The ISEE prep process can feel overwhelming — and honestly, that's understandable. For most students, meaningful preparation takes anywhere from three to six months, and that's on top of schoolwork, extracurriculars, and everything else already on their plate. The good news is that a little structure goes a long way. Here are my top tips for making the process as painless as possible.
Start early and give yourself plenty of time.
Starting the test prep process early is the easiest way to reduce stress. When you have six months or more to prepare, you can break the process into small, manageable chunks rather than cramming everything in at the last minute. For most students, one to two hours of focused prep per week is plenty when you have enough runway – it's sustainable, it's low-pressure, and it actually works.
Figure out your strengths and weaknesses first.
Before diving into content review, take a diagnostic test so you know exactly where you stand. Official ISEE practice tests for all three levels are available at www.erblearn.org. Once you've scored it, go through the questions you got wrong and make a list of the topics that need the most attention. This step keeps prep focused and prevents you from spending time reviewing things you already know.
Set a realistic goal for yourself.
Your target score should be based on three things: your starting score, how much time you have to prepare, and the schools you're applying to. Some schools are looking for students in the 50th–60th percentile range, while more selective schools may want to see scores in the 80th–90th percentile range. If you're not sure what a specific school is looking for, reach out to their admissions department — most are willing to share that information.
Set up a practice plan.
Once you know your strengths and weaknesses and have a target score in mind, map out a prep plan before you start. Decide which topics need the most focus, how much time you can realistically dedicate each week, and which days work best given your schedule. Don't forget to build in two or three full-length practice tests as test day approaches — they're one of the best ways to build confidence and make sure your student is comfortable with the pacing of the real test. Having a clear plan at the start makes the whole process feel far less overwhelming.
Give yourself breaks.
The prep process is long. And to be completely honest, it’s not very fun. You need to give yourself breaks to stay focused and motivated. If you are studying for a few hours in one day, break it up into smaller chunks and take breaks in between. And if you're preparing over several months, it's completely fine — actually, it's a good idea — to take a few days off every month or two to rest and recharge. Burnout is real, and a student who has been grinding for months without a break is not going to perform their best on test day.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
There is a good chance you won’t know everything that shows up on the ISEE, and that’s completely normal. You don’t have to go through the prep process alone. If you have a parent or older sibling that can help you, that’s great! If not, look into getting a tutor or using online resources to help you prepare. At Elevate Prep, we offer comprehensive workbooks, each with over 2500 practice problems and three-full length practice tests, for all three levels of the ISEE: ISEE Upper Level Workbook, ISEE Middle Level Workbook, ISEE Lower Level Workbook
And as always, if you have any questions for us about the ISEE prep process or any other part of the admissions process, don't hesitate to reach out at info@elevateprep.com.