Essay Overview
The essay is the last section of the ISEE, and it's one that students often underestimate. Here's what you need to know before test day.
Students are given 30 minutes to respond to a prompt. The essay is not scored, but a copy is sent to every school that receives your student's score report — so while it won't affect their scaled score, it absolutely matters.
The essay serves two purposes: it shows admissions officers how well your student can write, and it gives them another window into who your student is as a person. That second part is worth keeping in mind. If the prompt asks your student to write about a role model, they should write about that person, but the best essays turn the lens back on the writer. How has this person inspired them? What has your student taken away from that relationship? Admissions officers are reading to learn about your student, so make sure your student is present on the page.
Essay Tips
Read the directions carefully. On the official ISEE, students are asked to write in blue or black pen and to rewrite the essay prompt at the top of the first page. It sounds simple, but skipping this step is an easy mistake to make when you're nervous and eager to start writing.
Manage your time. 30 minutes goes by faster than you think. Encourage your student to spend the first few minutes organizing their thoughts before they start writing, and to save a few minutes at the end to revise and edit.
Structure the essay. While there are no strict rules for how to structure the essay, a clear introduction, two to four body paragraphs, and a conclusion is a solid approach. A well-organized essay is much easier for admissions officers to follow.
Write neatly. Neatness isn't graded, but if an admissions officer can't read the essay, that's a problem. Encourage your student to slow down slightly and write as clearly as possible.
Choose a subject that appeals to you. The prompts are often broad enough to give students real flexibility in what they write about. Encourage your student to choose a topic that shows them in a positive light and that they can support with two or three specific details or examples. Specific, concrete details always make for a stronger essay than vague generalizations. For example, if the prompt asks about a role model and your student chooses a parent, a strong supporting detail might be: "My dad taught me the importance of hard work — he started working at 16 and now runs his own business."
Essay Practice Prompts
The best way to prepare for the essay is to practice under real conditions — somewhere quiet, with a 30-minute timer running. Write on a single sheet of lined paper (front and back is fine, but no more than one sheet). Once finished, have a trusted adult read it over and offer feedback.
Lower Level Practice Prompts
- What is your favorite subject in school and why?
- If you could go on your dream vacation, where would you go and why?
- What is one of your favorite books?
- What is your favorite activity to do outside of school?
- What qualities do you think are important in a friend?
Looking for more essay prompts and over 2500 practice questions for every section of the ISEE Lower Level? Check out our comprehensive ISEE Lower Level workbook.
Middle Level Practice Prompts
- What is a problem facing your community and how would you help fix this problem?
- If you could travel back in time, what time period would you travel to and why?
- Describe a time where you overcame a challenge. What did you learn from this experience?
- Who is someone who has had a significant impact on your life? Describe the impact this person had and why it was so important to you.
- What is a career you are interested in? What skills do you have that would make you succeed in this career?
- What does “being successful” mean to you? What are some ways that people can achieve success?
- Who is one person, living or dead, that inspires you?
- Write about a value that is important to you (examples: honestly, loyalty, dedication, open-mindedness). Why is this value so important to you?
- What is your greatest skill? How do you use this skill in your everyday life?
- What is something you are passionate about? How do you incorporate this passion into your life?
Looking for more essay prompts and over 2500 practice questions for every section of the ISEE Upper Level? Check out our comprehensive ISEE Upper Level workbook.