ISEE & SSAT Test Prep for NYC Private School Admissions
Your child's ISEE score is the gateway to schools like Dalton, Trinity, Horace Mann, Brearley, and Fieldston. At GeniusPrep, we deliver one-on-one, score-driven test prep that builds confidence and gets results — all from our Flatiron studio at 928 Broadway.
NYC private school admissions are more competitive than ever. The ISEE is a make-or-break component of your child's application. We help families navigate the process with expert preparation, realistic practice exams, and clear score targets.
What we actually do
ISEE test prep in NYC
ISEE test prep here is one tutor, one student, and a real timed practice test at the start. Parents searching for private school entrance exam practice tests and tutoring in New York are usually looking for the same two things, in this order: an honest measurement of where their child stands against the schools they are applying to, and someone who can close that gap week by week. The diagnostic answers the first question in a single two-hour sitting — a full ISEE at the correct level, timed, scored by section, with the percentile bands the admissions offices actually read.
Everything after that is built from what the diagnostic found. Verbal and quantitative reasoning are taught as distinct skills rather than as more practice, because the ISEE rewards reasoning over recall. Full timed mocks continue throughout, not only at the end, since the section that collapses on a Manhattan eighth grader is almost never the one their school grades suggest. Sessions run in our Flatiron office or online, and families outside midtown can work from a neighbourhood page instead.
One practical constraint shapes every plan we write: the ISEE allows a single sitting per testing season, so the date your family picks decides how many weeks of preparation actually exist. Check the ISEE testing seasons and registration cut-offs before booking a sitting, and work backwards from it.
Understanding the Test
What is the ISEE?
The Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) is the standardized admissions test used by most elite private and independent schools in New York City and nationwide. Administered by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB), the ISEE measures your child's verbal and quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, and math skills. Understanding the test's structure is the first step toward a strong score.
ISEE Test Levels
Primary Level
Applying to Grades 2 – 4
Current K – Grade 3 students
Administered one-on-one by a trained proctor. Tests foundational literacy and numeracy.
Lower Level
Applying to Grades 5 – 6
Current Grade 4 – 5 students
Group-administered. Tests verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, reading, and math.
Middle Level
Applying to Grades 7 – 8
Current Grade 6 – 7 students
Increased difficulty. Schools weight this heavily in the admissions decision.
Upper Level
Applying to Grades 9 – 12
Current Grade 8 – 11 students
The most competitive level. Critical for top-tier high school placements.
ISEE Test Sections
Verbal Reasoning
Synonyms and sentence completion. Tests vocabulary depth, contextual word use, and logical inference.
Quantitative Reasoning
Word problems and quantitative comparisons. Measures mathematical reasoning, not just computation.
Reading Comprehension
Passages from humanities, science, and social studies. Tests main idea, inference, tone, and supporting evidence.
Mathematics Achievement
Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Tests grade-level math skills and problem-solving ability.
ISEE Format at a Glance
Middle & Upper Level structure. The four scored sections total 160 questions in 2 hours 10 minutes, followed by a 30-minute essay — roughly 2 hours 40 minutes including breaks. (The Lower Level has slightly fewer questions and shorter timing.) There is no penalty for guessing.
| Section | Questions | Time | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 40 questions | 20 min | Synonyms and single-word responses |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 37 questions | 35 min | Word problems and quantitative comparisons |
| Reading Comprehension | 36 questions | 35 min | Six passages, roughly six questions each |
| Mathematics Achievement | 47 questions | 40 min | Grade-level math, standards-aligned |
| Essay | 1 prompt | 30 min | Unscored — sent directly to schools |
Essay (Unscored but Submitted)
The ISEE includes a 30-minute essay sent directly to the schools your child applies to. It is not scored by the ERB, but admissions committees read it carefully. We help students practice writing clear, organized responses under time pressure.
How the ISEE Is Scored
Scaled Score
760 – 940
Each section’s raw score is converted to a scaled score between 760 and 940.
Percentile Rank
1 – 99
Compares your child against other applicants in the same grade who tested over the previous three years.
Stanine
1 – 9
The figure admissions offices read first. Derived from the percentile — 5 is the median, 7 – 9 is competitive.
Every section is scored independently — there is no single composite ISEE score. Admissions offices focus on the stanine (1 – 9), where 5 is the median and a 7 – 9 signals a competitive applicant for the city's top schools. If you are holding a score report and want to know what each line on it means, our ISEE score explainer walks through the scaled score, the percentile and the stanine one at a time.
Our Approach
A proven method for ISEE success
We don't believe in one-size-fits-all test prep. Every student who walks into GeniusPrep receives a program built around their specific test level, target schools, and areas for growth. Our incentive-based approach keeps students motivated through the entire preparation process.
Diagnostic Assessment
We begin with a full-length practice ISEE under timed conditions. Your child's results are broken down by section and question type to identify precise strengths and gaps.
Personalized Study Plan
Based on the diagnostic, your tutor builds a week-by-week plan targeting the sections and question types where your child can gain the most points. We factor in your target schools' median score ranges.
Targeted One-on-One Sessions
Each session focuses on 1 – 2 specific skills. We teach test-taking strategies alongside content: process of elimination, time management, and how to handle unfamiliar vocabulary or complex word problems.
Practice Tests & Score Tracking
Regular full-length practice exams simulate real test-day conditions. We track stanine scores over time so you can see measurable improvement and know when your child is ready.
Target Schools
NYC private schools that accept the ISEE
New York City is home to some of the most prestigious independent schools in the country. Admission is competitive, and a strong ISEE score is essential. We have helped students gain admission to the following schools and many more.
Progressive K–12 in Manhattan. Strong arts and sciences. Accepts ISEE and SSAT.
Consistently ranked among the top independent schools in the country. Requires ISEE for K–8 admissions.
Prestigious Bronx campus for grades 6–12. ISEE required for middle and upper school entry.
All-girls K–12 school in Manhattan. Highly selective; ISEE used at multiple entry points.
Fieldston School
Ethical Culture Fieldston. 18-acre campus in Riverdale. Accepts ISEE for grades 6–12.
Collegiate School
Oldest school in the U.S. (1628). All-boys K–12 in Manhattan. ERB and ISEE accepted.
Riverdale Country School
Co-ed Pre-K–12 in the Bronx. Strong college placement. ISEE accepted for upper grades.
Poly Prep Country Day School
Brooklyn campus with 25 acres. Accepts ISEE for middle and upper school admissions.
Spence School
All-girls K–12 in Manhattan. Competitive admissions; ISEE required.
Chapin School
All-girls K–12 in Manhattan. One of NYC's most sought-after girls' schools.
This is not an exhaustive list. Most NYC independent schools accept the ISEE or SSAT. During your diagnostic session, we discuss your family's target schools and tailor preparation accordingly.
Score Targets
What ISEE score does your child need?
NYC independent schools do not publish official ISEE cutoffs, and every admission decision is holistic — essays, interviews, transcripts, and fit all matter. That said, competitive applicants to the city's most selective schools typically post stanines in the upper range. Use these as realistic targets, not guarantees.
| School | Competitive Stanine | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Trinity School | 8 – 9 | Among the most selective in the country — aim for top stanines across every section. |
| Brearley School | 8 – 9 | Highly selective all-girls school; strong verbal and reading expected. |
| Horace Mann School | 8 – 9 | Top-tier Bronx campus; competitive applicants cluster in stanines 8 – 9. |
| Collegiate School | 8 – 9 | Very small classes leave little margin below stanine 8. |
| Spence School | 8 – 9 | Selective all-girls school with high verbal expectations. |
| Chapin School | 8 – 9 | One of NYC’s most sought-after girls’ schools. |
| Dalton School | 7 – 9 | Progressive admissions — reads scores holistically alongside the whole file. |
| Fieldston School | 7 – 9 | Values balance across sections and a strong essay. |
| Riverdale Country School | 7 – 9 | Competitive, especially at the upper-grade entry points. |
| Poly Prep Country Day | 7 – 9 | Strong scores plus a clear extracurricular or athletic fit. |
For reference, a stanine of 9 corresponds roughly to the 96th – 99th percentile, an 8 to the 89th – 95th, and a 7 to the 77th – 88th. In your diagnostic we map your child's current scores to these targets and build the prep plan around the gap.
Reviews
Don't take our word for it
Genius Prep changed my life! It was all tears doing homework and projects with my 4th-grade daughter. Now I pick her up and she is smiling and skipping home. LOVE this place.
Marne Gabay
April 2022
Outstanding tutoring service. The individualized attention and structured approach made a real difference. Highly recommend to any parent in the NYC area.
Rebecca Taskin
July 2023
The structured approach and individualized attention made all the difference for my son. His confidence in math went from zero to leading his class.
Ann Wool
October 2017
Pricing
Transparent, straightforward pricing
No packages to buy. No hidden fees. Pay per session and adjust your schedule as needed.
Diagnostic Session
$150
one-time · 2 hours
- Full-length timed practice ISEE
- Section-by-section score breakdown
- Personalized prep plan
- Target school consultation
ISEE / SSAT Prep Sessions
$125
per session
- One-on-one with your dedicated tutor
- Targeted section-by-section prep
- Test-taking strategies & timing drills
- Regular practice exams with tracking
- Essay writing practice
*Prices subject to change based on educational needs.
From Our Blog
ISEE Prep Resources
Where to go next
ISEE prep pages by neighborhood and school
In person at 928 Broadway in the Flatiron District, or live online. Each page below sets out the schools that receive the ISEE there, the level your child sits and the ride to our door.
On cost: private test-prep tutoring in New York runs roughly $150 to $400+ per hour, and seasonal group courses run into the thousands. ISEE and SSAT prep here is $125 per session after a one-time $150 diagnostic, billed session by session — every figure is on our pricing page. For the full admissions picture — timeline, feeder schools, borough trends — read our ISEE prep guide for NYC parents.
Sitting the SSAT rather than the ISEE, or both? Our SSAT prep page covers the three SSAT levels, the quarter-point penalty for a wrong answer, and how the two tests differ in practice. And before you book a sitting, check ISEE test dates — the testing seasons, the one-sitting-per-season rule and the registration cut-offs.
Already at an independent school and worried about New York State exams instead? See Regents tutoring for Algebra I, Geometry, Living Environment and the rest.
FAQ
Common questions about ISEE prep
When should my child start ISEE prep?
We recommend starting 3 – 6 months before the test date. For fall admissions testing, that means beginning prep in late spring or early summer. Students applying to the most competitive schools (Dalton, Trinity, Brearley) benefit from starting even earlier to build vocabulary and reasoning skills at a comfortable pace.
What is the difference between the ISEE and the SSAT?
Both tests are accepted by most NYC private schools. The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Examination) uses sentence completions and quantitative comparisons, while the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) uses analogies and has a guessing penalty. GeniusPrep prepares students for both exams, and we help you decide which test best suits your child based on a diagnostic assessment.
How is the ISEE scored, and what score does my child need?
The ISEE reports stanine scores from 1 – 9 for each section. A stanine of 5 is average. Most top-tier NYC private schools look for stanines of 7 – 9, though admissions is holistic. We track your child's stanine progress across practice tests so you have clear data on readiness.
Can my child retake the ISEE?
The ISEE can be taken once per testing season (fall, winter, spring). That means your child has up to three attempts per admissions cycle. We strategically plan which testing window to target based on your child's readiness, and we register students early since seats fill up fast.
Does GeniusPrep help with the rest of the private school application?
While our core focus is test preparation, our tutors understand the NYC private school admissions landscape. We can advise on the timeline, help your child prepare a strong writing sample for the ISEE essay, and provide guidance on what admissions committees look for. For full application consulting, we can refer you to trusted NYC admissions advisors.
Where do you offer ISEE prep — which parts of NYC do you serve?
We offer in-person ISEE and SSAT tutoring at our Flatiron center at 928 Broadway in Manhattan, a short trip for families across the city. We also run live online ISEE prep for students in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, and the surrounding NYC suburbs, so your child gets the same one-on-one tutoring wherever you are.
Do you offer online ISEE and SSAT tutoring?
Yes. Our online ISEE prep mirrors our in-person program: live one-on-one sessions, a shared interactive whiteboard, and full-length timed practice tests with section-by-section score reports. Many NYC families choose online tutoring to save commute time while still getting a dedicated private tutor and the same target-school strategy.
More for parents navigating private school admissions
ISEE vs. SSAT: The NYC Private School Admissions Guide
ISEE or SSAT? A 2025–26 guide for NYC parents covering Trinity, Brearley, Dalton requirements, scoring, timelines, prep costs, and target stanines.
How Much Does SAT Prep Cost in NYC? (2026 Pricing Guide)
Full breakdown of NYC SAT prep costs in 2026: free options, group classes, private tutoring, and boutique packages — with score-gain data for each tier.
SHSAT Handbook 2026: Official NYC Guide + New Adaptive Test
Get the official NYC DOE SHSAT guide (direct PDF link), plus what the fall 2026 computer-adaptive test changes — and why the guide is labeled 2027 Admissions.
Ready to prepare for the ISEE?
Start with a diagnostic session. We'll assess your child's current level, identify the gaps, and build a clear path to a competitive score — all in one visit at our Flatiron location.
Take the next step
Ready to start ISEE prep?
Book a 2-hour diagnostic — we evaluate your child’s current level, set a target, and build a written prep plan.