How important is the ISEE for admissions to top Los Angeles private schools?

The ISEE carries weight. Schools like Harvard-Westlake and Marlborough may say they use a “holistic process,” and they do—but if your ISEE scores don’t hit a certain range, your application might not even make it to the essay stage. It’s not just about raw scores either. Admissions teams often look for consistency across sections and how well your child performs compared to others in the applicant pool. That’s why our ISEE prep isn’t just academic—it’s strategic.

We help students build confidence, strengthen weak spots, and enter the admissions process with a score that opens doors. And because we also help with essays, interviews, and overall application strategy, families often stay with us through the full admissions journey. The ISEE might be the first hurdle, but with the right prep, it won’t be the last word.