Taking a sizeable standardized test, like the ISEE, can seem intimidating at first, but if you have the right tools in your toolbox to help you prepare, you are more than ready. The first big choice you have to make when prepping for the ISEE is to figure out which study guide is right for you, and with so many out there to choose from, it can seem overwhelming.
Luckily for you, we’ve compiled a great list of some of our favorite study guides and practice books to help you prepare for the ISEE exam. It is essential to get the right book for you, so take some time to look through these books and see which one meets your needs the best. In this article, we’ll talk about why we like each book and discuss any notable pros or cons that make the book stand out.
If you want to just get back to studying, get our top pick for ISEE study guides here.
Our Favorites for Best ISEE Study Guides
With so many prep books and study guides out there, it can seem overwhelming at first glance. Here, we’ve listed some of our favorite ISEE study guides. Although the books in this section might be quite pricey, they are well worth it and are chock-full of unique features.
IvyGlobal
This test prep book publisher has a whole line of different prep books to help you prepare to take the ISEE test. They have books that are specific to the sections of the test, such as ISEE Math: Upper, Middle, and Lower Level, as well as books that are just focused on practice. Since the books are more specialized to the section, you can really focus on what you need to be working on.
A major pro of these books is that they are focused explicitly on the ISEE. A potential con that some buyers have complained about is covering all test levels. This means that there might be less space dedicated to each level. The number of practice problems, passages, and study drills included in any of these books makes them an excellent option for anyone looking to study for the ISEE test.
What Makes it Unique:
- The books are more specialized to the section, and you can really focus on what you need to be working on.
- They offer a whole line of different prep books to help you prepare to take the ISEE test with books specializing in each level and subject.
- These books are jam-packed with practice questions to help you focus your studying.
Why Choose this Best ISEE Study Guide:
- Focused on the ISEE and how best to help you prepare for that test, only
- Lots of subject-specific practice questions and reading passages for you to use
- It is a great option for someone looking to narrow their studying just to the subjects they need help on.
- Global, Ivy (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 472 Pages - 09/23/2019 (Publication Date) - Ivy Global (Publisher)
Last update: 2024-05-03
Elevate Prep
Like IvyGlobal, Elevate Prep makes various ISEE study guides, and all are amazing! Some of the best ISEE study guides for any test level are made by Elevate Prep, and it’s no wonder why when you see how much information they pack into each book. These books have tons of practice questions for each section of the exam, and since they make a book specifically for each level, all the questions in your book will be for your exam.
A massive pro of this book series is that each book includes three full-length practice exams, something that not many other books can say. Many people have enjoyed this many practice tests greatly, which sets this book series apart from others. The Elevate Prep website also offers extra information to go along with your book and to help supplement your learning, which can be super useful.
What Makes it Unique:
- Three full-length practice tests in every book!!
- Elevate Prep has a website that supplements the books to offer you extra resources and help.
- Each book is specific to a level, so you never have to flip past a different level or worry you won’t have enough practice questions for your test level.
Why Choose this Best ISEE Study Guide:
- This is one of the most commonly used ISEE study guides, so they are highly respected.
- These books have more full-length practice tests than most.
- If you are looking to integrate a traditional study book and online resources, this is the book for you. The online resources supplement the information covered in the book nicely to aid your studying.
- Prep, Elevate (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 450 Pages - 05/14/2020 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
Last update: 2024-05-03
MoMetrix
The ISEE Upper-Level Secrets Study Guide from Mometrix Test Prep is a fantastic ISEE test prep book for the upper-level exam. This book is jam-packed with helpful tips and tricks for every test part. Although it is slightly smaller than some of its counterparts from other companies, many users say that it gets information through to their kids in a more productive way than other books have.
Although this book is their upper-level test prep book, Mometrix test prep offers books of equally fantastic quality for all levels. They offer great tips on creating a useful study timeline to help you crush the test, regardless of how long you have to study. One of the best aspects of this book is its helpful planning section.
What Makes it Unique:
- So many tips and tricks!!
- Super efficient at conveying information
- They provide tips on creating your study timeline, which is essential to success.
Why Choose this Best ISEE Study Guide:
- Known for not being too bulky but still packed with info
- If you want tips and tricks, this is the book for you!
- They are a highly respected publisher, and they make study books for all levels.
- ISEE Exam Secrets Test Prep Team (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 180 Pages - 02/14/2013 (Publication Date) - Mometrix Media LLC (Publisher)
Last update: 2024-05-04
Runner Ups for Best ISEE Study Guides
If the books above aren’t quite your style, then these study guides might be. One thing that makes many of these books fall into the runner-up category and not in our favorites list is that many of them cover both the SSAT and the ISEE since they are both high school entrance exams. If you aren’t sure which exam you will be taking yet, these books may be the perfect fit for you, so don’t avoid them because they include multiple tests. In this section, we’ll be discussing some other great options to help you study for the ISEE exam.
The Tutorverse
If you are in the market for exceptional practice questions for your ISEE studying, look no further than the Tutorverse’s Middle-Level ISEE: 1000+ Practice Questions. This is an excellent ISEE middle-level prep book for any student who needs lots of practice questions with great explanatory answers. Unlike other books that just have an answer key, books from the Tutorverse have an answer explanation packet that can be downloaded from their website. This makes understanding your mistakes a breeze.
Like many of the other creators on this list, the Tutorverse has ISEE prep books for all levels of the test and covers all of the different sections. They are a great option and are generally easy to get your hands on, making them an excellent option for many families. These books are also super easy to use, so they are great for someone looking to study for the ISEE independently.
What Makes it Unique:
- All the practice questions!
- Very clear answer explanations instead of just answers
- Come with links to their website to integrate your study tools
Why Choose this Best ISEE Study Guide:
- Great for a student looking to study on their own
- Known for being super user-friendly
- If you struggle to understand why you make a mistake, this is the book for you since they have the best answer explanations.
- Tutorverse, The (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 231 Pages - 12/15/2016 (Publication Date) - CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (Publisher)
Last update: 2024-05-04
Princeton Review
If you have ever taken a standardized test before, chances are you have heard of the Princeton Review. They are known for making excellent test prep materials, and their ISEE prep books are no exception. The SSAT and ISEE Prep has six full-length practice tests, are packed full of practice questions covering every section of the test, and cost only around $18.
The downside of this book is that it covers both tests, but if you are in the market for practice tests, it’s hard to beat. The benefit is that the practice tests come from an incredibly trusted creator of test prep materials. Having so many practice tests gives you many options when it comes to studying. These books are an exceptional value, especially considering how well regarded they are and how much information they come packed with.
What Makes it Unique:
- Lots of practice tests
- They cover both the ISEE and the SSAT, so this is perfect if you plan to take both.
- A total steal and way cheaper than many of its competitors.
Why Choose this Best ISEE Study Guide:
- Princeton Review is extremely well-respected when it comes to test-taking.
- These books have more full-length practice tests than most.
- A super cost-efficient option, considering how much information it covers.
- The Princeton Review (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 720 Pages - 06/01/2021 (Publication Date) - Princeton Review (Publisher)
Last update: 2024-05-04
Barron’s Test Prep
The Barron’s SSAT/ISEE: High School Entrance Examinations book is an excellent resource for anyone looking for some quality questions to study from. Barron’s is another test prep company that creates pretty stellar ISEE study guides for all ages. This book has some great exercises to help students, and it provides them with ample room to work right in the book.
Like many other ISEE study guides, Barron’s books provide information to help you study for all sections, but this book is known for its math section. Since the ISEE covers various math topics, it’s great to have a book with lots of practice questions and good explanations alongside the examples. Especially when taking the upper-level ISEE, the math section is super important, so it is nice to have a book emphasizing the various math topics, ranging from introductory algebra through calculus.
What Makes it Unique:
- Known for their excellent math section
- It provides room to work out problems right next to the problem.
- Really clear math answer explanations
Why Choose this Best ISEE Study Guide:
- A perfect choice for someone worried about the math section of the test the most
- Great book for someone on-the-go since you can do all your work in the book
- If you aren’t sure if you are taking the ISEE or the SSAT or are taking both, this book covers both tests equally.
- Elliott M.A., Kathleen J. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 528 Pages - 09/01/2017 (Publication Date) - Barrons Educational Services (Publisher)
Last update: 2024-05-04
Value Picks for Best ISEE Study Guides
We understand that some of the books on these lists can cost quite a bit, so we’ve made sure to include some books that come at a lower price point. The books in this value pick guide are both under $20 and will do a great job of helping you prepare. It is important to remember that something is expensive doesn’t mean it’s always good, and the opposite is true. There are some great options out there that won’t break the bank.
Apex TestPrep
Apex makes study guides for all test levels, and all of them are similarly priced. Coming in at only around $13, the Apex TestPrep ISEE Test Prep Lower Level: Study Guide and ISEE Practice Exam Questions Book is a steal! If you are looking for a cost-efficient study guide to help your child prepare to take their ISEE exam, this is the brand for you.
Although the book contains all the necessary information to help your students study for their exam, the downside of a book at this price is that there are very few extras, such as diagrams, to help keep kids engaged. This book is best used by a parent helping their students study since it can be a little dry.
What Makes it Unique:
- It only costs around $13!!!
- Packed with information and practice questions
- An awesome option for a parent and student studying together
Why Choose this Best ISEE Study Guide:
- Packed with written information, which is exactly what some students need
- So many practice questions for such a low price
- Specific ISEE study guides are hard to find at this price, so this is a great option.
![ISEE Test Prep Lower Level: Study Guide and ISEE Practice Exam Questions Book: [3rd Edition]](https://www.conqueryourexam.com/wp-content/plugins/aawp/public/image.php?url=YUhSMGNITTZMeTl0TG0xbFpHbGhMV0Z0WVhwdmJpNWpiMjB2YVcxaFoyVnpMMGt2TkRGTlpVTkhhSFJKSzB3dWFuQm58MTcxNTA0ODIzOA=)
- Lanni, Matthew (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 151 Pages - 07/24/2021 (Publication Date) - APEX Test Prep (Publisher)
Last update: 2024-05-03
SSAT and ISEE for Dummies
Costing only around $12, this 500+ page book
is a deal. This book is known for its great vocabulary and reading comprehension sections, which are pretty extensive. It is user-friendly in its print edition and is highly reviewed, but its kindle edition is not quite so highly reviewed, as many of the diagrams can be convoluted in this edition.
As with some other books on these lists, one challenge with this book is that it covers both the ISEE and the SSAT. Even if you are only studying for one of these tests, the information in this book about either test can be super helpful in your studying. This might be great for you if you take both tests or are still figuring out which test to take.
What Makes it Unique:
- Covers vocabulary in great depth
- Great diagrams, especially for the price
- Packed with reading comprehension practice sections
Why Choose this Best ISEE Study Guide:
- For only less than $12, getting a 500+ page book is an amazing deal
- If you are looking for a vocab-packed book, this is perfect!
- Many students are already familiar with the layout of the “for dummies” books, so it’s already slightly familiar.
- Kotchian, Vince (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 512 Pages - 03/06/2012 (Publication Date) - For Dummies (Publisher)
Last update: 2024-05-03
How to Choose the Best ISEE Study Guides?
Choosing the best ISEE study guide can seem overwhelming, considering how many choices there are, but it can be straightforward if you just break it down. First, you’ll want to consider your cost. ISEE study books can range in price from just over $10 to close to $100, so having a good grasp on your desired budget can help guide your search.
Next, think about what you need out of the book. Are you looking for help with the various math topics covered on the exam, or are you struggling with vocabulary? Finding a book that covers what you need it to is essential for success.
Finally, you’ll want to make sure that you choose a book with enough practice questions and tests. Making sure that you have plenty of practice questions to utilize will help ensure that you are prepared when it comes time to take the exam. Having questions written in the test’s style will also ensure that you are in the right headspace when you get to the test.
What Does the ISEE Book Cover?
A good ISEE study book will cover all of the exam’s topics, give you some tips and tricks to help you out, and provide you with plenty of practice questions and tests. This can seem like a lot to fit into a book, but that’s why these books can be so costly. It is crucial to ensure that the book covers all the material it needs and is from a reputable source.
Since the ISEE exam covers five different sections; verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, math, and essay writing, your study book must also cover these sections. If you find that you are struggling in one section more than the others, it might be time to think about getting a section-specific study book. In general, most students can get by using just one good, all-around study book covering all sections.
One of the biggest things you are looking for in an ISEE prep book is practice questions and tests. You will use these throughout your studying to gauge how well prepared you think you will be for the exam. Using questions and practice tests written in the exam style is essential to getting comfortable with the exam before you take it.
Do You Need More Practice on ISEE Upper or Middle Level?
Although each level of the ISEE is scaled for difficulty based on the age range that will be taking that test, more is always expected from older students. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the upper level or middle level is more challenging, but, as with most academics, older students are expected to understand more. This means that you may want to have more practice if you are helping a student prepare for the upper or middle-level ISEE exam than helping a student prepare for the lower-level ISEE.
The other reason that many upper and middle-level students find that they are expected to study more for a test like the ISEE is that they are capable of more practice than younger students. Test makers understand that older students have a longer attention span and will thus expect these students to put in more time practicing and preparing for the test. This isn’t to say that the test is more challenging, just that these students expect more.
Are You Self-Studying for the ISEE Test?
Determining if you should self-study for the ISEE test or hire a tutor to help you study is entirely dependent on you and your needs. If you are very self-motivated and have a good home environment to study in, you may find that you don’t need a tutor to help you. If you sometimes lack direction when you are studying or don’t have the best home environment to study in, getting a tutor or attending a tutoring class might be the best option.
Ultimately, you can succeed on the ISEE if you study on your own or with a tutor. While there might be some information that a tutor could tell you that you won’t know on your own, most good study guides will be just as good as a tutor for the right student, of course. If finances are a big concern to you, a tutor may not even be an option, but you can still do just as well on the ISEE test as someone who studies with a tutor. It’s all up to you.
Wrapping Things Up: The Best ISEE Study Guides
There are tons of study guides out there that cover all of your bases when it comes to preparing to take the ISEE. Taking some time to find the book that is the best fit for you and comes from a reputable publisher is essential to your success on the exam. Ultimately, it’s not about buying the most expensive book or the most comprehensive book, but the book that is the right fit for you. From IvyGlobal to ApexPrep, there are books out there for everyone!
Our top picks are well-known and respected books covering every part of the ISEE exam in depth. They also come packed with the practice that your child needs. Our runner-up picks are books that meet these criteria in most ways, but we don’t find them to be as engaging for kids or as efficient at conveying the information as our top picks do. Last but certainly not least, our value picks offer great options for someone looking for excellent prep materials without breaking the bank.
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> What is a Good Score on the ISEE?
