As part of our ongoing efforts in advancing student growth, ERB partners with Test Innovators to provide high-quality test preparation for the ISEE, our admission exam. Below, Sophie Brenner from Test Innovators shares a structured approach to take when preparing for the ISEE.
The ISEE is an important part of the admissions process for many independent and private schools. Test scores provide schools with an objective measure in an inherently subjective process.
The ISEE is often many students’ first experience with standardized testing, and it can feel a bit daunting. The good news is that with a little practice, you can approach the ISEE with confidence.
Practicing for the ISEE helps students to familiarize themselves with the format, style, and content of the test. This ensures that there are no surprises on test day, allowing students to fully demonstrate their knowledge.
Like any important endeavor, it’s best to approach ISEE practice with a plan. Below are four key aspects of a structured approach to preparing for the ISEE:
- When to start preparing for the ISEE
- The 3 steps to effective ISEE prep
- How to create an ISEE study schedule
- Common ISEE preparation mistakes to avoid
Building a Timeline for ISEE Practice
Getting started with ISEE practice early is the best way to set yourself up for future success. When possible, it’s ideal to start practicing 4–6 months before your exam date. This allows you to space out your studying, which is the best way to promote long-term learning and retention.
When making a plan for practice, it’s essential to keep testing dates in mind. The ISEE is offered in three testing seasons:
- Fall (August–November)
- Winter (December–March)
- Spring/Summer (April–July)
Students can only take the test once per season, so early planning gives you the chance to retest if necessary. Most students test during the Fall season, and then again in the Winter season if needed. Popular test dates and locations fill up quickly, so be sure to register in advance.
The 3 Steps of ISEE Prep
Practicing for the ISEE doesn’t have to be complicated. You can improve your skillset by following a simple 3-step plan.
Step 1: Take a full-length practice test.
Start by taking a full-length practice test. This will help you understand what to expect in terms of question types and timing, which can help mitigate testing jitters. Taking a practice test will also help identify your strengths and weaknesses so that you know where to focus your studies.
Step 2: Review practice test results.
After you’ve taken a practice test, it’s time to dig into your results. Start by looking for overall trends with your scores, and be sure to pay special attention to the sections or concepts that need improvement. This is also a good time to consider whether or not you are managing your time effectively.
Step 3: Do targeted practice.
After you’ve looked through your test results, it’s time to go back through the test and review every question you guessed on, answered incorrectly, or skipped. Read through the answer explanation and make sure you know how to do that question type if you were to see something similar on a future test. Then, practice those specific question types until you feel confident with those skills.
Creating an ISEE Practice Schedule
If you’re looking to improve your skills before test day, a well-structured study plan is key. The first step to creating a study schedule is to set clear goals. Whether you’re looking to improve your math score or boost performance across all sections, setting specific targets will make it easier to track your improvement over time.
Once you’ve set your goals, it’s time to build a realistic schedule. Every student is different, so it’s important to create a plan that makes sense for your schedule. Check out these practice schedule templates for ideas as to how you might structure your own plan.
Regardless of what your study plan looks like, staying consistent is key. It’s best to incorporate test practice into your routine like you would any other extracurricular activity. Some families use study calendars, progress charts, or small rewards to keep students motivated, so find what works best for you! For even more targeted support, small group classes can be a great addition to your study plan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During ISEE Prep
Even with a solid plan in place, it can be easy to fall into traps that undermine your progress. Be sure to avoid these three common pitfalls when practicing for the ISEE.
Cramming
One common mistake is relying on last-minute cramming. The ISEE tests a wide range of skills, so short, frequent practice sessions over several months are much more effective than a few long sessions in the days leading up to the test.
Focusing on Strengths Rather Than Weaknesses
Another potential pitfall is focusing only on your strengths. It can be tempting to stick with the subjects that you’re most comfortable with, but real improvement comes from tackling your weaknesses head-on. While it’s important to review all sections, make sure to spend the majority of your time learning concepts and skills that you haven’t mastered yet.
Not Taking Practice Tests Seriously
The saying, ‘Practice as you perform,’ could not be more relevant to the ISEE. When taking practice tests, it’s incredibly beneficial to simulate test day as much as possible. Find a quiet place with no distractions—this means no phones, TV, internet, music, or food. Take the test in the same format as you would on test day, whether that’s on paper or on the computer, and make sure you’re following along with the timing limits for each section as well. This will help you build your test-taking stamina and develop your time management skills, which can be one of the most challenging components of the test.
With a well-thought-out plan, consistent effort, and the right materials, you can approach test day feeling confident and prepared.
As part of our commitment to ensure every student performs their best on test day, Test Innovators and ERB have partnered to provide students with high-quality practice. You can learn more about ISEE preparation here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sophie Brenner
Sophie is the Marketing Associate at Test Innovators who specializes in the ISEE. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Rhetoric & Writing and Conversational Artificial Intelligence from the University of Texas at Austin. Sophie is passionate about design, equal opportunity, and student success. She envisions a future where technology and education seamlessly intertwine. By leveraging her unique background, Sophie is able to blend creativity and strategy to drive marketing campaigns that support families and educators alike.
