Award-Winning ISEE- Upper Level Tutors
serving Des Moines, IA
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Award-Winning ISEE- Upper Level Tutors serving Des Moines, IA

Certified Tutor
Upper Level ISEE essays and reading comprehension questions demand a sophistication that catches many middle schoolers off guard. Jessica spent years as a certified writing tutor at the University of Pennsylvania, where she learned to give the kind of precise, structured feedback that sharpens a stu...
Nova Southeastern University
PHD, Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
Bachelors, History
University of Pennsylvania
undergraduate

Certified Tutor
Alexis
The ISEE Upper Level quantitative sections test not just computation but mathematical reasoning — estimating, interpreting data, and choosing efficient solution paths under time pressure. Alexis tackles each of these skill areas through structured practice, teaching students to recognize problem pat...
Princeton University
Bachelor in Arts

Certified Tutor
James
The Upper Level ISEE packs algebra, geometry, and quantitative reasoning into a format that rewards both accuracy and speed. James — a Harvard chemistry major with deep math tutoring experience — breaks down each section's question patterns so students know what to expect and where to focus their pr...
Harvard University
Bachelor in Arts, Chemistry

Certified Tutor
Jean
Upper-level ISEE questions test verbal reasoning and reading comprehension at a level that trips up even strong students, especially on sentence completions with nuanced vocabulary. Jean's background coaching Harvard undergraduates on competitive scholarship applications gave her a sharp eye for pre...
Harvard College
Bachelor in Arts, Sociology
Harvard Medical School
Doctor of Medicine, Medicine

Certified Tutor
9+ years
Merav
Upper Level ISEE prep spans verbal reasoning, quantitative comparisons, reading comprehension, and a timed essay — so a tutor who can cover all four is invaluable. Merav's magna cum laude Northwestern degree and experience across math, reading, and essay writing mean she addresses each section witho...
London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
Master of Fine Arts, Theater Arts
Northwestern University
Bachelor of Science in Theatre (Minor in Psychology)

Certified Tutor
10+ years
Daniel
The ISEE Upper Level reading and verbal sections reward students who can work quickly through dense passages and unfamiliar vocabulary in context. Daniel's background in sociology and legal studies trained him to dissect complex arguments under pressure, and he applies that same analytical approach ...
Northwestern University
Bachelors, Sociology and Theatre
Northwestern University
Studied sociology, theatre, and legal studies

Certified Tutor
Michelle
The ISEE Upper Level packs verbal reasoning, reading comprehension, and quantitative comparisons into a single high-stakes sitting — and each section rewards a different kind of thinking. Michelle breaks down the test by section strategy, teaching students how to eliminate answer choices on analogie...
Yale University
Bachelor in Arts

Certified Tutor
The ISEE Upper Level packs verbal reasoning, quantitative comparisons, reading comprehension, and an essay into a single high-stakes morning. Noah's background building standardized test curricula across skill levels means he can diagnose which section is dragging a student's score down and target i...
University of Chicago
Bachelor in Arts

Certified Tutor
10+ years
Max
The ISEE Upper Level packs quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, and a timed essay into a single test, and each section has its own quirks — the math leans heavily on ratios and algebraic reasoning, while the verbal section demands precise vocabulary distinctions. Max builds targeted practi...
Yale University
Current Undergrad, Economics

Certified Tutor
Justin
Upper Level ISEE quantitative reasoning questions often disguise straightforward math inside tricky phrasing, which is where Justin's philosophy training becomes a real advantage. He teaches students to slow down, parse what's actually being asked, and map each problem to the algebra or geometry con...
University of Chicago
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
University of New Mexico-Main Campus
Current Grad Student, Philosophy
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Frequently Asked Questions
The ISEE Upper Level is a standardized entrance exam used by independent and private schools to evaluate students typically in grades 8-11. It assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, and mathematics achievement. For students in Des Moines preparing for admission to selective private schools, the ISEE Upper Level is often a key component of the application process.
The ISEE Upper Level has four scored sections: Verbal Reasoning (40 questions), Quantitative Reasoning (37 questions), Reading Comprehension (35 questions), and Mathematics Achievement (47 questions). There's also an unscored Essay section. Each section tests different skills—verbal and reading focus on language arts comprehension and logic, while quantitative and math sections assess problem-solving and computational skills.
Many students struggle with the verbal reasoning section's abstract analogies and the quantitative section's logic-based word problems, which require strong reading comprehension combined with mathematical thinking. Time management is another frequent challenge—students must work quickly without sacrificing accuracy across four timed sections. Personalized tutoring helps identify which specific question types or concepts are causing difficulty, allowing targeted practice rather than generic test prep.
Most students benefit from 2-3 months of focused preparation, though this varies based on current skill level and target schools. Students who start earlier can build foundational skills gradually, while those closer to their test date may need more intensive sessions. Personalized instruction allows tutors to assess your starting point and create a timeline that works for your specific needs and goals.
In a typical classroom, test prep moves at a fixed pace for all students, but personalized 1-on-1 instruction focuses entirely on your strengths and weaknesses. A tutor can spend extra time on the verbal reasoning section if that's your challenge, skip concepts you've already mastered, and teach test-taking strategies tailored to your learning style. This targeted approach typically leads to faster improvement and more confident test-taking.
ISEE Upper Level scores range from 760 to 940, with a national average around 850. Most competitive private schools look for scores in the 880-920 range, though specific requirements vary by school. Your score is reported with percentiles showing how you performed compared to other students in your grade, which helps schools understand your academic standing relative to peers.
Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in ISEE Upper Level preparation and understand the specific demands of this entrance exam. You can discuss your goals, timeline, and learning style, and get matched with a tutor experienced in helping students achieve their target scores. Many tutors offer flexible scheduling to fit around school and extracurricular activities.
Practice tests simulate the actual exam experience, helping students build stamina, manage time across four sections, and identify patterns in their mistakes. Research in learning science shows that practice testing—actually taking full-length exams—is one of the most effective ways to improve performance. A tutor can review your practice test results to pinpoint which question types need more work and adjust your study plan accordingly.
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