October is a pivotal time in the ISEE prep calendar! Many independent schools in the U.S. set January or February as the admissions deadline, so families often schedule their students to take the ISEE twice: first in November, then again in December or January. This makes October the final stretch before students’ first official test date.
This time of year also presents its own challenges for families. Days get shorter and cooler, students are managing an increasing workload, extracurriculars are in full swing, students are visiting their prospective schools and doing interviews, not to mention Halloween! Maintaining a consistent ISEE prep schedule can be difficult.
Here are some ways parents can help keep students motivated and on track with their ISEE prep this Fall.
Choice and Variety
Preparation for the Lower Level ISEE involves a considerable amount of work. Even high-achieving students will need to improve across most, if not all, sections to reach their target scores. The upside to having multiple areas to focus on? Students can rotate between topics, tasks, and resources, keeping the work varied and more engaging.
Of course, we can’t let students avoid the aspects of the test they most dislike, but there are ways to help them make progress even when motivation is low.
Try creating a “menu” of exercises for each section of the test and let your student choose the order in which they work through it. Some students prefer doing skill practice online, like using IXL.com. Others will enjoy working with books or engaging worksheets. At times, they may benefit from the social aspect of studying, so vocabulary practice with a sibling, friend, or parent can be the ideal choice for that moment.
Celebrate Progress
Few students will answer every question correctly across all sections. It’s rare even to miss only a few. At the beginning of test prep, it’s common for students to answer about half the questions correctly. That’s why each small improvement, like getting just a few more questions right, is worth celebrating!
Celebrating progress boosts morale and helps students develop a sense of themselves as test-takers. For example, if a student answers a fraction question correctly, revisiting it might sound like, “I’m so pleased you got that question right! Can you explain your thinking to me?” This gives the student a chance to feel proud while reinforcing their understanding.
Taking time to review and solidify concepts they already understand builds confidence, makes connections to trickier topics, and helps to improve their timing. As students start to answer some questions effortlessly, they gain valuable time to tackle the harder problems requiring deeper problem-solving.
Start Small and Build
The math sections on the Lower Level ISEE can be intimidating, given the wide range of topics covered. For many students, this broad scope makes the test more challenging than the tests they’re used to. In school, math is often taught in focused units, with tests covering a limited set of related skills.
To build confidence, start with what’s manageable, then gradually add 1-2 more challenging topics. The math section requires students to shift rapidly from fractions to mean, median, and mode, then on to decimals, algebra, and geometry concepts like area and perimeter. This quick switching within a timed environment becomes much more natural when at least some topics feel automatic. Trying to tackle all testing areas equally can lead to frustration and is ultimately ineffective. Mastery requires focused repetition, not just reviewing mistakes on a practice test.
While it can be tempting to rush through as many topics as possible—especially with time pressure—it’s more beneficial to narrow the focus. Concentrate on practicing a few key areas thoroughly to gain a deeper understanding.
Environment and Mindset
Timed practice sections can be a source of anxiety for students, so creating the right environment and mindset is super important. Simple reminders and a well-prepared physical space make a big difference in how accurately their practice reflects their true skills.
Set them up for success by seating them at a desk or table in a quiet area. While this might seem obvious, it’s easy to overlook when they’d rather work on the couch with distractions around. However, practicing in a calm, test-like setting is key to achieving results that reflect their abilities.
If students practice in a busy environment, with a pet nearby, or with the TV on, they’ll most likely score lower than expected, which can be discouraging. Providing an ideal test environment helps them perform their best and offers a clear picture of where they need to improve, boosting confidence and focus for future practice sections.
With a thoughtful approach and consistent support, you can use these strategies to make October a highly productive month for your Lower Level ISEE student and set them up for success!
If your child will be taking the ISEE or SSAT for admission to competitive independent schools, it would be my honor to be their guide on that journey.
