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ISEE LOWER PREP MASTERCLASS · Topic 1

Start Here & Test Overview

Before you solve a single problem, let us take the mystery out of the ISEE so you know exactly what is coming and how to train for it.

Grades 3 and 4
4 sections plus an essay
20 minutes a day

Lesson summary

Welcome to your ISEE Lower Level prep course! In this lesson we will explore exactly what the ISEE is, why schools use it to get to know you, and how it is different from other tests. We will break down the four main sections of the exam, learn how to navigate this online course, and get you started with the right “Brain Athlete” mindset for success.

Direct instruction

Welcome to the course

Hello, and a huge welcome! We are so glad you are here. If you are preparing for the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam), you are about to start a very exciting journey. This test is a big deal, but you do not have to tackle it alone. This course is designed to take the mystery out of the test and help you show schools exactly how smart and capable you really are.

What is the ISEE?

The ISEE is a test that private schools use to help them understand how you think and learn. Think of it as a tool that shows schools what you are good at and where you might need a little extra help. It is not about being perfect. It is about showing your best effort.

Who takes the Lower Level exam?

The Lower Level ISEE is specifically for students who are currently in 3rd or 4th grade. The questions are created to match what you are learning in school right now, so you will not see any tricky math or any words that are meant for high schoolers.

What is on the test?

The ISEE Lower Level is like a four part puzzle, plus a writing task. Here is a breakdown of what you will see.


Section 1

Verbal Reasoning

Logic puzzles built out of words: synonyms and sentence completion.


Section 2

Quantitative Reasoning

Math problems that test how you think your way through numbers and shapes.


Section 3

Reading Comprehension

Reading short passages and answering questions about what you read.


Section 4

Mathematics Achievement

Math problems that test what you have already learned in your grade level math class.

Plus the essay

You will write a short story based on a fun prompt. This part is not graded, but schools love to read it, so treat it as your chance to let your personality show.

How this course is organized

This course is easy to use. It is broken into Sections (like the units in your school folder) and Lessons (like the pages in your book).

  • Learn. You will read each lesson to understand a new strategy.
  • Worked examples. We will show you exactly how to solve a problem, step by step.
  • Quizzes. You will test your knowledge to see how much you have grown.

How to move through the course

Whenever you finish a lesson, look for the “Mark Complete” button at the very bottom of the screen. You must click this button to save your progress. This is what tells the system that you are ready to unlock the next page.

Study tips for success

  • The 20 minute rule. Your brain works best in short bursts. Study for 20 minutes, then take a break to jump, stretch, or grab a snack.
  • Find your zone. Study in a quiet place with no TV and no loud toys nearby.
  • Ask for help. If a lesson is confusing, that is okay. It just means your brain is working hard. Ask a parent or teacher to read it with you.

You are smart, you are capable, and you are going to do great. Let us get started!

Worked examples

Worked example 1: Unlocking the next lesson

Scenario. Leo finishes reading this very lesson. He is excited to start the next one, but he does not know how to unlock it.

  1. Leo scrolls all the way to the bottom of his screen.
  2. He sees the button that says “Mark Complete.”
  3. He clicks the button with his mouse.
  4. The system saves his work and unlocks the next lesson.

Takeaway

Leo must click “Mark Complete” to move forward in the course.

Clicking the button is how you tell the course that you are ready for the next challenge. It keeps you organized and makes sure you never accidentally skip an important piece of practice.

Worked example 2: Is Mathematics Achievement scary?

Scenario. Maya looks at the ISEE sections and sees “Mathematics Achievement.” She loves math and thinks this will be the easiest part, but she worries because she has never heard that name before.

  1. Maya looks back at the “What is on the test?” part of this lesson.
  2. She sees that Mathematics Achievement only tests what she is already learning in her 3rd or 4th grade math class.
  3. She realizes it is not a scary, unknown subject. It is the same math she does every day at school.

Takeaway

Maya feels relieved, because she has been practicing this math all year in school.

The ISEE is designed to be fair. It tests what you know from your daily classes, so you have already been preparing for it without even knowing it.

Worked example 3: One long session or four short ones?

Scenario. Sam wants to study for the ISEE. He decides he will study for 4 hours on Saturday morning so he can be done with it for the rest of the week.

  1. Sam remembers the study tips from this lesson.
  2. He looks at the 20 minute rule and realizes that studying for 4 hours straight will leave his brain tired and mushy.
  3. He decides to study for 20 minutes a day, four days a week, instead.

Takeaway

Sam spreads his studying out into shorter chunks.

Short daily sessions help your brain hold onto information much better than one long, tiring session. Sam will remember more and feel happier while he studies.

Short review

Key points covered

  • The ISEE Lower Level is for 3rd and 4th graders.
  • The test has four main sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Mathematics Achievement.
  • The “Mark Complete” button is your best friend, so do not forget to click it.

Important reminders

  • You do not need to be perfect. You only need to show your best effort.
  • If you get stuck, that is a sign your brain is growing.

Study tip

Pick a regular time each day to study, like right after your homework. That builds a habit, and the habit is what will make the test feel easy by the time it arrives.

You are ready to begin

You are officially ready to start your ISEE journey. Click the “Mark Complete” button below, and let us get to work!

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