Finding the right New York City ISEE prep solution for your child doesn't have to be difficult when you take advantage of the help of Varsity Tutors. If your child will be taking one of the ISEE levels, it probably means you are hoping they will be accepted to one of the city's top independent or private schools. These schools rely on the ISEE to give them insight into the academic level of those children who apply.
No matter how well your child has been doing in their studies thus far, giving them an opportunity to review with a skilled instructor can help them work towards doing their best on test day. To learn more about what is covered on the different levels of the ISEE and how Varsity Tutors can help you find the right New York City ISEE prep strategy for your child.
What can New York City ISEE prep cover?
There are four levels of the ISEE; Upper, Middle, Lower, and Primary. The Upper Level is for students entering grades nine through twelve. The Middle Level is for students entering grades seven or eight. The Lower Level is for children entering grades five or six. The Primary Level is comprised of three sublevels; Primary 4, Primary 3, and Primary 2. The Primary Levels correspond to the grade level the child will be entering. All of the levels evaluate your child's grade level appropriate understanding of math and reading. They also all require your child to write an essay that is not graded.
The Upper, Middle, and Lower levels of the ISEE all have the same five core sections; Math Achievement, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and an Essay. Students will have have the same amount of time for these sections to answer the same number of questions. The specific skills evaluated throughout the sections are based on the grade level.
In the Math Achievement section of the exam, your child will have 40 minutes to answer 47 questions. In the Quantitative Reasoning section, they will have 35 minutes to answer 37 questions. These sections evaluate your child's mathematical thinking and math operation skills. Some of the math skills and concepts your child may need to review, depending on their grade level include solving equations, data analysis and probability, basic math operations, measurement, geometry, working with variables and exponents, integers, fractions, square roots, decimals, estimation, ratios and proportion, prime factorization, and various algebraic concepts.
For the Verbal Reasoning portion of the exam, your child will have 20 minutes to answer 40 questions. In the Reading Comprehension section, they will have 35 minutes to answer 36 items. These sections measure your child's English language and reading comprehension skills. A few of the English language and reading skills your child can review with the help of a professional ISEE prep resource include parts of speech, root words, prefixes, suffixes, synonyms, comparing and contrasting, identifying an author's intent, cause and effect, figurative and literal language, and determining the meaning of a word from context clues.
Your child will have 30 minutes to respond to one writing prompt in the Essay section of the test. Although the Essay isn't graded, a copy of your child's response is sent to the schools to which your child applies. It is an opportunity for them to demonstrate their competency with skills such as sentence structure, creativity, organization, punctuation, and grammar. As part of their ISEE preparation, they can work on developing these skills so they can accurately represent their unique style and personality.
The three core sections of the Primary Level are Reading, Mathematics, and a Writing Sample. As with the other levels, the writing sample is not graded but should still be considered during preparation efforts. The Primary Level 2 ISEE has an additional section for students to complete that focuses on their auditory comprehension. During this section the students have a passage read to them, and they then answer questions based on the information presented. Some of the skills your child may need to review before taking one the Primary Levels of the ISEE include vocabulary, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and reading comprehension.
Professional New York City ISEE preparation can help your student prepare for their upcoming exam whether they need targeted help on specific skills or a comprehensive overview of multiple subjects.
How can a New York City ISEE prep class help my child prepare?
Prep classes are ideal for students who need a comprehensive overview and who thrive in group learning environments. Having the support of peers who are all focused on a common goal is highly motivating for many students. Classes are held in a secure online environment and are structured similarly to a traditional classroom. The teacher will present the curriculum to the class and may then work with children individually answering questions or facilitate group projects or conversations to support greater understanding of specific topics.
You can choose between two and four-week classes to ensure your child has an appropriate amount of time to prepare. Each class is made of individual sections, and new sections begin each week. This means your child can get started right away with their prep efforts.
How is working with a New York City ISEE tutor different from taking a course?
The two biggest differences between working with a tutor and taking a course are the amount of personalized instruction your child can receive and how sessions are scheduled. When working with a private tutor, your child's lessons will be tailored to their specific learning style, academic needs, and scoring goals while classes offer a more generalized approach that focuses equally on all areas. You and your needs determine the schedule of a private session while a course has designated times that your child must attend.
How can I get my child started with New York City ISEE prep?
Varsity Tutors can help you quickly sign your child up for a New York City ISEE prep course or connect you with a private ISEE tutor who can work one-on-one with your child. We know that education isn't a one method fits all proposition, which is why we want to support you in providing your child what they need to maximize their test preparation efforts. Contact Varsity Tutors now to get started today.

Kelsey: New York ISEE test prep instructor
...elementary and high school years, and she believes that all students (regardless of their field of focus) need to build a solid foundation in writing, reading comprehension, grammatical and syntactical knowledge, and time management techniques. Kelsey has experience working with students of all ages and a wide range of subjects through her vast tutoring and editing background; she had worked as a lead tutor at a math-focused center for students ages 5 to 18, had...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ECAA/ERB
- Summer
- College English
- +74 subjects

Elizabeth: New York ISEE test prep instructor
...always ended up helping other students and eventually becoming a teaching assistant and tutor because my willingness to engage is infectious. I also find that I can explain concepts in a number of different ways, allowing me to tailor my approach to individual students and help them understand things they’ve previously struggled with. I’m interested in how people learn, so my first approach to every student is to understand how they are approaching a problem...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelors, Urban Studies/Architecture
- CUNY Hunter College - Masters, Fine Art
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Middle School Math
- Other
- Architecture
- +92 subjects

Emmelina: New York ISEE test prep instructor
...Chicago, and now Columbia University), I always try to be a personable and positive figure with my tutees, because I understand what it's like at that age to have so much stress put upon you to improve your scores by X amount of points, and I want them to feel like a tutoring session is a relaxing but productive space where they shouldn't be afraid to ask questions and tell me what keeps tripping them...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, Environmental Science
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Other
- ACT English
- Pre-Algebra
- +51 subjects

Naftali: New York ISEE test prep instructor
...Kaplan Test Prep in the past. While I tutor a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about English and Writing. In my experience, there is no best approach for how to tutor students. Every student is different and should be taught in a way that helps them better understand both the subject matter in front of them and themselves as a student. I believe that the healthy combination of creativity and patience can...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Current Undergrad, Dramatic Writing
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Writing
- Homework Support
- ACT Writing
- +54 subjects

Jude: New York ISEE test prep instructor
...university, and have since then traveled through Europe and CanadaI've also tutored and taught in Warsaw, Poland, and Toronto! I have worked with learners anywhere from K-undergraduate levels. I really love teaching and helping students focus on the ways they learn best. For me, I've found that a holistic approach to subjectscritical thinking, essay structure, test-taking skillsis the best way to ensure success. My favorite subjects to teach are in Liberal Arts and test prep,...
Education & Certification
- University of New Mexico-Main Campus - Bachelors, English
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- College World History
- High School World History
- Algebra
- +101 subjects

Clio: New York ISEE test prep instructor
...ballet, modern, and to whatever songs my roommates and I play. I would love to be your tutor. I have been working with Varsity for the last 4 years and have watched and learned how the standardized tests have changed. I'm extremely passionate about learning to work the convoluted system that makes up college applications and teaching others what I've learned. I love learning and school and I hope I can help you feel the...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Current Undergrad, Film Studies and Political Science
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Pre-Algebra
- Middle School Writing
- SAT Reading
- +53 subjects

Kenneth: New York ISEE test prep instructor
My bachelor's degree in math comes from Fairmont State University. I have over four years of experience in NYC public schools, and I'm embarrassed by the lack of effort put forth to instill the importance of a Mathematical mind. I feel like my love and enthusiasm for Math makes me an excellent tutor.
Education & Certification
- Fairmont State University - Bachelors, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Algebra 3/4
- SAT Reading
- ISEE- Middle Level
- +27 subjects

Jed: New York ISEE test prep instructor
...both taught and tutored for after-school centers in Taiwan working with children from a young elementary level up to high school and even college students. My other position was as an education consultant for university applications where I taught advanced writing workshops to working professionals. Through my editing and consulting services, I have helped my clients gain entrance to elite US institutions such as Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University, and others. Outside...
Education & Certification
- Middlebury College - Bachelor in Arts, Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Test in Chemistry
- High School English
- IB Extended Essay
- +56 subjects

Nathan: New York ISEE test prep instructor
Hi! My name is Nathan and I'm currently a junior at New York University's Stern School of Business. I graduated from Staten Island Technical High School in 2016 and I am always looking to help and share my specialization in SHSAT, SAT, and Math!
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SHSAT
- Python
- Pre-Algebra
- +36 subjects

John Raffles: New York ISEE test prep instructor
...people in it. I would also like to spread that knowledge, subsequently inspiring people to seek their own truths. Tutoring is a beautiful composition of art and science. One must understand both the material and the student. Not just simple comprehension, but in what manner the comprehension is reached. I enjoy breaking down problems into logical sub-units. First, the underlying equations (or axioms, or vocabulary, or processes) must be understood, preferably on an instinctual level,...
Education & Certification
- University of Arizona - Bachelors, Biomedical Engineering and Dance
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Physiology
- IB Dance HL
- MCAT Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
- +70 subjects

Jacob: New York ISEE test prep instructor
...about reach their potential. For my own academic history, I scored in the 99th percentile on all three sections of the SAT, as well as attaining a score of 5 on the AP Statistics, US Government, US History, and English Literature and Composition exams. I completed my BA in Government in December after having served as a Research Apprentice with the Quantitative Analysis Center, and my thesis utilizing a range of novel econometrics to isolate...
Education & Certification
- Wesleyan University - Bachelors, Government
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ISEE- Upper Level
- Phonics
- AP Statistics
- +69 subjects

Liz: New York ISEE test prep instructor
...love working with kids, and have experience tutoring middle school students in Spanish, tutoring high school students in the ACT and SAT Verbal sections, guiding students through essay writing, and have worked with children with learning and behavioral disabilities, including those with ADHD and on the Autism spectrum. I believe in a patient, hardworking approach to test-taking and subject help. I am a strong proponent of open communication and active collaboration. I look forward to...
Education & Certification
- University of Southern California - Bachelor in Arts, Theatre
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- English Grammar and Syntax
- SAT Subject Test in Literature
- Test Prep
- +40 subjects

Amy: New York ISEE test prep instructor
...to understand each student's strengths, weaknesses, and motivations, and to devise a personalized plan based in not just results, but personal accomplishment and goal-setting. Two of my biggest passions are learning new things and working with people. Combine those two together, and you get the exact reason why I'm here. I want to motivate and push you to accomplish what you previously thought impossible both inside and outside of the classroom -- whether it's acing...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Current Undergrad, Human Rights, English, Business Management
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- High School English
- TACHS
- HSPT
- +31 subjects

Thomas: New York ISEE test prep instructor
...25-year-old Yale graduate. I have extensive experience (5+ years) tutoring students for the SAT and ACT. I got a 2370 on my SAT (800 Math, 780 Critical Reading, 790 Writing) and a 35 on my ACT. I am also very familiar with the SSAT and ISEE exams. After graduating from Yale University with a BA and MA in history I taught English in South Korea for a year before moving home and becoming a tutor...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelors, History
- Yale University - Masters, History
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Test Prep
- SSAT
- PSAT Mathematics
- +20 subjects

James: New York ISEE test prep instructor
...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...
Education & Certification
- Harvard University - Bachelor in Arts, Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Science
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- SAT Writing and Language
- +45 subjects

Muktasid: New York ISEE test prep instructor
...Doctorate in Pharmacy. I specialize in test prep such as SAT, ACT, SHSAT, etc. but am more than capable of teaching a variety of subjects. I have been tutoring students since middle school and have found that "practice makes perfect" is the most effective philosophy when it comes to learning. I love being able to help people, and the satisfaction of helping students excel in their studies provides me the incentive to give it my...
Education & Certification
- St. John's University - PHD, Pharmacy
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Algebra
- Organic Chemistry
- SAT Math
- +36 subjects

Elaine: New York ISEE test prep instructor
I am a student at Harvard studying applied math and genetics. I love to learn and teach and will offer enthusiasm and experience towards the subject(s) of interest. As someone who graduated high school only a few years ago, I understand and appreciate the rigor of preparatory school and associated exams, such as the SAT. I will dedicate myself to my students and help them grow towards their academic goals. ... I would get acquainted with the student and get to know how they learn by diving into a relevant question or topic.
Education & Certification
- Harvard University - Current Undergrad, applied math and biomedical engineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- English
- SAT Reading
- Algebra
- +44 subjects

Sonali: New York ISEE test prep instructor
...of students, ages 8-20. In terms of my clients, I like working with dedicated, passionate students who are willing to put in the work to achieve their goals. For me, tutoring is about working with a student until they are able to achieve their goal, and even beyond that so that they have the confidence to continue pursuing their dreams. I'm very patient, calm, and thorough when covering a subject, and I truly enjoy watching...
Education & Certification
- CUNY Brooklyn College - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Other
- SAT Writing and Language
- ACT Math
- +59 subjects

Sarah: New York ISEE test prep instructor
...courses and 13 AP tests in high school. I have years of experience tutoring students of all ages, from elementary school through high school. In my spare time, I enjoy playing the violin, reading, and writing. I live in New York City during the academic year (September - May) and would be happy to tutor in-person (depending on the travel distance) then. Of course, if you/your child is more comfortable with online tutoring, I can...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor in Arts, Journalism
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Reading
- Middle School Reading
- +36 subjects

Margarita: New York ISEE test prep instructor
...and I grew up with a very strong and traditional math background. I always find teaching math to students to be gratifying, and I hope to share some of my love for math with my students. I also enjoy tutoring test prep, especially since I know how stressful the process of applying to colleges (and later graduate schools) is! With every student, I aim to find an individualized approach that makes our time together productive,...
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ISEE- Upper Level
- Graduate Test Prep
- Middle School Math
- +55 subjects