Formal ISEE Instruction
The most reliable way to effectively prepare for optimal ISEE scores is through the services of professional ISEE educators. A number of reputable test prep firms offer ISEE instruction in several different formats, from group courses and private tutoring to remote online study. Professional ISEE teachers possess thorough knowledge of ISEE exercises and instructional methodologies, and they almost invariably have successful track records of producing high test scores. Although the expenses associated with professional ISEE prep can be significant, the results speak for themselves. Students and parents must choose their teachers carefully and ask questions about any prospective instructor's credentials, because prep tutoring is an unregulated profession and there are no state or federal licensing requirements for ISEE educators. Qualified teachers will be happy to talk about their background and experience.
Online ISEE Preparation Resources
The ISEE section of the Educational Records Bureau (ERB) website features an overview of the exam, registration information, test day requirements and tips, score reporting procedures, and links to valuable preparation resources, including official guides for each version of the ISEE.
ISEE Official Guides
ERB's official guide is entitled What to Expect on the ISEE: A Preparation Book for Students and Their Parents. This official guide is available in separate versions for the Lower, Middle, and Upper Level tests, all of which may be downloaded free of charge as PDFs. The official guides contain complete discussions of all ISEE sections, information about ISEE policies and procedures, sample test questions with answer explanations, details on score reports, and a full-length ISEE practice test. There is no PDF guide for the Primary Level ISEE, but interested students and parents may review the online interactive What to Expect on the ISEE for each of the Primary grade levels (2-4). The online interactive guide includes sample ISEE exercises, directions for taking the ISEE online (which is the only format in which the Primary Level ISEE is offered), and answers to frequently asked questions.
ISEE Online Practice Tests
It is not difficult to find free ISEE practice tests online. Students and parents must be aware that, unless these materials are published by ERB, they should be regarded as unofficial and potentially unreliable. When assessing the potential value of these unofficial practice tests, it is usually helpful to consider the source. Practice tests published by reputable education organizations are usually fine if they are used to supplement the official practice tests and exercises.
Other ISEE Resources
Test-takers should also download the ISEE Student Guide and the ISEE Quick Facts publications, both of which are available as free PDFs from the ERB website. The Student Guide lists domestic and international testing offices, test sites, and test dates, while the Quick Facts document offers a concise overview of ISEE registration, formats, scoring, and score reporting.