When should my child start ISEE prep?

Generally speaking, we recommend starting ISEE prep at least 4 to 6 months before your child’s target test date. This might sound like a long time, but it’s not about cramming. Instead, it offers several huge advantages:

• No Rush, Less Stress: Your child won’t feel totally swamped. They will be more relaxed and learn better by taking a gradual approach.
• Deep Content Mastery: The ISEE covers a lot of ground in verbal, math, and reading. This longer timeframe lets your child truly dig in and master those tricky concepts, instead of just skimming over them.
• Skill-Building and Strategy: It’s not just about knowing the answers; it’s about learning the strategies for tackling the ISEE questions, managing time effectively, and building test-taking stamina. These skills take time to develop and become second nature.
• Plenty of Practice Tests: With ample time, your child can take multiple full-length practice tests. These are invaluable for getting comfortable with the test’s format, spotting where they’re still a bit weak, and getting used to that timed test pressure. 
• Room to Adjust: Starting early gives us, or any tutor, the flexibility to tweak the study plan as we go. If your child hits a snag with a specific math problem or needs more work on reading, there’s plenty of time to adapt and zero in on those areas. 

For most families aiming for those fall admissions deadlines (meaning the ISEE is usually taken between October and December), starting prep during the summer before the application year is ideal. It allows for solid progress before the academic year kicks into high gear, reducing the pressure once school starts back up.