Can anyone break down the ISEE and its role in private high school admissions?

I'm a bit stressed about my younger sibling starting to look at private high schools, and we're not sure how much weight the ISEE carries in admissions. How should they be preparing for it and what else should they focus on for a strong application?

Understanding the Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) is certainly an important step in the private high school application process. The ISEE is a standardized test that evaluates a student's abilities in areas such as verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, and math skills. Private schools use it as one criterion among many to assess a student's readiness for the academic challenges they'll encounter at the institution.

In terms of preparation, it's advisable to begin study sessions well in advance of the test date. Different students have their own learning styles, so it might involve self-study with prep books, online resources, group study sessions, or even a test prep tutor if that's within your means. Practicing sample tests can also accustom your sibling to the format and types of questions they will encounter.

However, it's crucial to remember that admissions committees look for well-rounded applicants. Beyond test scores, they'll want to see strong teacher recommendations, a compelling personal essay, and evidence of extracurricular involvement that showcases leadership, commitment, or special talents. Encourage your sibling to focus on activities and subjects they are passionate about, as genuine enthusiasm tends to shine brightly in applications.

Lastly, tour the schools of interest if possible and prepare for interviews by having your sibling practice discussing their interests articulately and passionately. These personal touchpoints can be just as influential as test scores. Balancing ISEE preparation with a focus on holistic development will serve them well in the admissions process.