7 Prep Tips for the ISEE

2. Make a consistent practice schedule.

Short, regular practice sessions are more effective than occasional cramming. Aim to study 3–5 times a week for 30–60 minutes. This approach helps reinforce test content and improves retention.

Consider taking a full-length practice test weekly or biweekly as your test date approaches, then fill in the gaps with targeted practice.

3. Take practice tests.

Start your prep by completing a full-length ISEE practice test. This gives you firsthand experience with the test’s format, timing, and question types.

For the best results, simulate real testing conditions with a live-proctored mock test. This mimics the official test day and helps reduce anxiety by showing you exactly what to expect.

4. Learn test-taking strategies.

Success on the ISEE isn’t just about what you know—it’s also about how you take the test. Mastering techniques like answer elimination, time management, and educated guessing , can make a huge  difference on test day.

We offer small-group ISEE prep classes that walk students through strategies for every section. Prefer a flexible option? Our on-demand video course includes over 60 short videos covering test strategies in detail.

5. Focus on Vocabulary Development

The Verbal Reasoning section is vocabulary-heavy, and studying new words will also support Reading Comprehension.

Spend just 15 minutes a day reviewing flashcards, creating sentences, drawing word associations, or incorporating new words into daily conversations. Don’t forget to study roots, prefixes, and suffixes to decode unfamiliar words on test day.

6. Read Challenging Texts Regularly

The ISEE includes a variety of reading passages, so build your skills by reading widely—newspaper articles, nonfiction, and opinion essays are all great options.

Exposure to more complex texts will strengthen reading comprehension, improve vocabulary, and enhance your writing. Plus, regular reading helps build the focus and stamina needed for long exams.

7. Don’t Panic Over Unfamiliar Questions

It’s normal to encounter topics or questions you don’t recognize, especially since the ISEE is taken by students across multiple grade levels. For example, those applying to 9th grade take the same Upper Level test as students applying to 10th, 11th, and 12th grades.

Don’t worry: your results are only scored against others applying to the same grade. Do your best, skip what you don’t know, and use smart guessing strategies when needed.

Start Strong with Smart Prep

Whether you’re just beginning your ISEE prep or fine-tuning your strategy, these tips can help you make the most of your study time. With the right plan—and a calm mindset—you’ll be well on your way to ISEE success. Happy studying!