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Award-Winning ISEE Tutors serving Columbia, SC
Certified Tutor
2+ years
Errin
I have always loved school and have always had a passion for helping others. From a very young age, I especially loved to read, not only for myself but to others. I look forward to working with students and helping them to reach their goals, whatever they may be.
Converse College
Undergraduate Degree

Certified Tutor
9+ years
Jai
I'm a recent Stanford graduate (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science), and have been working at a major Management Consulting firm for a few years now. I personally scored a 2360 (out of 2400) on the SAT and 35 on the ACT and was successful in gaining admission to several top universities. I'...
Stanford University
Bachelors in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Certified Tutor
I am a licensed physician from Florida who is currently changing careers. I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2009 and have extensive tutoring and editing experience. While a student, I became a certified writing tutor through the Critical Writing Department. Since I completed my writ...
Nova Southeastern University
PHD, Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
Bachelors, History
University of Pennsylvania
undergraduate

Certified Tutor
Kate
I'm available to tutor biology, chemistry, physics, math from Algebra up through AP Calculus, SAT test prep, and French. I've been tutoring students in science and math for 7 years. I also spent 8 months working and studying in France, and have tutored high school and adult students in French. When ...
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Masters, Environmental Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Bachelors

Certified Tutor
Erika
I am available to tutor middle and high school math, history and test prep. I have tutored math and history in the past and I previously taught a test prep course at a school in Hanoi, Vietnam. I have a lot of experience teaching all the need-to-know tricks to doing great on the SATS/ACTS! When I am...
Harvard University
Master of Public Policy, Public Policy

Certified Tutor
6+ years
Rhea
I am a current student at the University of Chicago. I am working towards a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, and I am on the pre-medical track. I am extremely passionate about tutoring, and I have several years of experience tutoring students in my high school's learning center in various...
University of Chicago
Bachelor of Science, Biology, General

Certified Tutor
6+ years
Jeffrey
I am enrolled in the Mechanical Engineering PhD program at Rice University which will begin Fall 2020, and I am hoping to return to academia as a professor after earning my PhD. In the meantime, I am looking to share my passion for gaining knowledge, specifically in STEM, by educating the up and com...
University of Notre Dame
Bachelor of Science
Rice University
Doctor of Philosophy, Mechanical Engineering

Certified Tutor
Tony
I am a recent graduate of Yale University and incoming first year medical student at Columbia University. Originally from the DC area, I have always had a passion for science and medicine and pursued a degree in Biology while at Yale. During the 2008-2009 academic year, I tutored science, math, Engl...
Yale University
Bachelor of Science in Biology

Certified Tutor
13+ years
MaryAnn
I am a published author who has enjoyed “coaching” our daughter, as she navigated through high school, college and graduate school. I mentor college juniors who are seeking careers in financial services, and I serve as a peer resource to professionals who are transitioning from private industry to t...
University of Pittsburgh
Bachelor of Science, English, Psychology

Certified Tutor
10+ years
Zachary
I am passionate about teaching and tutoring and I thoroughly enjoy helping students gain an understanding and a drive for their studies. I have a long history of working with students of all grade levels and abilities (elementary school through college), and I have a good understanding of strategies...
Yale University
Bachelors, Biochemistry and Biophysics
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Frequently Asked Questions
The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is a standardized test used by independent and private schools to evaluate student readiness for admission. Students in Columbia typically take the ISEE in grades 4-11 when applying to selective independent schools in the area. The test assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, and math achievement—skills that go beyond typical classroom curricula.
The ISEE has four levels: Primary (grades 2-3), Lower (grades 4-5), Middle (grades 6-7), and Upper (grades 8-11). The level your student takes depends on their current grade and the grade they're applying to enter. Most Columbia students preparing for independent school admission take the Middle or Upper Level ISEE, though some younger students begin with the Lower Level.
Many students struggle with the ISEE's unique question formats, particularly the verbal reasoning section, which tests logic and critical thinking rather than vocabulary alone. The quantitative reasoning section also challenges students because it requires both math skills and strategic problem-solving under time pressure. Additionally, the reading comprehension passages are longer and more complex than typical grade-level texts, requiring sustained focus and analytical thinking.
Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to identify your student's specific weaknesses—whether that's timing issues, particular question types, or conceptual gaps—and target practice accordingly. In a classroom setting, test prep moves at a fixed pace for all students, but personalized tutoring adapts to your student's learning speed and style, ensuring they master foundational skills before advancing to complex strategies. This targeted approach typically leads to more significant score improvements in less time.
Most students benefit from 2-4 months of consistent preparation, though this varies based on their starting level and target score. Students beginning significantly below their goal may need 4-6 months, while strong students may need only 6-8 weeks of focused tutoring. The key is consistent practice with strategic guidance—working through full-length practice tests, reviewing mistakes, and building test-taking stamina gradually.
During an initial session, a tutor will typically administer a diagnostic practice test or assess your student's current strengths and weaknesses across all ISEE sections. They'll discuss your student's target schools, timeline, and goals, then create a personalized study plan that prioritizes the areas needing the most improvement. This foundation ensures all future sessions are focused and efficient.
Look for tutors with proven experience teaching ISEE content and question formats, ideally with a track record of helping students improve their scores. Strong ISEE tutors understand the test's unique structure and can teach both content knowledge and strategic test-taking approaches. They should also be skilled at identifying gaps in foundational skills and explaining complex concepts clearly—especially important for the verbal and quantitative reasoning sections.
Score improvements depend on starting point and effort, but students working with personalized tutoring typically see gains of 5-15 percentile points or more over 2-4 months of consistent preparation. Students who start below their target range and work intensively often see larger improvements, while those already performing well may see more modest gains. Consistent practice, strategic review of mistakes, and focused work on weak areas are the strongest predictors of improvement.
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