isee online essay

• Jan 17, 2023

The ISEE Essay: Tips and Practice Prompts

Essay overview.

The ISEE essay is the last section of the ISEE. Students are given 30 minutes to respond to a prompt. The essay is not scored, but a copy of the writing sample is sent to the schools to which the ISEE score report is sent.

The essay has two purposes: it shows schools how well you can write, and it also gives the admissions officers another opportunity to learn about you. Keep this in mind when writing your essay, and make sure to focus your essay on yourself. For example, if the essay asks you to write about your role model, write about the person you choose, but make sure to also write about yourself. How does this person inspire you? How has this person changed your life? Has this person taught you anything that you use in your everyday life?

Read the Directions: On the official ISEE, you’re asked to write in a blue or black pen. You’re also asked to rewrite the essay prompt at the top of the first page of your essay. Make sure to carefully read the directions before starting your essay.

Manage your Time: Make sure you manage your time effectively. Give yourself time to organize and plan your essay, time to write your essay, and time to revise and edit your essay.

Structure your Essay: While there are no rules for how to structure your essay, it is recommended to have an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. We recommend the body of your essay be two to four paragraphs long.

Write Neatly: You are not graded on how neatly you write your essay, but make sure to write neatly enough so someone can read your writing.

Choose a Subject That Appeals to You: While you will be asked to respond to a specific prompt, the prompts often involve broad subjects. For example, a prompt may ask you to write about your role model. When choosing a specific topic to write about, choose something that interests you and shows you in a positive light. Use specific details and examples; after you choose your topic, be sure to think of two to three specific supporting details or examples. If you are asked to write about your role model, and you choose your dad, a supporting example could be the following: “My dad is my role model because he taught me the importance of hard work. He started working at the age of 16 and now runs his own business.”

Essay Practice Prompts

Below you’ll find five practice prompts for each level of the ISEE. For each prompt, set a timer for 30 minutes, and make sure to go somewhere quiet to write your essay. Write your essay on a sheet of lined paper (you can use the front and back of the sheet, but no more). Once you’ve finished, have an adult read over your essay and give you feedback.

Lower Level Practice Prompts

What is your favorite subject in school and why?

If you could go on your dream vacation, where would you go and why?

What is one of your favorite books?

What is your favorite activity to do outside of school?

What qualities do you think are important in a friend?

Middle Level Practice Prompts

What is a problem facing your community and how would you help fix this problem?

If you could travel back in time, what time period would you travel to and why?

Describe a time where you overcame a challenge. What did you learn from this experience?

Who is someone who has had a significant impact on your life? Describe the impact this person had and why it was so important to you.

What is a career you are interested in? What skills do you have that would make you succeed in this career?

Upper Level Practice Prompts

What does “being successful” mean to you? What are some ways that people can achieve success?

Who is one person, living or dead, that inspires you?

Write about a value that is important to you (examples: honestly, loyalty, dedication, open-mindedness). Why is this value so important to you?

What is your greatest skill? How do you use this skill in your everyday life?

What is something you are passionate about? How do you incorporate this passion into your life?

• ISEE Upper Level
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• ISEE Lower Level

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ISEE Essay Overview

How schools use the isee essay.

• Topic choice
• Organization and structure
• Use of examples and details
• Writing mechanics (spelling, punctuation, grammar)

Tip: Some schools will compare student application essays with the ISEE essay. If the application essays are written differently from the ISEE essay, school may disregard the application essays entirely based on an assumption that these may have been written by someone else (a parent, a tutor, etc.).

Make sure that you write your own application essays! Parents, guardians, and others can help with the editing process, but the writing should be your own!

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Other High School , Early Achievers (7th/8th Grade)

Thinking of attending a private elementary, middle, or high school in the United States? Then you'll need to take an entrance exam called the ISEE. But what exactly does this test entail? In this article, we'll go over what the ISEE test is, how it's structured and scored, what a good score on the ISEE exam looks like, and how to study effectively for it.

What Is ISEE? An Overview

What is ISEE? The Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) is an exam created and administered by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB). It tests students' individual academic achievements and reasoning skills as a basis for admission to private schools in the US and internationally. Currently, the ISEE is accepted by more than 1,200 institutions around the world .

The purpose of this exam is to quantify your academic accomplishments and reasoning ability. It's used by private school admissions committees to predict your success at their school and is administered in either a paper or online format.

The ISEE is given to students in specific age brackets and broken into four levels:

• Primary (entrance to grades 2-4)
• Lower (entrance to grades 5-6)
• Middle (entrance to grades 7-8)
• Upper (entrance to grades 9-12)

How Is the ISEE Exam Structured?

The ISEE test focuses on multiple educational subjects to evaluate your performance in each. Note that the Primary ISEE test differs significantly from the Lower, Middle, and Upper Level ISEE exams; thus, we've divided the general exam structures below into two groups.

ISEE Exam Structure for Lower, Middle, and Upper Levels

How long is the ISEE test? The Lower, Middle, and Upper Level ISEE exams are composed of five separately timed sections :

• Verbal Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Reading Comprehension
• Mathematics Achievement
• Essay (optional)

Here's a brief comparison of the structure of the ISEE test at each of these three levels:

Let's look at each section in more detail:

• Section 1: Verbal Reasoning— Includes two subsections with questions on synonyms and sentence completion. This section tests grade-level appropriate vocabulary and sentence-completion ability. Students are asked to choose the appropriate word or phrase that best completes the sentence.
• Section 2: Quantitative Reasoning— Addresses multiple math concepts and has several subsections as well as various word problems. Concepts tested include (1) numbers and operations, (2) algebra, (3) geometry, (4) measurement, (5) data analysis and probability, (6) concepts/understanding, (7) applications/higher order thinking, and (8) quantitative comparisons.
• Section 3: Reading Comprehension— Tests students' ability to understand and interpret questions based on six reading passages on humanities, science, and social studies subjects. For each passage, you'll get the passage first and then questions that correspond to it.
• Section 4: Mathematics Achievement— The final multiple-choice section on the ISEE test. This section tests topics such as (1) numbers and operations, (2) algebraic concepts, (3) geometric concepts, (4) measurement, and (5) data analysis and probability.
• Section 5: Essay (optional)— An optional timed essay. Students are given an essay prompt and asked to produce a well-informed essay on a particular topic.

The first four ISEE sections consist of multiple-choice questions, each with four answer choices labeled (A), (B), (C), and (D). The optional writing exercise at the end is a timed essay.

Depending on the student's ISEE level, the number of questions and time allotted can vary. Middle and Upper Level students have more time to complete the Reading Comprehension and Mathematics Achievement sections than Lower Level students do (though they also have to answer more questions).

Here's what you'll be tested on in each ISEE exam section. Note that the difficulty level will increase as you move up the levels:

ISEE Exam Structure for Primary Level

The Primary ISEE exam is structured differently than the Lower, Middle, and Upper Level ISEE exams. It's also the only ISEE test that's offered exclusively in an online format (the ones above are available as either paper or computer exams).

Here's what to expect on the Primary exam:

*Not required for students applying to schools in New York City

And here's a quick look at the content tested on each Primary ISEE exam:

How Is the ISEE Test Scored?

Most students get their ISEE test scores seven to 10 business days after they take the test. ISEE test scores are automatically sent to the schools you've indicated.

Contrary to what you might expect, an ISEE score is not a simple measure of right and wrong; rather, students receive a scaled score on their ISEE test.

The scaled score is provided by ERB, the group that administers the ISEE exam. Scaled scores run from 760 to 940 and include a percentile ranking (1-99) to compare the student's score with the norm of test takers from the last three years.

The percentile ranking helps private schools compare a student's performance with others in their applicant cohorts. The higher your percentile, the better your ISEE score. For example, a 45th percentile ranking means that the student scored the same as or better than 45% of students in the last three years.

As for the essay, it is not scored by ERB but instead forwarded to schools for inclusion in the applicant's portfolio.

What's a Good ISEE Exam Score?

There's no one definition for what a good ISEE exam score is. Ultimately, what makes a good ISEE test score is determined by the school you're applying to . Each private school has its own view of what's considered an acceptable ISEE score. If you want to learn more about what to aim for, it's best to contact that school's admissions office.

Generally speaking, though, many schools will accept ISEE scores in the 25th-40th percentiles . More selective private schools might require scores in at least the 75th percentile.

Many students applying to a private school are already high performing. Even if you rank average on the ISEE, that doesn't mean you have average academic performance; rather, it just means you rank on average when compared with other high-performing ISEE test takers .

For more details on what's considered a good ISEE score, check out our guide .

How to Study for the ISEE Test

Preparation is key to doing well on the ISEE. And the better you do on it, the better chance you'll have of getting admitted into the independent school you want to attend.

The best way to do well on the ISEE exam is to have a strategy for before and during the test .

Before taking the test, you should practice and study accordingly, drilling yourself on various questions relating to each test section.

Many students struggle with timing, so practicing timed tests under similar conditions to test day (i.e., in a silent room with only the prescribed breaks) can help ease nerves and set yourself up for success when you take the real thing. The more you understand the structure of the ISEE, as well as how it's scored, the more confident you'll feel on test day.

Students can use a number of different resources to prepare, including ISEE study books and online practice questions and tests . They can also work in groups or one-on-one with a qualified ISEE tutor.

One thing to note: the ISEE is not the only determining factor for private school acceptance . Other achievements such as extracurricular activities, academic accomplishments, motivation, and personality are also considered in the admission process.

So if your ISEE score isn't ideal, don't lose heart: there are other factors that will be evaluated, too!

Recap: What Is ISEE and How Can You Do Well on It?

The Independent School Entrance Examination, or ISEE, is an important stepping stone in a child's academic career and a big factor for private school admission.

But that doesn't mean you need to worry about it! Through effective preparation, your student can score well on the ISEE and get into the school of their choice. As a wise scholar once said, "Don't stress. And do your best."

What's Next?

When is the next ISEE test? Figure out how much time you have left to prep for the ISEE with our guide to all the upcoming ISEE test dates .

Aiming for a good score on the ISEE ? Then you'll definitely want to check out our in-depth collection of the best ISEE practice resources you can use .

How does the ISEE differ from the SSAT? Both are admissions tests used by private schools, but they're not at all the same thing! See how these two exams compare with each other in our expert guide .

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females.

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ISEE Sample Essay Prompts and Responses

The ISEE Essay is the fifth and final section of the ISEE lower, middle, and upper level tests. This personal essay is not scored; however, a copy of it is sent to each school to which families send their scores. Students have 30-minutes in which to write up to 2 pages in response to one prompt.

Although the ISEE essay is not technically scored, it is nonetheless an important opportunity for students to showcase their unfiltered individuality and convey their excellent communication skills.

• Read our in-depth overview of the ISEE Essay
• Download the accompanying ISEE essay brainstorming and outlining worksheet in PDF
• Learn how to tutor the ISEE (for parents and educators)

Browse through our comprehensive Prep Guides:

• ISEE Lower Level Prep Guide
• ISEE Upper and Middle Level Prep Guide

ISEE Essay Sample Prompts

What is something you have accomplished that has made a great impact on you?

Who was your most important role model as a child? Describe this person and his or her influence on you.

If you were in charge of a school trip, where would you go and why?

If you could change an action you took in the past, what would you change and why?

What aspects of high school interest you the most?

If you could gain one new skill, what would it be and why?

If you could have dinner with any person (real or fictional) from any point in time, who would you choose and why?

Describe a community service project you have completed or would like to undertake. Explain why this choice has importance to you.

The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted daily life in 2020. Describe some of the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

The world we live in is far from perfect. Name one issue of importance to you and provide some ideas for how to fix this problem.

Describe in detail a time when you helped a friend or family member in need.

If you could control the weather, what would you do and why?

Example Brainstorming, Outlines, and Responses

Essay prompt 1 - accomplishment, start by brainstorming.

The prompt is asking you about something that you have done that has had an effect on your life in some way. After completing this task, you could be a completely different person, or you are more firmly set on the path towards your goals.

This accomplishment could be big or small, charitable or self‐serving, or serious or hilarious. It doesn’t matter as long as the thing you accomplishment affected you in some meaningful way. For example:

• Victory or defeat in a sport
• Award won or lost in a competition
• Book or book series that you’ve read
• Vacation you’ve taken
• Community service you’ve completed
• Family event you’ve attended
• Church activity in which you’ve participated
• Individual (human or animal) that you’ve formed a relationship with
• Goals that you’ve met in and/or out of school
• Movie that you’ve seen

Then Write a Quick Outline

• (Detail 1) There were lots of small performances.
• (Detail 2) I felt an immediate sense of history.
• (Detail 1) The ruins were awe-inspiring.
• (Detail 2) No one really knows their purpose.
• (Detail 1) My favorite part was the Rosetta Stone.
• (Detail 2) I imagined what it was like to first discover it.
• (Conclusion) My family’s visit to England was eye-opening.

Sample Response

Something that I have accomplished that has made a great impact on me is the vacation I took to England last year, the first time I traveled outside of the country. In English class, we had just learned about Shakespeare and read parts of some plays, and in History class we had been studying Stonehenge and other ruins. My parents thought the trip would be a great connection to my studies. Upon visiting Stratford-upon-Avon, Stonehenge, and museums in London, my interest in the wider world grew immensely. For me, the trip really started when we drove to Shakespeare’s hometown, Stratford-upon-Avon. At Shakespeare’s house, a woman greeted us with the introduction to “Romeo and Juliet,” and I was impressed with how easily she spoke the words. Then, I felt a wave of goosebumps as we entered his home. By just standing in the middle of his home, I felt a respect for Shakespeare that was greater than anything I had felt in the classroom. The next day, we went to see Stonehenge. When I looked out at the ruin, I felt the same strange feeling as I did in Shakespeare’s home. It was early, and the sun hit the stones in a way that made them seem mystical. Someone placed these enormous stones here centuries ago for an unknown purpose, and I was walking on the same ground they did all those years ago! I spent the rest of the day thinking about the people who built Stonehenge and what it would be like to meet them. For the rest of our trip, we visited many museums around London. In the British Museum, I was most interested in the Rosetta Stone, the large stone tablet that allowed us to decipher several ancient languages. The stone was much larger than I anticipated, and I could clearly see the various markings covering it. I suddenly imagined scientists discovering it and marveling at the opportunities it presented to understanding ancient languages. All in all, my family’s trip to England was an eye-opening experience. Getting to see what I was learning about in school made me truly excited about learning. In the end, visiting Stratford-upon-Avon, Stonehenge, and London’s museums opened me up not only to information but to the desire for that information. I can’t wait for our trip to South America next year!

Essay Prompt 2 - Role Model

The prompt is asking you about the most important individual that you have modeled yourself and/or the things you do in some way and their influence on you. This individual does not need to be someone you have actually met, nor does his or her influence have to have had that great of an impact on you.

However, role models are usually those individuals who have changed or shaped your life in an effective way. Your choice does not necessarily have to be heavy or serious, but you think carefully about your choice. For example, your role model can be a/an:

• family member (parent, grandparent, aunt/uncle, sibling, cousin)
• actor/actress
• sports figure
• historical figure
• fictional character (book, television, comic, video game, etc.)
• (Detail 1) He puts dangerous criminals in jail.
• (Detail 1) As a philanthropist, he improves the life of Gotham’s residents.
• (Detail 1) His parents died when he was young.
• (Conclusion) Batman has inspired me to fight injustice, help others, and be humble.

My most important role model as a child was Batman. I have always admired his actions, and growing up, many of my birthday parties were Batman-themed, and I was always Batman for Halloween. Batman is a great role model as he always tries to do the right thing as a person and as a crime-fighter, he is charitable to those in need, and he has persevered through a very difficult life. When Batman lost his parents as a child at the hands of a criminal, he made it his mission to battle crime in Gotham City. Batman utilizes his intelligence and vast wealth to stop criminals. like Ra’s al Ghul, a man determined to destroy Gotham City. Batman always puts himself in danger to help others, so why can’t I do the same? Once, I saw someone being bullied in the hall and without thinking, I got between them. I was shoved by the bully in the process but eventually the bully walked away. Batman’s alter ego is Bruce Wayne. He inherited a lot of money from his parents, which he uses to help those in need in Gotham City. The Wayne Foundation provides meals for the homeless, funds scientific research, and manages free medical clinics. This inspires me to perform whatever charitable work that I can. Every holiday season, I work in soup kitchens and participate in food and clothing drives with my church. I am also a member of Small Steps, an organization that helps underprivileged young people. Batman has led a very difficult life, but he has made the most of it. When he lost his family at a young age, he found a father figure in the family butler, Alfred. Batman always selflessly seeks to help those in need. Whenever I feel down about how life is treating me, I think of all the hardships that Batman has faced and try to make the most of the situation, because there are many people who have it worse than I do. All in all, Batman was, and still is, the most important role model to me as a child. He inspires me to stop violence and wrongdoing whenever I can, strive to help as many people as possible, and to overcome hardships with optimistic thinking. Although he is fictional, Batman demonstrates what it really means to be a good person.

Essay Prompt 3 - School Trip

The prompt is asking you about an eventful school trip that you would like to go to with your friends. This could be a place that would be educational, sports related, or anything that just interests you.

You should think about all of the necessary things that a class must need for this trip. The trip should also be meaningful in some way. For Example:

• Movie theater
• Baseball game
• Science museum
• The waterpark
• Washington D.C.
• The Texas Renaissance festival
• (Detail 1) NASA’s budget is always getting cut.
• (Detail 2) We should see it in case it closes.
• (Detail 1) NASA astronauts were the first men on the moon.
• (Detail 2) Examine moon artifacts.
• (Detail 1) Understand what it’s like to live in space.
• (Detail 2) See astronaut tools and equipment.
• (Conclusion) A trip to NASA would be historically, culturally, and scientifically valuable.

If I were in charge of a school trip, I would take my fellow classmates to a place that is not only full of excitement and fun, but also must be educational. That is why I would take my class to the NASA Space Center in Houston, Texas. NASA would be the best possible trip because it is a historic place for the United States and highly educational. It is urgent to go soon, though, before there are even more budget cuts. The Space Center holds some of the most indispensable memories from our past. The history of NASA can show us how the race to the moon inspired the advancement of science and technology. There are displays filled with some of the old space suits, equipment, and moon rocks. The Space Center even has simulation areas, where students can experience high speeds, fly in the old space crafts, or even pretend to be the first astronauts to walk on the moon. NASA is still developing new and exciting equipment and tools to help possible missions to Mars and other planets. Recently they have launched numerous satellite missions, landed two rovers on Mars, and created countless inventions to help space travel. All of these things can be seen at the Space Center, too! Just by observing these new gadgets and gizmos, students can be inspired to become future engineers, scientists, physicists, mathematicians, and so much more. We must go to NASA before any more possible budget cuts that could potentially close down the Space Center. The cuts have already stopped the manned missions to space and limited the number of unmanned missions. Most American astronauts now have to go to Russia in order to explore outer space. I would hate to not get the chance to explore this amazing institution that put the first men on the moon. School trips should also consider important moments in our history. They should also inspire students to explore the fascinating world around us, and show the relevance of our studies. And it is important to think about opportunities that may be missed due to time. In the end, the school trip I would plan would be a mission to NASA, where my classmates and I could learn the history and future of space travel before it’s too late!

Essay Prompt 4 - Change Personal Past

The prompt is asking you about a moment in your life that you may regret. Think of something that you may have done that may have affected another person. Maybe you did something that changed your life in a bad way. What would you change and why? For example:

• Not studying for my history test and failing it
• Blaming my sister for breaking the TV
• Pretending to be hurt during the basketball tournament
• Forgetting to get my Mom something for Mother’s day
• Stealing a candy bar from the store
• Burning my thumb trying to light a firework
• (Detail 1) Should not let fear take over.
• (Detail 2) It’s OK to lose.
• (Detail 1) It takes a team to win.
• (Detail 1) Show my little brother it’s okay to lose and play fairly.
• (Conclusion) I shouldn’t have faked an injury, but now I’ve learned form my mistake.

The action I most regret happened last year during the 7th grade boys’ basketball championship match. We were down by ten points with eight minutes left and I was frustrated because I wasn’t playing well. So I fell to the floor and faked an injury. I want to erase this from the history books because I should have stood up to my fears, I could still have won the game, and I could have set an example for my brother. I pretended to be injured because I was afraid to lose. I grew up watching movies where the bad guys are the losers. I never saw myself as a bad person, so when I was losing, I panicked. I wish I could go back in time and tell my old self that it’s OK to lose. If I had faced my fears at that basketball game, I would have had the courage to do other scary things, like ask someone to the 8th grade prom. I let my team down. It was not my job to win the game alone; it was the team’s job to win. Later that year, I had to work with three other students to write a report on the Civil War. I was not familiar with the Southern side of the war, but one of my group was. We worked as a team and earned an A on the assignment. Finally, I could have set an example for my younger brother, who was sitting right behind the bench. If I had acted differently, I could have shown the power of teamwork, and that it’s OK to lose. By staying on the ground, I instead made it OK to lie and give up. If I could take back that night on the court, I would have taught my brother a valuable lesson in sportsmanship. In the end, that night still happened. I still fell on the floor and pretended to feel pain. I cannot take it back, but I can still learn from my mistake. I can now hold my head up when I lose a game. I am extremely proud and grateful to be on a team. And I admitted my mistake to my brother, setting an example about accountability. While I would change this mistake if I could, I am better for the experience.

Essay Prompt 5 - High School

The prompt is asking you about the things that you may hope to learn or do in high school. It is something that may be exciting and interesting to you, but not to everyone else.

You could talk about sports, science, theater, or new friends. As long as it interests you. For example:

• Being on the swim team
• Acting in a high school play
• Learning how to play a new instrument
• Meeting new friends from other middle schools
• Working in the science laboratory
• (Detail 1) Chemistry experiments
• (Detail 1) Learn to play trumpet
• (Detail 2) Dad’s jazz records
• (Detail 1) Learn to act
• (Detail 2) Compare middle & high school plays
• (Conclusion) I am excited about all the new things to learn in high school.

A big aspect of high school that interests me the most is the opportunity to learn new things. In middle school I was on the football, basketball, and swim teams. It is time to challenge myself with something new and exciting. What is more different from sports than science and the arts? In high school I am most interested in the opportunity to take more science classes, learn how to play the trumpet, and act in a play. I have always loved my science classes growing up, and every year I enter the science fair. My favorite subject is chemistry, but my middle school did not have the proper supplies for chemistry experiments. This will not be the case in high school. My brother even told me that the chemistry classes use Bunsen burners. The process to become a scientist starts in high school and I cannot wait to start. Science is not the only new subject I want to learn. I have this urge to play the trumpet. My dad grew up in New Orleans and played the trumpet when he was in high school. Growing up, he would play his old jazz records for me, and sometimes even play along with his trumpet. Some of the records are so old, the labels have fallen off. I am excited to think that, while in high school, I can learn how to play as well as my dad. Maybe I can even play with him one day. I would also love to act in a play. When my older brother was in high school, I went to his performance as Scrooge in their rendition of A Christmas Carol, and it inspired me. In middle school, our holiday performance was much simpler. In high school, even though I might not get to play Scrooge like my brother, the chance to be part of a big performance is something I am really excited about. High school is a time for a student to grow and develop into an adult. The adult I want to become will need science, music, and theater classes. With the information I learn in my science classes, I can go on to get a degree in chemistry. Studying music and drama can bring me closer to my dad and brother. High school seems like a very interesting and memorable place.

Essay Prompt 6 - New Skill

The prompt is asking you about something you may want to learn. It is something that may be exciting and interesting to you, but you haven’t learned yet.

You could talk about a sport that you want to learn, or even a musical instrument. As long as it interests you. For example:

• learn how to play soccer
• learn the rules of basketball
• improve my cooking skills
• be better at math
• learn magic
• take lessons to learn to play the drums
• (Detail 1) Help him in the kitchen.
• (Detail 2) Give him a break.
• (Detail 1) Save money.
• (Detail 2) Eat healthy.
• (Detail 1) Be a television celebrity chef!
• (Detail 2) Open my own restaurant.
• (Conclusion) Learning to cook has many valuable benefits.

There are many different skills that I want to learn, but at the moment I would most like to learn how to cook. I have always enjoyed food, and I feel it is time for me to learn how to make it myself. If I learn the skill of cooking, then I can help my dad with dinner, I can take my skills with me to college, and maybe I can even start a career with it. The main reason why I want to learn this skill is to be able to cook with my dad. Every night he makes an amazing meal with fresh and healthy ingredients, and he always packs me a delicious homemade lunch.. I want to be able to come home from school and help my dad by prepping the necessary ingredients, then he can take over when he gets back from work. Maybe one day my dad can sit back and relax while I cook the whole meal! Learning to cook is also a skill that I can take with me when I finally get to go to college. I would rather learn how to make homemade chicken noodle soup with organic vegetables than eat microwaved broth out of a cup. I learned in my health class that the body needs a good balance of healthy fats, vitamins, proteins, and carbs. Homemade food is better for providing these nutrients, which will give me the energy to succeed in college. Cooking could also help me make some money. One day, I could even have my own restaurant! I can take what my dad teaches me and use it at my restaurant. Maybe I would even get a chance to have my own cooking show to share the importance of eating healthy food with other kids. They could pass on what they learn to their brothers and sisters, or even to their own kids in the future. Learning to cook is a very important skill. It might bring my father and me closer together and give him the break he deserves. I could take this skill with me to college. This skill could even end up being a possible career! In the end, learning the skill to cook would better my father’s life, help with my studies, and even give me opportunities to better my life and the lives of others.

Essay Prompt 7 - Dinner Guest

The prompt is asking you who in the world, from history, literature, or even TV you would most like to meet. Maybe this is a person you have always admired, or perhaps it is someone who could teach you a new skill. Maybe they could answer a question about the past you have always had, or maybe you would just like to be their friend.

Start by considering a wide range of possible people, both real and fictional, then narrow it down to the one you are most excited to write about. Your choice of guest does not necessarily have to be heavy or serious! For example, your dinner guest could be a/an:

• world leader (current or historical)
• religious figure
• personal ancestor
• famous athlete
• author, actor, artist, performer
• favorite book or TV character
• superhero or action hero
• (Detail 1) Studied about him in school.
• (Detail 2) Learn about his inspiration.
• (Detail 1) Led a movement, so inspirational.
• (Detail 2) How to handle disagreement.
• (Detail 1) A lot of conflict today.
• (Detail 2) Want guidance for how to improve.
• (Conclusion) Gandhi could inspire me to become a better person.

If I could have dinner with any person from any point in time, I would choose to share a meal with Mahatma Gandhi. I have always found him to be an inspiring figure and am drawn to the way he was both a spiritual and political leader. If we had dinner together, I would want to learn more about non-violent protest and about how to be an effective leader, and I would be curious to see if he had advice about how to live in today’s world. In school, we studied Gandhi’s non-violent protest, or satyagraha. If I had dinner with Gandhi, I would ask him more about this so I could learn his personal perspective, not just what others wrote about him. I want to know where he got his inspiration from, and how he stayed focused on his non-violent goals. Finally, I want to understand why he always promoted non-violence, especially when it seems like violent action might be easier. I also want to talk to Gandhi about how to be a good leader. He led a huge movement in India to help end British rule, and was central to establishing the new government during a stressful period of time. Leadership is hard, and I want to know how he managed to get through it all, particularly when handling disagreements between his followers. I have been very interested in leadership since I became involved in student government. Finally, I want to ask Gandhi for advice about living in today’s world, which is split by so many disagreements and everyone is always so angry. I really believe that Gandhi’s peaceful approach to events in the past could be a model for us today. I would be so interested to hear his suggestions for how to solve conflict, and especially what advice he might have for me personally about how to live more peacefully. Ever since I learned about Gandhi, he has been a big source of inspiration. That is why he is the historical figure I would choose to have dinner with. I would learn more about his approach to non-violence and leadership and get advice for living in the present. Of course, I cannot have dinner with Gandhi, but I can study his life and teachings by reading or watching documentaries and he can still be a valuable role model.

Essay Prompt 8 - Community Service

The prompt is asking you about community service or service learning projects you have completed, or perhaps hypothetical projects you would like to participate in. You may have volunteered with your family, through a community center or religious organization, or even at school. If you have not had a chance to do one of these projects, this is a good opportunity to come up with an idea you feel passionate about.

There are many kinds of community service—you may work directly with people, or you might work “behind the scenes” to ensure that a community has what it needs. For example:

• volunteering at a soup kitchen/food bank
• tutoring or teaching struggling students
• weeding a community garden or park grounds
• helping a non-profit with admin/mailing/filing tasks
• cleaning school classrooms
• participating in a fund drive for charity (read-a-thon, bake sale, charity run, etc.)
• cleaning graffiti off of buildings
• building homes in another country
• (Detail 1) Fun bonding activity.
• (Detail 2) People were so grateful.
• (Detail 1) Everyone needs to eat.
• (Detail 2) Important to provide.
• (Detail 1) Other ways to help out.
• (Detail 2) Bathing/beauty/health supplies.
• (Conclusion) Volunteering made me want to help solve inequality.

One of the most impactful community service projects I participated in was volunteering to help at a local food bank. That experience made me reflect about how people who might not be able to afford food are really no different from you or me. It helped me to understand that everyone deserves equal treatment whatever their circumstances, and it made me want to help my community more in the future. At the food bank, my church youth group was put in charge of a special Thanksgiving meal for the homeless, with turkey and all the side dishes. I helped prepare the mashed potatoes. After they had eaten, some of them shared with us how they became homeless, and I was struck by how many of them were just unlucky. I was also really affected by how grateful they were for a square meal, and to be treated like everyone else. Many of them said how meaningful it was just to be treated with kindness. We are all the same, even if some of us cannot afford food. That is just an external thing, and it doesn’t mean anything about how much value someone has. Homeless people are people, too, and if my family had been as unlucky as some of them, we could be homeless too. That is why it’s so important that we try to provide services for people in need, whether it’s food or clothing or shelter. After my experience at the food bank, I really want to help more often. Talking to one of the homeless guests, they said that one of the hardest things to find are bathroom products like shampoo or soap or deodorant. So this year, I want to organize a donation drive of those kinds of products to give out to the guests at the Thanksgiving dinner. It would be so meaningful to be able to provide things that they actually need and want. It is easy to ignore a problem like homelessness, or pretend that if people can’t afford food it’s somehow their fault. After my experience volunteering at the food bank, I realize that this is not true. We have a responsibility to our fellow citizens, especially if we have more resources than they do. I am really looking forward to future community service projects because I think that it is so important to try and combat inequality.

Essay Prompt 9 - COVID-19

The prompt is asking you about how a global pandemic affected you personally. Your response may vary depending on where you lived and how your family coped with the pandemic. Remember that the prompt is also interested in how you adapted to the changes and, where possible, made the best of difficult situations.

Because the prompt is asking for more than one example, it’s good to brainstorm a wide variety of possibilities. For example:

• attending school online
• having private music lessons online
• not being able to see friends or family in person
• not being able to go on planned trips
• worrying about the health of family and friends
• facing personal fears about illness
• facing personal fears about vaccines/needles
• not having personal space because of parents working at home
• (Detail 1) Really hard to work with my teacher.
• (Detail 2) Learned to be more self-motivated.
• (Detail 1) Disappointed not to go to Europe.
• (Detail 2) Family cooked dinners together.
• (Detail 1) Really sad because they are getting old.
• (Detail 2) Taught them to use new technology.
• (Conclusion) I am now able to see some good things that came out of the pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic definitely impacted my daily life in 2020. Before the pandemic, I was expecting to have a normal year a lot like the year before, but once COVID began, everything changed. Three of the biggest changes were that I had to start taking music lessons online, my family’s trip to Europe was canceled, and I couldn’t see my grandparents in person. But I overcame each of these challenges and had new experiences I wouldn’t have had otherwise. I have been taking clarinet lessons for three years. When the pandemic hit, my teacher taught lessons using Zoom, but it really wasn’t the same. We realized that it would actually be more helpful if I made a recording before each lesson for us to talk about. In order to make the recording in time, I had to be independently motivated. That motivation is something I’m glad to have found because it has helped me improve much more quickly. Another big change from the pandemic was that my family’s summer trip to Europe was canceled. I was so sad, because I had been really excited to visit all of the different countries. But my parents realized that we could still experience being abroad at home, so every Friday night, we cooked dinner together as a family, picking a different country’s recipes to focus on. It is a new tradition that we will continue even when the pandemic is over. The saddest thing about the pandemic for me was not being able to see my grandparents. Their health is not always good, and I really missed seeing them. When it was clear that the pandemic was lasting a long time, though, they said they wanted to learn how to video-chat and text with us. I got to teach them how to use their smartphones. It was a double blessing: I got to bond with them, and now we text almost every day. Although no one could be happy that COVID-19 happened, I have come to see that there were some silver linings to my experience. I discovered how to self-motivate myself to practice clarinet, my family became closer as a result of our cooking dinner, and I deepened my relationship with my grandparents. Although the pandemic has had many negative impacts, I am glad to be taking these positive changes forward into my life.

Essay Prompt 10 - World Problem

The prompt is asking you about an issue you feel the world is facing, and how you would try to solve this problem. It may be helpful to think of both global and individual solutions. Consider both what a country’s government could do to help and what actions an individual (like you or one of your friends) could take to help.

It will probably be easier to write this essay if you choose a topic that you feel strongly about. Remember that you don’t have to solve all of the world’s problems, just focus on the one you feel most drawn to. For example, you might consider:

• violence/war
• poverty/hunger
• climate change
• political polarization
• disability rights
• LGBTQ+ discrimination
• immigration/refugees
• animal extinction
• (Detail 1) Watched a documentary in school.
• (Detail 2) Discussion groups to learn more.
• (Detail 1) Speaking up for people.
• (Detail 2) Helping friends and family.
• (Detail 1) Make laws that prohibit discrimination.
• (Conclusion) It will take hard work, but we must try to end racism.

The world faces many big problems, but I think one of the most important to solve is racism. Racism exists everywhere, and we need to work to end it if we want to build a better world. There is not just one approach, because it is a complicated issue. The best way to try and solve this problem is to approach it on many different levels, such as in school, through individual actions, and from governmental policy and guidance. An important first step towards ending racism is to educate people. In my school, we watched a documentary about racism through history, and about how it shapes society today. We split into discussion groups with our classmates, and I was really moved by some of my peers’ stories. My understanding of racism completely changed after these experiences, and I think everyone should have a similar curriculum so that we can all learn more. Another important strategy is individual accountability. That means both making sure that I am not saying racist things but also that I try to help my friends or family be less racist, too. When my grandparents were using the word “Oriental” to describe an Asian person, I explained to them that it is not appropriate to say that any more. Now, they don’t use that word. If everyone watches out for this kind of behavior, the world can become a less racist place. The government also has an important role to play. They can make laws that prohibit discrimination, like not hiring non-white people. They can also make sure the punishments for acting in a racist way are severe. Although I think most people probably don’t want to be racist on purpose, there are still some who might not want to change their behavior unless they will be punished. That is where the government comes in and can act as a “bad cop” influence. Racism is a vast problem, and it will not be easy to end it. But I think it is one of the most important issues facing our world and we must work to make racism a thing of the past. It makes me so upset to think that there are people whose lives are so much harder than my own just because their skin is not white like mine. We are all the same, even if we look different.

Essay Prompt 11 - Family

The prompt is asking you about a time you helped out a family member who needed it. It will probably be easier to write about a time that you remember clearly. Start by thinking about all the times you can remember when a family member was in need and how you helped them. Keep in mind that helping someone in need can mean a lot of different things. For example, you might consider writing about:

• offering emotional support to a family member in a difficult situation
• taking care of an family member when they were injured or sick
• doing something kind for a family member to cheer them up
• helping a sibling study or understand homework they struggled with
• taking care of extra chores to relieve some of your parents’ stress
• doing yard work for you grandparents who might not be able to
• (Detail 1) Made it easier for her to get around.
• (Detail 2) We got to spend more time together.
• (Detail 1) The surprise cheered her up.
• (Detail 2) I got to use my art skills to help.
• (Detail 1) Friends were happy to help.
• (Detail 2) Meant a lot to her.
• (Conclusion) I’m closer to my sister after helping her through her injury.

One time that I helped a family member in need was last year when my sister sprained her ankle playing soccer. She was upset because she couldn’t play for eight weeks while she was in a cast. It was also hard for her because she had to use crutches to move around. I wanted to make things easier for her, so I carried her backpack for her at school. That way she didn’t have to deal with carrying it or opening doors. It also helped strengthen our bond because we don’t usually spend time together at school. However, we were able to talk between classes, and we still walk together even though I don’t have to carry her stuff anymore.  My sister also didn’t like her crutches because she thought they were uncomfortable and didn’t match any of her outfits. So, I asked my mom to take me to the store, and I got fabrics in her favorite colors to make cushions for her crutches. That way they didn’t hurt her arms so much and matched her backpack. I liked doing this because it made her happy and she didn’t mind using her crutches as much. It was also nice to practice my art skills. Another thing I did to help my sister was that I got all of her friends to sign a get well card for her. This took a lot of planning because I wanted it to be a surprise, but it was worth it because my sister really appreciated knowing so many people were thinking of her.  In conclusion, it was really sad when my sister hurt her ankle, but I’m glad I was able to help her by carrying her backpack at school, decorating her crutches, and getting a get well card for her. I think that everything I did helped her feel better and made us grow closer. I also learned that it’s important to show your family members that you’re there for them when something goes wrong.

Essay Prompt 12 - Weather

The prompt is asking you about what you would do if you had the ability to control the weather. It may be helpful to think about the weather on both a local and global scale. Consider both what changes you would make to the weather in your area and around the world.

It will probably be easier to write this essay about a weather change you feel most strongly about. Remember that you don’t have to talk about each aspect of the weather that you could change, just focus on the one you feel most drawn to. For example, you might consider:

• temperature
• humidity and dryness
• types of weather (ex. sunny, raining, cloudy)
• natural disasters
• seasonal weather
• (Detail 1) Ice in the Arctic Ocean has melted.
• (Detail 2) If the sea was colder, less ice would melt.
• (Detail 1) Animals in arctic environments are losing their homes.
• (Detail 2) Colder temperatures would help preserve their natural habitats.
• (Detail 1) The heat makes spending time outdoors less enjoyable.
• (Detail 2) Regulating the heat would make being outside more pleasant and safe.
• (Conclusion) If I controlled the weather, I could reduce the negative impacts that global warming has had.

If I could control the weather, I would make the temperature colder all around the world to help fix global warming. Global warming has had significant negative effects on the environment, harmed many species, and caused problems for humans. By regulating the temperature, I could help to reduce some of these negative impacts. I would make the global temperature a few degrees cooler and prevent huge changes in the temperature throughout the year. This would have a positive impact because global warming has greatly harmed the environment. For example, global warming has caused a lot of ice in the Arctic Ocean to melt which has led to rising sea levels. But, if I controlled the weather I would make sure that the ocean was cold enough so that this ice would stay frozen. Another problem I would address if I could control the weather is the harm global warming has caused for a lot of animal species. For instance, polar bears live in the Arctic where a lot of ice is melting. When this ice melts, it destroys the polar bears’ natural habitat and creates a dangerous situation for them. However, if I controlled the weather, I could ensure that Arctic animals’ habitats remain suitable for them. Finally, if I could control the weather, I could help limit the negative effects global warming has had on humans. Many people dislike when it gets very hot outside, and too much heat can even be dangerous. For example, it can be dangerous to play sports when it’s super hot outside because of the increased risk of dehydration and overheating. Therefore, making sure that the temperature never gets dangerously high would allow everyone to safely enjoy spending time outdoors. In conclusion, controlling the weather would allow me to lower the temperature across the world and lessen the negative impact that global warming has had on the environment, endangered species, and humans. If I controlled the weather, I  would regulate the temperature to ensure that these issues don’t worsen.

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11 Comments

Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is totally awesome! Extremely helpful!! This is a VERY CLEAR approach to prompt writing and how to practice for the essay.

As a tutor, I would like to note that this section is extremely useful. The topics are all topics that any student should be able to relate to. I like the way you point out why the essay is important, even though it will not be graded. Emphasis should be on presenting yourself as a thoughtful student who is looking for ways to learn – exactly what schools are looking for. The brainstorming format is simple yet useful in steering the students to good ideas and content. The sample essays are great examples of excellent work. What a great job!

These are very good sample responses, HOWEVER, they are a bit too long. The ISEE only gives you two pages with a limited amount of lines to provide your answer. You are NOT allowed to take more space beyond the two pages provided. The answers above, while very thorough, are unlikely to fit in the official amount of space you will be given even if you write in a super small fashion.

Teeny typo noticed: What aspect of high school interest (interests) you the most? Sincerely, a fellow tutor =)

Thanks for the free tutoring!

Prompt six… bring my father and me closer together not my father and I. Would you say bring I? Me is the direct object of bring.

Yep, you’re completely correct! Thanks for the find!

It’s pretty useful.

I love this promt i feel the same way and this is very helpfull

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‘I Quit,’ Says Lizzo, Citing Online Criticism and Ridicule

The Grammy Award-winning singer said on Instagram that she was “starting to feel like the world doesn’t want me in it.”

By Emmett Lindner

Lizzo, the Grammy Award-winning singer and fashion entrepreneur, on Friday declared “I QUIT” on Instagram after citing online criticism she’s faced.

“I’m getting tired of putting up with being dragged by everyone in my life and on the internet,” she wrote. “All I want is to make music and make people happy and help the world be a little better than how I found it. But I’m starting to feel like the world doesn’t want me in it.”

The post went on to say how she has faced ridicule, and ended with her declaration about quitting.

“I’m constantly up against lies being told about me for clout & views,” she added. “Being the butt of the joke every single time because of how I look … my character being picked apart by people who don’t know me and disrespecting my name.”

Representatives for Lizzo could not immediately be reached for comment on Saturday.

Messages of support flooded the comments section of her Instagram post, including from the hip-hop pioneer Queen Latifah, the comic Eric André and the fashion illustrator and designer Hayden Williams.

“The internet isn’t real life,” the actress Sophia Bush wrote. “Protect you. We love you.”

Lizzo, born Melissa Jefferson, rose to fame with No. 1 hits like “Truth Hurts” in 2017 and “About Damn Time” in 2022, and her catalog of feel-good funk and pop with lyrics focused on empowerment.

Her voice was commanding on records and candid in public, where she remains outspoken about body positivity. In 2022, she launched Yitty, a line of shapewear “designed for all body types,” according to the brand’s website.

But her efforts to promote those ideals have often been met with mockery.

Her statement on Friday was not the first time the singer has suggested that she might leave the music industry. In 2023, she made her Twitter account private on several occasions after waves of body-shaming comments.

“Y’all don’t know how close I be to giving up on everyone and quitting,” she posted before locking her account.

The statement on Friday contrasts with a March 17 Instagram post, in which she wrote that she was “writing some of the best music and I’m so excited for y’all to hear.”

Despite the pushback she has received, Lizzo has continued to find success.

She has won four Grammy Awards and an Emmy for “ Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls ,” a reality series that follows a group of aspiring dancers. In 2023, her music was featured in the blockbuster film “Barbie,” and this year she promoted a new swimwear line under her fashion brand.

Her statement on Friday comes in the midst of several lawsuits filed last year against Lizzo by a designer and, separately, three of her former backup dancers who accused the singer of creating a hostile work environment during a 2023 tour. Lizzo has repeatedly denied the allegations.

In December 2023, she filed a motion to dismiss the designer’s lawsuit. Last month, a judge denied a motion she requested to dismiss the lawsuit filed by her dancers. The judge dismissed some of the claims but allowed the case to move to trial.

Emmett Lindner writes about breaking and trending news. He has written about international protests, climate change and social media influencers. More about Emmett Lindner

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How Is the ISEE Essay Graded?

Many of my students ask me how the ISEE essay is graded. I answer: It is not “graded” but rather sent to the schools to which you apply. So, who reads your essay? People who work in admissions at your schools of choice. The 30-minute timed ISEE essay is their opportunity to see how you write without any assistance or adult editors. What do they look for? They care to some degree about content (don’t say things that make you sound unkind!), organization (write an essay not a paragraph or stream of consciousness), writing mechanics (check your capitalization and periods!), handwriting (it has to be legible!), voice (avoid “super-duper” casual language), etc. However, on test day, don’t worry TOO much about content or grammar or handwriting… You have only 30 minutes! Practice the essay ahead of time  so that on test day your organization, mechanics, and handwriting flow (as smoothly as possible).

Essay Strategy (to Practice, Practice, Practice!):

First, decide on your main response to the given ISEE question (pick whatever response is  easiest  to write on!). (This answer is your  thesis  – the main point you will make and support in your essay.) Next, OUTLINE YOUR ESSAY (You must practice doing this!!!), noting supporting evidence for your thesis. Next, decide in what order you will talk about the ideas you brainstormed. Ideally, your essay will have an introduction with your main point (and mention of the 2-3 main supporting ideas), 2-3 body paragraphs of evidence supporting your main point, and a summarizing conclusion. Aim for a 5 paragraph essay. For example, pretend my topic is: “ Where in the world would you want to live for a year and why? ” My outline could include the words:  “ Brazil – because of the weather / I want to learn Portuguese/ I’m interested in studying Capoeira .” I could then start my essay: “ If I could live anywhere in the world for a year, I would choose Brazil .” I would then continue by listing (in the order I planned to talk about them) the reasons I had outlined. “ I’m attracted to Brazil for its tropical weather and rainforest and because I want to become fluent in Portuguese and intensively study the Brazilian martial art, Capoeira.”  I would then make sure the body paragraphs of my essay first mention weather, then Portuguese, then Capoeira. I would end with a brief conclusion. Remember to make sure your handwriting can be read. Stay within the margins of the answer sheets. If you wish to change something you have written you may neatly strike through the words you want to “delete.” You are given 2 lined pages; however, you do not need to entirely fill both pages. If you have time, we recommend that you read over what you have written. Often when we write quickly, we make careless mistakes. Check to make sure you haven’t left out any words. Look over your spelling. See if you have capitalized words in odd places. Does your comma use look okay? Make sure your sentences are complete and remember you cannot connect two full sentences with a comma! If you mention people speaking, have you used quotes properly? Did you use the correct spelling of  there / their / they’re  and two / to / too ? Be your own editor and good luck!

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ISEE Mathematics Achievement

The Mathematics Achievement (MA) section of the ISEE Test is intended to reflect curriculum related questions, in contrast to the Quantitative Reasoning section which is intended to measure students’ reasoning abilities.

We are pleased to introduce Ryan, one of our 2020 scholars. Ryan’s perseverance and dedication allowed him to increase his SSAT score by 51 percentile points, scoring in the 81st percentile overall.

We are excited to introduce Owen, one of our 2021 scholars. Owen’s hard work and determination enabled him to score in the 91st percentile on the ISEE!