The ISEE is a standardized test that is used by many private schools as a part of their admissions process. If you are interested in having your student attend a private school, it may be in their best interest to have you enroll them in a San Diego ISEE class by contacting Varsity Tutors.
The ISEE is broken down into four different levels based on grade level. Students who are entering 9th grade or above can take the Upper Level test, students who are entering 7th or 8th grade can take the Middle Level test, students entering 5th or 6th grade can take the Lower Level test, and students entering 2nd through 4th grade can take the Primary Level. The number of questions involved and the amount of time provided for each section is the same for the Lower, Middle, and Upper Levels.
What can a San Diego ISEE class help my student review?
The Lower, Middle, and Upper Levels of the ISEE all contain five sections, which include Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Math Achievement, Reading Comprehension, and an Essay. While each section has the same number of questions, each level covers different topics within those sections. What follows is a breakdown of the five sections and the type of material your student can expect on each section and each level.
Quantitative Reasoning
The Quantitative Reasoning Section takes 35 minutes to complete and contains 37 questions. Across all three levels, this section examines mathematical skills. At the Upper Level, this section measures students' skills in working with exponents and variables, their ability to make inferences about a data set, and their ability to solve equations. Overall, this level is more about mathematical thinking than mathematical operations.
At the Middle Level, this section is more focused on numbers and operations, geometry, and data analysis. It may be helpful for students to know how to use the distributive property, to understand square roots, and to be able to calculate measurements. At the Lower Level, this section focuses on more basic math such as subtraction and addition.
Verbal Reasoning
The Verbal Reasoning Section takes 20 minutes and contains 40 questions. This section is more focused on English language skills. At the Upper Level, this section asks students to answer questions about high school-level vocabulary, synonyms, and suffixes. At the Middle Level, this section contains middle and high school-level vocabulary and asks questions about the parts of speech. Finally, at the Lower Level, this section covers elementary school-level vocabulary and asks students to complete sentences based on context.
Math Achievement
The Math Achievement Sections takes 40 minutes and there are 47 questions. This section also covers math-related topics. At the Upper Level, this section requires students to solve word problems, solve equations, and to work with variables and exponents. At the Middle Level, this section looks at quadrilaterals and triangles, fractions, and relatively prime numbers, to name a few concepts. Finally, the Lower Level test requires students to be knowledgeable about decimals, percentages, and estimation.
Reading Comprehension
The Reading Comprehension takes 35 minutes and contains 36 questions. It is primarily concerned with reading comprehension across all three levels. At the Upper Level, this section requires students to read a passage and answer questions about it. These questions could involve comparing and contrasting, cause and effect, and the relationships about different literary genres.
The Middle Level has students read through passages and has students answer questions about the information contained within the passage. This can include language use that is both figurative and literal and information that may not be explicitly stated in the passage. Finally, the Lower Level test has students focus on identifying the main ideas presented in the passage.
Essay
The Essay section takes 30 minutes and only has one prompt. This section requires students to write an essay about a topic that is of interest to a student at their specific grade level. These essays are not graded, but they are designed to give their potential school a better idea of who they are. It is also an opportunity for students to showcase their writing skills.
Primary Level ISEE
While the Lower, Middle, and Upper Level tests are similar when it comes to sections, the Primary Level test is a bit different. Students in 2nd grade have a unique section, which is known as the Auditory Comprehension Section. This section contains 6 questions and students have 7 minutes to finish it. This section requires students to listen to various passages and answer questions about them. Topics can be either nonfiction or fiction.
Students in 2nd through 4th grades take a test with a Reading, Math, and Writing section. The Math Section is multiple choice and has questions about basic math operations. The Reading Section has questions about grade-appropriate vocabulary, and the Writing Section has students write a story about a picture that is provided on the test.
How can a San Diego ISEE course help my student prepare?
There are many different ways in which a San Diego ISEE course can help your student prepare. One of the main benefits of enrolling your student in an ISEE course is that the course is designed to be similar to a traditional classroom setting. Your student will have an instructor who can help them review the various topics and subject areas that could be on the test. Furthermore, your student will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students. This can be valuable for some students because it gives them a chance to work in groups. This breaks up the time spent listening to the instructor, which can help in terms of staying focused.
Another benefit to enrolling your student in an ISEE class is the fact that the class takes place online. You don't have to worry about getting your child to yet another activity because they can simply take the class online within your house.
How can I enroll my student in a San Diego ISEE prep course?
Enrolling your student in a San Diego ISEE prep course is as easy as contacting Varsity Tutors either online or over the phone at your convenience. Feel free to sign your student up for either a four-week or two-week session based on their needs.
Aleksandra: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...years to help students in math, writing, and reading. In the class we worked in small groups on many topics including homework, current school and grade level topics and old topics to help with intervention. I have also taught summer school to help students before moving on to the next grade level. I think it...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelors, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- High School English
- SSAT- Middle Level
- +22 subjects
Viraj: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...Diego area. In high school I was a debate captain for a national-level debate team. My job was to coach the younger members. I would help them prepare for upcoming topics while working with them to develop their speaking, writing and research skills. I'm currently teaching two after-school classes, one in Pre-Calculus and the other...
Education & Certification
- University of California-San Diego - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +66 subjects
Paul: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...to the upper level math classes. I try to show the students that there is math all around them and show them how it can relate to their daily lives. When I teach and tutor, I try to make it fun and encourage them. My outside interests are photography, hiking and traveling. These interests eventually...
Education & Certification
- National University - Bachelor in Arts, Math
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SSAT
- Life Sciences
- ISEE- Middle Level
- +15 subjects
Juanita: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...looking to tutor part time. I am experienced in working with a variety of students at all ability levels. I would ensure that I am prepared to tutor my student in any subject by doing any necessary research or reviews. My goal is to help students achieve independence and mastery of the topic.
Education & Certification
- San DIego State Univeristy - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
- National University - Master of Arts, Cross-cultural Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- CAHSEE
- SSAT
- ACT
- +70 subjects
Chi-Sun: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...understand the concepts and reasoning behind math, and not just learn how to apply formulas and do well on tests. Although they may get good grades, this will be useless later in life. In my teaching experience, when students actually learn the concepts and logic, not only does their math vastly improve, but they also...
Education & Certification
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- GCSE
- K-11th Grade Standardized Tests
- +112 subjects
Ruth: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...math and science problems without being intimidated, and I hope to relate the importance of a solid education to students. I am very patient, attentive to students' needs, and can tailor lessons to address specific needs that you might have. I enjoy tutoring Biology, Chemistry, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and can help with SAT test prep....
Education & Certification
- University of California-San Diego - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- ACT
- SSAT
- SAT
- +34 subjects
Kristie: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...communities and youth all over San Diego county through an after school education curriculum. The principles of the program are that children can learn through nontraditional measures such as technology, play, and self-expression. All of the communities involved were bilingual communities such as the Spanish immersion program in South County and the Kumeyaay native people...
Education & Certification
- UC- San Diego - Bachelor in Arts, Communications
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- STAAR
- SSAT
- +28 subjects
Alex: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...math and science are built based on their fundamental concepts. Therefore, a solid understanding of these basic concepts is very important as students move forward into more advanced courses. Showing students steps to solve a problem is necessary; however, showing them why performing such steps is the key to successfully tackling more complex problems.
Education & Certification
- University of California-San Diego - Bachelor of Science, Bioengineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- HSPT
- Advanced Placement
- SSAT
- +20 subjects
Hugo: San Diego ISEE course instructor
I am a Structural Engineering graduate from UCSD. I specialize in tutoring Math, Science, and test prep (SAT, AP, etc.), though I feel confident tutoring in a wide-range of subject areas. Some of my hobbies include sports (football and soccer) and video games. I look forward to working with you!
Education & Certification
- University of California-San Diego - Bachelor of Science, Structural Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- HSPT
- Advanced Placement
- STAAR
- +51 subjects
Kevin: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...recognize that I am not alone in the classroom. There are many professionals available to assist me throughout my educational journey. I consult these experts and others to enhance my own teaching abilities, as well as offer suggestions to others as to what does and what does not work in my classroom. I continually seek...
Education & Certification
- Wilmington University - Bachelor of Science, General Studies
- Wilmington University - Master of Arts, Education
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- HSPT
- SSAT
- English
- +23 subjects
Daniel: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...It's therefore always important to have a solid grasp of the basics - to understand the previous steps - before learning each new topic. My approach to tutoring thus focuses less on memorizing formulas and more on understanding why these work and how you can arrive at them yourself. I have always enjoyed being able...
Education & Certification
- University of California-San Diego - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- ACT
- Algebra 2
- +28 subjects
Colin: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...students in the AM and over 100 students in the afternoon. During my seven years spent with the company I tutored children extensively as it coincided with information I was learning in college. This provided an excellent platform to practice my one on one techniques and abilities with students. I believe that many students have...
Education & Certification
- William Paterson University of New Jersey - Bachelor in Arts, Early Childhood Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- HSPT
- SSAT
- Algebra
- +19 subjects
Aaron: San Diego ISEE course instructor
I just recently graduated from San Diego State University with a bachelor's degree in kinesiology and a minor in chemistry. I am in the process of applying to medical school. I enjoy teaching others what I have learned. In my free time I like to watch sports and spend time with friends and family.
Education & Certification
- San Diego State University - Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT
- SSAT
- REGENTS
- +26 subjects
Jacqueline: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...children in a variety of activities. I had the wonderful opportunity to teach 2nd grade at a private school in San Diego for three years. My most memorable experiences were the moments I spent teaching one-on-one or in small groups. I also spent afternoons after school to tutor my students in reading and math. I...
Education & Certification
- San Diego State University - Bachelor in Arts, Literature
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- Literature
- Math
- Comparative Literature
- +16 subjects
Katelyn: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...elementary school for four years. I've taught second and third grade. I love teaching students and seeing how much they can grow academically. I love teaching students math and reading. I like to use a lot of manipulatives while teaching math so that the students can see the "why" in math problems.
Education & Certification
- Texas Tech University - Bachelor in Arts, Russian
- Western Governors University - Masters in Education, Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- SSAT
- MAP
- +26 subjects
Matt: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...in Education from National University, and worked as a high school English and Spanish teacher for most of 2001-2013. Outside of “work,” I like to travel and to learn foreign languages. I've traveled a fair bit in Asia and Europe, and hope see South America soon. I live near San Diego State University now, and...
Education & Certification
- San Diego State University - Bachelors, English
- National University - Masters, Teaching
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- TOEFL
- SSAT
- CAHSEE
- +60 subjects
Ellen: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...America where I taught 5th grade English for two years, and ran an after school program for newcomer immigrant and refugee students. In that time I learned a great deal about the craft of teaching. My biggest take away is that every student learns differently and it's imperative to create ways for students to see...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Berkeley - Bachelors, International Development Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- GED
- PSAT
- SSAT
- +43 subjects
Education & Certification
- K N T University of Technology - Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering
- University of Massachusetts Amherst - Doctor of Philosophy, Electrical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- CLEP
- +115 subjects
Ariela: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...changes in a script) and quickly organize that information so that I can convey it to someone else. I enjoy and excel at condensing and re-communicating facts or tasks, so that they become comprehensible to someone who may not understand them the first time around. It is not just my success at standardized tests or...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Current Undergrad, Theater & Performance Studies
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- SAT
- Advanced Placement
- +50 subjects
Rebecca: San Diego ISEE course instructor
...level. I also think it is important that learning is not just for one assignment or one test, but rather that it sticks with you to build a solid foundation of knowledge and confidence that you can carry forward. My favorite subjects to tutor include English, SAT test preparation, math, and psychology. My approach to...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of Chicago SSA - Masters, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- ISEE
- PSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- +53 subjects