If you are looking for the perfect Salt Lake City ISEE prep course for your student's needs, Varsity Tutors offers a comprehensive course worth your attention. The ISEE, or Independent School Entrance Examination, is a high-stakes test utilized by independent and magnet schools as an objective way to compare applicants from different backgrounds. It is offered to students going into second grade and up, split into four levels (Primary grades 2-4, Lower 5-6, Middle 7-8, Upper 9+) in order to ensure that each test-taker receives an appropriate academic challenge.
No matter which level ISEE your student is preparing for, we can enroll them in a Salt Lake City ISEE class that covers all of the academic concepts on the exam plus test-taking strategies that could improve their self-confidence on exam day. Continue reading to learn more about how we can help you.
What content areas are typically covered in a Salt Lake City ISEE course?
The Primary Level ISEE is split into three separate exams according to a student's age (Primary 2, Primary 3, and Primary 4). Every test has multiple-choice Math and Reading sections, and Primary 2 also has an exclusive Auditory Comprehension section to measure how well a young test-taker understands spoken material. Each exam also has a writing prompt centered around a picture prompt, providing a glimpse into each student's personality and creativity.
The other three ISEE levels (Lower, Middle, and Upper) all have the same basic structure, though the material gets more challenging as the test-taker gets older. The format consists of five sections: Verbal Reasoning (40 multiple-choice questions in 20 minutes), Quantitative Reasoning (37 questions over 35 minutes), Reading Comprehension (36 items in 35 minutes), Math Achievement (47 questions in 40 minutes), and a timed 30-minute Essay.
Here is a closer look at what students can expect on each section of the exam:
Verbal Reasoning
The assessment's Verbal Reasoning section evaluates a test-taker's vocabulary skills through a series of items regarding synonyms and sentence completions. It isn't feasible to try to memorize every individual word that could appear on the test, so developing a working knowledge of Greek and Latin roots, prefixes, suffixes, and the parts of speech can help a student determine what an unknown word signifies. Students may also be encouraged to read in their spare time to practice using context to define unfamiliar terms.
Quantitative Reasoning
The exam's Quantitative Reasoning section measures a student's mathematical thinking skills, leaving mathematical operations skills to a separate part of the test. Possible topics include the four basic operations and simple probability on the Lower Level ISEE, square roots and the distributive property on the Middle Level ISEE, and exponents and algebraic variables on the Upper Level ISEE.
Reading Comprehension
The test's Reading Comprehension component assesses a test-taker's critical thinking and reading comp skills through a series of passage-based questions. All test-takers need to identify a passage's main idea, an author's intent with a given piece, and its organizational structure. Students taking the Middle Level ISEE and above also need to make inferences based on what they've read and recognize the difference between literal and figurative language. The Upper Level ISEE introduces literary genres to the equation, as test-takers are expected to compare words across genre lines.
Math Achievement
The examination's Math Achievement section stresses a student's ability to actually solve math problems. Possible topics include estimation and percentages on the Lower Level ISEE, prime factorization and proportion on the Middle Level ISEE, and coordinate grids and statistics on the Upper Level ISEE.
Writing
The ISEE's Writing section is not scored, but a copy of your student's work is provided to each school they apply to allow the pertinent admissions department to evaluate their work for themselves. The prompt is structured as a letter of introduction, allowing prospective students to introduce themselves to a school. That said, conventions such as grammar and punctuation are considered as well.
Why should I enroll my student in a Salt Lake City ISEE course?
Every Salt Lake City ISEE class we provide takes place on a live virtual platform, which is basically an online classroom that makes students feel as though they are attending a physical class without the corresponding logistical hassle. Your student will be able to interact with their teacher and their classmates in real time, so asking for help is as easy as raising a hand. Your student's instructor will also be a great communicator with a strong knowledge base about the ISEE, allowing your student to trust everything they hear in class.
Studying with other students in a Salt Lake City ISEE class also provides several advantages. Everyone can work together to establish a collaborative learning environment that may make it easier to develop a fuller understanding of academic concepts. For example, talking over a concept with a peer can make the material feel more approachable than an adult instructor. Students are also free to help each other out during a class so that students can hear alternate perspectives on a topic.
Working in a group also allows each member of that group to split the bill, making standardized test prep more affordable than you might believe. If you feel as though your student could benefit from individualized attention to overcome a particular learning obstacle, you are also free to arrange private study time with the teacher for a little extra help.
Perhaps most importantly, we try to make attending a class as convenient as we can. We offer both two- and four-week class options to make it easier to find a fit for your busy schedule. We also start new classes every week, so it's always a good time for your student to start pursuing their academic goals.
Can I sign my student up for a Salt Lake City ISEE course today?
Sure. Reach out to an expert educational consultant using the contact info provided on this page to learn more about the benefits of taking a Salt Lake City ISEE course and get the enrollment process started. Varsity Tutors looks forward to helping you in any way we are able!

Brian: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
...grade. As I got into progressively harder subjects, especially when entering high school, I had to change in mindset of what it even means to BE a student. Standardized tests, subjects that I just didn't get, and all these other educational obligations had me perplexed. I was lucky enough to acquire a great tutor of my own who helped navigate through my studies. Test-taking strategies and deeper comprehension of certain topics was exactly what I...
Education & Certification
- University of Utah - Current Undergrad, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- ACT
- ISEE- Middle Level
- +15 subjects
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Provo - Bachelor of Science, Human Development and Family Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- WISC IV
- CLEP
- +61 subjects

Cera: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
...studying the way the world works. I have tutored for just over a year, and I tutor physics, algebra, reading, and test prep. Physics is one of my passions because I love learning about the world around me. Physics is intuitive and learning the laws that govern the world around us helps expand our understanding. I am a very hands-on tutor. I believe that working directly with things and especially working on projects of interest...
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Provo - Bachelor of Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- +72 subjects

Kami: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
...or Spanish. I recently graduated with my Bachelors degree in International Studies and a minor in Spanish in April and will begin a Masters program in the Fall in International Policy and Development. I love politics, languages, and English. In my spare time I love music and art. I have been painting and singing since I was a girl. I also really love sports, like volleyball and baseball, and playing with my dog Rio.
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Idaho - Bachelor in Arts, International Relations
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- A Level
- REGENTS
- ASVAB
- +84 subjects

Ashley: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
...Algebra and Geometry because of how visual they can both be and the foundation they provide for future math concepts. I'm a firm advocate for helping students become problem solvers and not just memorizers of equations. I also love ASL and have been tutoring ASL for three years now. I took college courses on ASL and enjoy it immensely. When I'm not tutoring math or ASL, I can be found reading, playing volleyball, or making...
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Provo - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Math
- Middle School Math
- Algebra
- +10 subjects

Phoebe: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
...been teaching elementary school since. In the spring of 2018 I received my Masters of Arts in Teaching from Mills College. Previously, I have worked as a AmeriCorps volunteer in a middle school in East Oakland. During that time I worked extensively with a group of 10 sixth graders to raise their reading, math, and organizational skills. Currently I teach fourth grade, which I love! In my experience working with students, I have always enjoyed...
Education & Certification
- Bates College - Bachelor in Arts, Religious Studies
- Mills College - Master of Arts Teaching, Elementary School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- ESL/ELL
- ISEE- Upper Level
- +34 subjects

Roberta: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
Every student has their own unique talents. Every student has the ability to master information. Every student can succeed in different ways and on different days.... There is value in all learning though we may not recognize it while we are going through it. But one piece of information, one skill we mastered, will one day be critical in achieving a goal we really want. Hard work is the price we pay for getting to that place where we can enjoy learning and doing.
Education & Certification
- Shenandoah University - Bachelors, Music Education
- Boston University - Masters, Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- English Grammar and Syntax
- Elementary School Reading
- Study Skills
- +24 subjects

Dane: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
...Mathematics. Now, I am working on a Ph.D. Mathematics while I travel around Europe with my family. I am in love with the beauty of mathematics, and being able to help other people understand it! Being able to use programming to solve math problems is really cool, and being able to use math to solve programming problems is even better. But the absolute best part about my work (and sort of the end goal, in...
Education & Certification
- University of Utah - Bachelor of Science, Applied Mathematics
- Chemnitz University of Technology - Master of Science, Computational Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ASVAB
- CLEP
- SAT
- +84 subjects

Jacqueline: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
...special education, reading, writing, scientific writing, health, Certified Health Education Specialist Exam prep, GRE prep, I graduated, in 2012, from Utah Valley University with a Bachelor's degree in Health Education. I was also accepted into the Master's of Public Health Program at the University of Utah. In addition to private tutoring, I am currently working as a Program Manager for an after-school site where I plan and carry out lessons for art, STEM, literacy, math,...
Education & Certification
- Utah Valley University - Bachelor of Science, Public Health Education
- University of Utah - Master in Public Health, Public Health
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- STAAR
- GED
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +172 subjects

Lowell: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
...twenty years experience in education. My qualifications are as follows: I graduated BYU with a bachelor's in Social Studies Teaching and a minor in Spanish Teaching. I later graduated with a second bachelor's degree in Anthropology. Recently I graduated with a master's in Instructional Design. I have taught high school Spanish and adult ESL. I have also substituted. Currently, I teach an adult ESL class at night. I enjoy the act of teaching, and am...
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Provo - Bachelor of Education, Social Science Teacher Education
- Western Governors University - Masters in Education, Educational, Instructional, and Curriculum Supervision
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- +70 subjects

Aaron: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
...technology-based learning and in-class didactic learning lends itself well to the particular was in which I would like to teach. Particular use of these examples in my class lectures emphasizes the relevance of continual self-improvement (education) to modern management and leadership. Whenever possible, I try to present the information in a manner that invites participation from the class so that further enhances the learning experience. The end goal is always to reinforce the principles of...
Education & Certification
- ITT Technical Institute-Indianapolis - Bachelor of Science, Network and System Administration
- University of Phoenix-Online Campus - Doctor of Business Adminstration, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- COMPASS
- SAT 4-Week Prep Class
- A Level
- +411 subjects

Yvan: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
I'm patient, personable, and have an incredible gift for explaining things in a way that makes sense. I majored in Math Education (with a minor in Computer Science), and I have more than eight years of experience teaching math and other STEM subjects.
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Provo - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics Teacher Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- HSPT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SHSAT
- +155 subjects

Eric: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
I am a lover of all things STEM. I believe in helping students help themselves. I have a lot of experience working with students as young as 4th grade all the way up to high school and college. STEM is more than just knowledge, it is practical skills that we all use everyday.
Education & Certification
- Utah State University - Bachelor of Science, Geology
- University of Utah - Certificate, Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- GED
- SAT Subject Tests
- CLEP
- +117 subjects

Kelsey: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
Hello! My name is Kelsey Palmer and I am a graduate of San Diego State University with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies in Three Departments: Rhetoric and Writing Strategies, History, and Recreation and Tourism Management. I have a passion for writing and editing and love to share that and help others.
Education & Certification
- San Diego State University - Bachelor in Arts, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- PSAT Critical Reading
- ISEE-Lower Level Writing
- +47 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- SSAT
- PSAT
- +67 subjects

Alexis: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
...can help my future students accomplish their goals. I am very responsible and will keep a data chart of all of my students individually. This will include their progress, and what they need more practice with. I will make copies for my students to hold onto for themselves, and we will discuss what their goals want to be each week. We will write those goals down and make sure we stay focused on accomplishing them....
Education & Certification
- Salt Lake Community College - Current Undergrad, Early Childhood Education
- University of Utah - Masters, Early Childhood Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- +52 subjects

Celeste: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
...at the elementary and secondary levels. At the elementary level I taught grades 1-6, and tutored after school in the public school system. On the secondary level I have taught math, science, social studies, Spanish, and art to in a private academy. I tutor English as a second language, phonics, elementary reading, elementary writing, elementary math, elementary science, and elementary social studies. Additionally, I also tutor middle school math, pre-algebra, algebra, and Spanish. My goal...
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Provo - Bachelor of Science, Elementary School Teaching
- Southern Utah University - Masters in Education, Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Algebra
- Mandarin Chinese
- Elementary School English
- +30 subjects

Harvest: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
...was that someone had been telling him that he was writing several letters backwards, so therefore it was all wrong. All he needed in the end was encouragement that we all start out writing letters backwards, and he soon became excited about writing his name on any piece of paper he could reach. I had an amazing teacher reach out to me and help relight my love of learning when I was nine, and I...
Education & Certification
- Saint Marys College of California - Bachelor in Arts, International Relations
- University of London - Master of Arts, Development Economics and International Development
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- GED
- Trigonometry
- +47 subjects

Ashley: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
...teaching! I have been in the teaching profession for the last 10 years. Two of those years as a Teacher's Aid in an Elementary School, six as a first grade teacher, one as an Elementary Science Specialist and one year teaching English, Science and History at the Middle and High School levels. I also have experience teaching ESL to both adults and children. There is nothing better than seeing another person grasp a new skill...
Education & Certification
- University of Utah - Bachelor in Arts, English
- University of Phoenix-Utah Campus - Master of Arts, Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- STAAR
- SAT Subject Tests
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +49 subjects

Jeffrey: Salt Lake City ISEE course instructor
...as a Naval Officer with the unique expertise learned in one-on-one communication with peers and sailors as well as my five children, I can help you or your child succeed. A Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, and a Math Minor help qualify me for tutoring in many subjects. My individualized tutoring methods also raised my step-son's Physics grade from a C to an A in one semester. I specialize in mathematics (basic arithmetic through calculus) but...
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Provo - Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering
- City University of Seattle - Master of Science, Project Management
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- GCSE
- TOEFL
- +335 subjects