Award-Winning ISEE-Upper Level Writing Tutors serving Raleigh, NC

America's #1 Tutoring Platform

Who needs tutoring?

FOXNBCCBSUS NewsTIMEUSA Today

TUTORS FROM

  • YaleUniversity
  • PrincetonUniversity
  • StanfordUniversity
  • CornellUniversity

Award-Winning ISEE-Upper Level Writing Tutors serving Raleigh, NC

Lena

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Lena

Current Undergrad, Political Science and Environmental Studies
Lena's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
PSAT Writing Skills
SAT Subject Test in French with Listening

The ISEE Upper Level essay gives students roughly 30 minutes to produce a coherent, well-organized response to a prompt they've never seen — a challenge that rewards preparation over raw talent. Lena teaches a repeatable structure: a clear thesis, two to three developed examples, and purposeful tran...

Education

Brown University

Current Undergrad, Political Science and Environmental Studies

Test Scores
SAT
1570
Nicole

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Nicole

Master of Arts, Education
Nicole's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
PSAT Writing Skills
SAT Reading

ISEE Upper Level Writing asks younger students to do something surprisingly sophisticated: produce a coherent, well-structured essay from a single prompt in a short window. Nicole walks students through planning techniques — quick thesis construction, paragraph mapping, strong closing sentences — th...

Education

University of Michigan-Flint

Master of Arts, Education

University of Innsbruck

Bachelor in Arts, Linguistics

Samantha

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Samantha

Current Undergrad Student, Psychology
Samantha's other Tutor Subjects
Applied Mathematics
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra

The ISEE Upper Level essay asks students to take a position and defend it in a short window, which can feel overwhelming for younger writers. Samantha teaches a simple framework: one clear claim, two specific reasons, and a conclusion that doesn't just repeat the introduction. Her background teachin...

Education

Princeton University

Current Undergrad Student, Psychology

Test Scores
SAT
1480
Francesca

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Francesca

Bachelor of Economics, Political Science and Government
Francesca's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Middle School Math
Geometry

The ISEE Upper Level essay asks students to take a clear position and defend it in a short window — a skill that looks simple but trips up even strong writers who ramble or lose focus. As a current law student at Chicago-Kent, Francesca knows how to build a tight argument under time pressure and tea...

Education

Loyola University-Chicago

Bachelor of Economics, Political Science and Government

Test Scores
ACT
33
Victoria

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Victoria

Current Undergrad Student, Anthropology
Victoria's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
SAT Reading
SAT Writing and Language

The ISEE Upper Level essay asks students to build a coherent argument under time pressure, which is exactly the kind of writing Victoria has been teaching and editing for years. As a Brearley graduate and current Carleton College student, she knows what selective schools expect from young writers an...

Education

Carleton College

Current Undergrad Student, Anthropology

Test Scores
SAT
1420
Ben

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Ben

Current Grad Student, Creative Writing
Ben's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Geometry
Calculus
Algebra

The ISEE Upper Level essay asks students to take a position and defend it in under 30 minutes — a task that rewards structure over style. As a creative writing MFA candidate and high school teacher, Ben teaches a repeatable essay framework: clear thesis, two evidence-driven body paragraphs, and a co...

Education

Ball State University

Bachelor of Science, History

Northwestern University

Current Grad Student, Creative Writing

Kaitlyn

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Kaitlyn

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Kaitlyn's other Tutor Subjects
6th Grade math
6th Grade AP Language Composition
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra

The ISEE Upper Level essay trips up strong writers who don't know how to organize an argument under time pressure. Kaitlyn teaches a clear thesis-and-evidence structure that works for any prompt, then drills students on transitions and specific supporting details that elevate a score from average to...

Education

Fairfield University

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General

Test Scores
SAT
1500
ACT
33
Maddie

Certified Tutor

7+ years

Maddie

Current Undergrad Student, Classics
Maddie's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Genetics
Environmental Science

ISEE Upper Level Writing asks students to produce a polished essay under tight time pressure, which means having a reliable structure before the clock starts. As a Classics major at Yale, Maddie teaches students to outline an argument in under two minutes and develop each paragraph with specific, co...

Education

Yale University

Current Undergrad Student, Classics

Nicole

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Nicole

Bachelor in Arts, English
Nicole's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Human Development
PSAT Writing Skills

A strong ISEE Upper Level essay needs a clear thesis, organized body paragraphs, and specific examples — all produced in about 30 minutes. Nicole's English degree and her experience coaching college-level writing translate well here; she teaches students to outline in under five minutes and develop ...

Education

University of Miami

Bachelor in Arts, English

Test Scores
SAT
1450
Alessia

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Alessia

Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Alessia's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra
ISEE-Upper Level Writing

Scoring well on the ISEE Upper Level Writing section means producing a clear, organized essay under time pressure — a skill that's very different from polishing a paper at home over several days. Alessia, who recently navigated competitive admissions herself and now studies at Penn, teaches students...

Education

University of Pennsylvania

Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government

Nearby ISEE-Upper Level Writing Tutors

Frequently Asked Questions

The ISEE-Upper Level Writing section assesses your ability to write a clear, well-organized essay in response to a prompt. Unlike multiple-choice sections, this requires you to demonstrate critical thinking, organization, and writing mechanics in real time. Strong writing skills are essential for independent school applications, and this section often influences admissions decisions alongside standardized test scores.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in ISEE preparation and writing instruction. You can work with a tutor who understands the specific demands of the ISEE-Upper Level Writing prompt and can provide personalized feedback on your essays. The tutoring process starts with an initial consultation to assess your current writing level and goals.

ISEE essays need a clear thesis, organized body paragraphs with supporting evidence, and a strong conclusion—all within a limited timeframe. Tutors can help you develop a reliable essay structure you can apply to any prompt, practice brainstorming strategies to generate ideas quickly, and learn how to revise under time pressure. Personalized instruction focuses on your specific writing patterns and areas for improvement.

Many students struggle with organizing their thoughts quickly, developing a clear thesis statement, or expanding ideas with specific examples. Others find it difficult to balance proofreading with completing the essay in the allotted time. Tutors work with you to identify your particular challenges—whether it's generating ideas, structuring arguments, or managing test anxiety—and build targeted strategies to address them.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment where you'll write a practice ISEE essay so your tutor can evaluate your current strengths and areas for growth. You'll discuss your writing goals, timeline for the test, and any specific concerns. From there, your tutor creates a personalized study plan focused on the skills that will have the biggest impact on your score.

Personalized 1-on-1 instruction means you receive detailed, actionable feedback on every essay you write—not just a grade. Tutors can explain why a thesis is weak, show you how to strengthen an argument with evidence, and help you recognize patterns in your writing that need work. Regular practice with expert feedback accelerates improvement far more than writing alone.

The ISEE-Upper Level Writing section gives you 30 minutes to plan, write, and proofread your essay. Tutors teach you a reliable process—spending a few minutes brainstorming and outlining before drafting, which actually saves time and produces better essays. You'll practice this strategy repeatedly until it becomes automatic, so you can focus on writing quality under pressure.

Expert tutors who work with Varsity Tutors have deep knowledge of the ISEE curriculum and writing instruction. They understand what independent schools are looking for in admissions essays and can teach both the technical skills (grammar, organization) and the strategic thinking needed to succeed. Tutors are matched with you based on your specific needs and learning style.

Connect with ISEE-Upper Level Writing Tutors in Raleigh

Get matched with local expert tutors