Like many entrance exams, taking the ISEE in Walnut Creek can be quite intimidating for students. However, the applicants know that if they have the right preparation and understand the materials, they can be confident that they will pass the exam.

ISEE means the Independent School Entrance Exam. It is an admission test just like the SAT and the ACT. However, the ISEE is required by independent schools and magnet schools across the United States. But just what do “independent school” and “magnet school” mean?

An independent school is a private educational institution that relies on its own funds. It doesn’t derive its income from the local or national government. Although some independent schools are parochial schools, in general independent schools also don’t depend on religious institutions. The funds of an independent school may come from a combination of the students’ tuition fees, donations, and in some cases, a financial endowment.

A magnet school, on the other hand, is a public school that offers specially-designed courses or curricula, and most these courses are not found in any other schools. This is designed to draw a more diversified number of students from a particular community or district.

Like the SAT and ACT, the ISEE is a standard admission test. However, only such schools above require students to take the ISEE. It’s natural for parents to ask at what age their children should be before taking the test. Look at the three levels that the ISEE requires from applicants:

  • Lower Level for applicants from 5th to sixth grade. Fifth grade students are usually aged 10 to 11 years old. In the sixth grade (which is the beginning of the middle school), students are usually around 11 to 12 years old, but some sixth graders are as old as 13, which may be also fine.
  • Middle Level for applicants from grades 7 to 8. Seventh grade students are usually aged 12 to 13 years old, while eighth grade students are typically aged 13 to 14 years old.
  • Upper Level for 9th to 12th graders. Ninth grade students are usually aged 14 to 15 years old, tenth graders are usually 15 to 16, eleventh graders are usually 16 to 17, and twelfth grade students are usually 17 to 18 years old. Of course, depending upon when the student started school, there may also be some seniors that are older than 18.

Apart from the ages listed above, the students can be prepared to take the ISEE by getting excellent, certified tutors such as Apex College Prep to assist them. These tutors will provide aspirants the academic and mental readiness they need. Many of our previous students have passed and gotten into the excellent schools they desired. We train with specialized tutoring to help students become comfortable with the process and build the focus they need to see their goals come to pass with these challenging admission exams. Our study plan is customizable so it will work conveniently for every student who is planning to go to an independent school of their choice and will assist them as they prepare for college.

Our work has led a high percentage of our students to become successful and go on to school of their choice. We will bolster your child’s reading skills and comprehension, mathematical skills, quantitative and verbal reasoning, and their essay-writing skills. With the right preparation and materials, and guidance, your child will be successful on the ISEE in Walnut Creek.