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.
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.
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.
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.
Dalton School
Progressive K–12 on the Upper East Side. Strong arts and sciences. Accepts ISEE and SSAT.
Trinity School
Consistently ranked among the top independent schools in the country. Requires ISEE for K–8 admissions.
Horace Mann School
Prestigious Bronx campus for grades 6–12. ISEE required for middle and upper school entry.
Brearley School
All-girls K–12 school on the Upper East Side. 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 on the Upper East Side. Competitive admissions; ISEE required.
Chapin School
All-girls K–12 on the Upper East Side. 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.
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
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.
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.