I studied Cognitive Science, not so much as a fallback career, but because I am fascinated by the subject. I succeeded in getting into Northwestern without the aid of any academic tutors or test prep classes. As such, I am confident in my standardized test-taking abilities, and happy to share the strategies I used for the ACT, SAT II, and AP tests. I am also prepared to tutor a variety of academic subjects as well, as reflected by my approved courses. I look forward to working with you!

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Certified ISEE Tutor
Chelsey
BA Northwestern University
1+ Years Tutoring

I'm a recent graduate of Northwestern University, a native New Yorker, and a recent addition to Varsity Tutors. I grew up in Westchester County, where I volunteered as an assistant creative writing teacher in high school. After high school, I moved to Evanston, Illinois for school. I studied a wide variety of subjects in college: from Medieval Literature to Buddhist Psychology. I moved back to New York after graduating to pursue a career in the arts. I currently work as a reader for the literary director of an Off-Broadway theatre company.

ACT Scores
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Certified ISEE Tutor
Micah
BA Washington University in St. Louis • Degree in Biology Washington University in St. Louis
1+ Years Tutoring

I am a graduate from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in Biology. I have three younger siblings, so I have had experience helping children with their homework from a pretty young age. Throughout college I participated in several tutoring and mentorship programs, helping students who were behind in math and reading raise their test scores and grades. As an instructor I have worked with students in every age level in all kinds of academic subjects, from math and physics to brainstorming and re- drafting English essays, and am truly passionate about helping students achieve their potential.

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Certified ISEE Tutor
Nicole
MS University of Michigan-Flint • BA University of Innsbruck
5+ Years Tutoring

I am passionate about helping students. I believe that we all are learners and teachers. all of us are readers and writers. I have the ability to share my passion for learning with others, and one of my greatest strengths is building relationships with students which is the corner stone to successful learning and teaching. I believe that there are no bad kids or bad students, it's just that we all have different paths and ways of learning, we all have a different pace. As a teacher i strive to acknowledge that and find ways to support all students, adapting to their needs and paths, meeting them where they are at. It is my job to believe in every single student and help them believe in themselves. When I am not teaching or engaging with students, I like to read, walk, hike, travel, explore, work out, watch my favorite shows. I enjoy playing and watching ice hockey, and I try to go home to visit my family in Italy once a year.

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Certified ISEE Tutor
Merav
MS London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art • BA Northwestern University
9+ Years Tutoring

I'm Merav! I graduated magna cum laude from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre and a Minor in Psychology.

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Certified ISEE Tutor
Luke
MS Yale University • BA Davidson College
9+ Years Tutoring

I am a knowledgeable, passionate, and compassionate tutor. My teaching experience ranges from high school instruction, private tutoring, coaching, preaching, and leading high school youth groups. I have tutored and/or taught in algebra 1, geometry, American literature, world literature, middle school math, middle school science, middle school English/reading, American history, world history, essay composition, SAT prep, SSAT/ISEE prep, SHSAT prep, and GRE prep. I always try to discern what the individual needs and learning styles of my students are and then try to meet them where they are. I believe that there is a great student inside everyone, and it takes the right approach to make that great student manifest.

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Certified ISEE Tutor
James
BA Harvard University
1+ Years Tutoring

I am currently a senior at Harvard College where I study chemistry, and I'll be attending Columbia Medical School next year. I have years of experience tutoring college students in math (mostly calculus) and chemistry including both general and organic chemistry. In addition, I am very familiar with all sections of the SAT and ACT having prepared several high school students for these tests. I believe that every student is capable of boosting his or her baseline score on these tests, so long as he or she works hard to get to know the format of the tests and the most popular types of questions. I tutor because I love seeing students develop a genuine passion for the subjects they once disliked (such as math and science), once they understand the power of these subjects and their applications to the real world.

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Certified ISEE Tutor
Jean
BA Duke University
1+ Years Tutoring

I am a graduate of Duke University with a Bachelor of Arts in Latin American History. I recently received my Juris Doctor degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and began my career as an attorney. I am passionate about continuing my work in education through tutoring. I enjoy tutoring many subjects, particularly History, SAT Reading and Writing, College Essays, and Spanish. I love assisting students in implementing simple but effective changes in their preparation for Standardized Tests that show immediate results. I find this motivates students to continue through struggles in their educational pursuits. When I am not working, I enjoy yoga, running, cooking, traveling and playing the cello.

SAT Scores
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Certified ISEE Tutor
Kahini
BA Brown University • BA in English and Psychology Brown University
7+ Years Tutoring

I am currently a neuroscience PhD student at Columbia University. I majored in English and Psychology from Brown University, with a 4.0 and honours in Psychology. Following this, I worked at a lab at UPenn for three years, slowly transitioning to software engineering and computational neuroscience.

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Testimonials

Because the right ISEE tutor makes all the difference.

4.9

Average Session Rating – Based on 3.4M Learner Ratings

Worked with an ISEE Tutor

Your customer interface is A+, being your agents or your site, The tutor you found for me is perfect, no formulas or canned lectures but easy flowing lecture addressing my needs. Congratulations for a job well done.

JA
Julio Aranovich
Worked with an ISEE Tutor

Heejin has been very patient with me. I work a full time job sometimes even on the weekends. It has been a slow process with my Korean classes, but Heejin has been wonderful and patient.

AH
Angela Hussein
Worked with an ISEE Tutor

My son has had many quality tutors through this convenient service, and he can hop on at any time of day to get support for a homework assignment or test. It's very convenient and effective.

TR
Tara R
Worked with an ISEE Tutor

I've been working with my tutor for a few months now and the progress has been remarkable. The personalized attention and tailored lessons made all the difference compared to in-classroom learning.

MC
Michael Chen
Worked with an ISEE Tutor

The flexibility of scheduling combined with the quality of instruction is unmatched. I can get help exactly when I need it, whether that's late at night or early in the morning before a test.

PP
Priya Patel
Worked with an ISEE Tutor

My daughter went from dreading her sessions to looking forward to them. The tutor made the material engaging and built her confidence in ways I never thought possible. Highly recommend.

RW
Rebecca Williams

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Frequently Asked Questions

The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is a standardized test used by independent schools to evaluate student readiness for admission. Students in Columbus typically take it in grades 4-11 depending on which independent school they're applying to. The exam assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, and math achievement—skills that matter for success in competitive independent school environments.

The ISEE has four levels: Primary (grades 2-3), Lower (grades 4-5), Middle (grades 6-7), and Upper (grades 8-11). Which level you take depends on the grade you're entering when you apply to an independent school. For example, if you're applying to enter 6th grade, you'd take the Middle Level ISEE. Varsity Tutors can help you prepare for whichever level matches your target grade and school.

Many Columbus students struggle with the pacing and reasoning-heavy questions on the ISEE—it's not just about knowing math and vocabulary, but applying those skills under time pressure. The verbal reasoning section trips up students who haven't practiced inference and logic questions before. Additionally, balancing ISEE prep with regular schoolwork can feel overwhelming, especially since classroom instruction doesn't typically focus on standardized test strategies.

Personalized 1-on-1 instruction focuses on your specific weaknesses rather than generic test content. A tutor can identify whether you're struggling with time management, particular question types, or foundational skills—and adjust the approach accordingly. With group classes or self-study, you're working through material at a fixed pace, but personalized tutoring lets you spend more time on areas that need it and move faster through concepts you've mastered.

In the first session, a tutor will typically assess your current skills by reviewing practice problems or a diagnostic test, discuss your target independent schools and timeline, and understand your learning style. This helps create a customized prep plan focused on your priorities—whether that's building foundational math skills, mastering verbal reasoning, or test-taking strategies. You'll also set clear goals so you know what success looks like.

Most students benefit from 2-3 months of focused ISEE prep, though this depends on your starting point and target score. If you're strong in the tested subjects, you might need less time—perhaps 6-8 weeks focused on test strategy and timing. If you're building foundational skills, 3-4 months allows time to strengthen those areas and then practice full-length exams under timed conditions.

Score improvement varies based on your starting point and effort, but students who work consistently with a tutor typically see meaningful gains—often 10-20 percentile points or more. The ISEE uses percentiles to rank performance, so even a shift of a few raw points can meaningfully improve your standing. The real benefit of tutoring is building the skills and confidence to perform your best on test day, not just chasing a number.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in ISEE prep and understand the independent school landscape in Columbus. You can share your target schools, timeline, and specific areas where you need support, and we'll match you with someone who fits your needs. The process is straightforward—get connected, schedule your first session, and start working toward your goals.

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