ISEE Archives - 91ÁÔĆć /blog/category/isee/ Prep for Success Mon, 23 Mar 2026 19:08:02 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://assets.testinnovators.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/favicon-85x85.png ISEE Archives - 91ÁÔĆć /blog/category/isee/ 32 32 Test Prep Tips: How to Improve Your Pacing /blog/how-to-improve-test-pacing/ Fri, 20 Feb 2026 16:37:57 +0000 /?p=18595 Have you ever felt the stomach-dropping realization that you have five questions left and only two minutes on the clock? For some students, time is the biggest challenge on tests like the SAT, ACT, ISEE, and SSAT. Perhaps you’ve studied the content, and you understand all of the concepts. But the moment the clock starts […]

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Have you ever felt the stomach-dropping realization that you have five questions left and only two minutes on the clock?

For some students, time is the biggest challenge on tests like the SAT, ACT, ISEE, and SSAT.

Perhaps you’ve studied the content, and you understand all of the concepts. But the moment the clock starts ticking down in the testing room, your pacing falls apart and anxiety kicks in. Maybe you didn’t finish a section, but you’re confident you could have answered those last few questions correctly with just a few more minutes. If this sounds familiar, time may be the ceiling on your score.

The good news is that pacing is a skill. It’s something you can improve with the right strategies and deliberate practice. Simply telling yourself to “go faster” isn’t a strategy that holds up under pressure.

To help you break through your own scoring ceiling, let’s look at practical ways to take control of the clock.

Study Your Timing Patterns

You can’t fix what you haven’t measured. Before you try to speed up, you need to understand where and how you’re spending your time.

After every practice test, look past the number of correct and incorrect questions and pay attention to how long you spent on each question.

If you’re using the 91ÁÔĆć platform, you can review the timing graph at the bottom of each section summary. You can also see how long you spent on each individual question compared to the average response time in the question-by-question results.

Here’s what to look for:

1. Any Long Bars on the Timing Graph

These are the questions that took significantly longer than average. Even if you answered correctly, ask yourself why it took so long.ĚýĚý

  • Did you reread the prompt multiple times?
  • Did you try a method that required extra steps?
  • Did you get stuck before switching strategies?
  • Did you freeze or blank out for a moment?

2. Performance Trends

Are you consistently slow on specific question types or content areas, like geometry or reading inference questions? Do certain types of reading passages slow you down? A consistent pattern may indicate that you need to do some focused content review.

A quick note: some question types naturally take longer than others. That’s why comparing your time to the average response time is helpful. It gives you context.

Ultimately, even if you got a question right, taking too long may still cost you points elsewhere in the section. Accuracy without efficiency can hold you back.

If you notice that certain problem types consistently slow you down, look for alternative methods. For example, could you:

  • Plug in numbers instead of solving algebraically?
  • Eliminate answer choices more strategically?
  • Answer some questions while reading a passage instead of waiting until the end?

When you practice new methods, don’t worry about speed at first. Focus on learning the process correctly. Efficiency comes with familiarity.

Don’t Be Afraid to Skip Questions

Your fundamental goal is simple: answer as many questions correctly as possible.Ěý

This goal sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget when you’re mid-test, especially when you’re staring at a question you feel like you should be able to solve. That pressure can keep you stuck longer than you realize.Ěý

If you hit a wall, make a decision. Flag the question and move on. You can always return to it later if time allows.

Spending five minutes wrestling with one problem while three or four other questions sit unanswered is a losing trade. Even if you eventually solve the hard question, the opportunity cost may lower your overall score. (And yes, this basic principle is still true for an adaptive test like the SAT, even though scoring is more complex).Ěý

Remove the Pressure of the Clock

It sounds counterintuitive, but if you’re struggling with time management, one of the best things you can do is temporarily remove the clock.Ěý

Try this experiment: take a full practice test section untimed. Instead of setting a countdown timer, use a stopwatch and track how long it takes you to complete every question carefully and accurately.

If you’re using 91ÁÔĆć, you can also try extended time (1.5x) or double time (2.0x) accommodations. That way, you’ll still collect timing data for each individual question. You can adjust timing accommodations by clicking your name in the upper-right corner and selecting “My Profile.” We’ve outlined the steps in this if you need additional guidance.

This exercise will help you diagnose what’s really happening:

  • If you struggle to answer questions or fully understand what they’re asking even with unlimited time, your primary issue may be content, not pacing. You may need to review concepts or become more familiar with certain question types.
  • If you lose focus or find your mind wandering, you may be dealing with an endurance issue. In that case, gradually build up to longer practice sessions until you can sustain focus for a full section or test.
  • If you finish comfortably when the clock isn’t pressuring you, test anxiety may be playing a significant role. The ticking clock can create stress that disrupts an otherwise strong performance. You can find more information and practical strategies in our Test Anxiety Resources Center.
  • If you could answer most questions correctly with just 10–15 extra minutes, pacing is likely the main issue. The good news is that this gives you a clear, measurable gap to close.

Close the Gap Gradually

Once you know how much extra time you need to comfortably finish a section, you can begin closing the gap. Instead of forcing yourself to jump immediately to official timing, reduce your buffer gradually until you can complete the section within the allotted time.

For example, let’s say you currently need 10 extra minutes to complete a section accurately:

  • Practice Test 1: Give yourself 10 extra minutes.
  • Practice Test 2: Reduce the buffer to 8 extra minutes.
  • Practice Test 3: Reduce it to 5 extra minutes.
  • Practice Test 4: Reduce it to 2 extra minutes.
  • Practice Test 5: Complete the section under official time constraints.

This gradual tapering allows you to build speed incrementally. Just as you would if you were training for an athletic event, increase intensity in controlled steps so your performance improves without breaking down.

By analyzing your performance data, experimenting without time pressure, and gradually tightening your timing, you shift from reacting to the clock to managing it.

Ready to Improve Your Pacing? Start Practicing Today.

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Sara Laszlo

Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.

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]]> Lev’s Story /blog/lev-testimonial/ Thu, 05 Feb 2026 08:47:14 +0000 /?p=3051 Meet Lev Lev’s daughter, Lily, recently took the Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT). According to Lev, Lily is a very driven and motivated student. Although she’s only 14 years old, she has a pretty solid understanding of what she wants to do and where she wants to go. This conviction led them to apply for […]

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Meet Lev

Lev’s daughter, Lily, recently took the Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT). According to Lev, Lily is a very driven and motivated student. Although she’s only 14 years old, she has a pretty solid understanding of what she wants to do and where she wants to go. This conviction led them to apply for admission to a local private school. We sat down with Lev to learn more about their test-preparation process.

Ěý

The Challenge

Lily needed to achieve a high SSAT score in order to be a stand-out applicant at her school of choice–Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn, New York. Given the highly competitive nature of Poly Prep’s admissions, Lev and Lily knew they needed the best test-preparation program possible to secure a spot.

Ěý

The Solution

During Lev’s extensive research on different test-prep companies, he came across 91ÁÔĆć. After looking into the practice materials and curriculum, he decided it was the right choice. His decision was further confirmed by a glowing recommendation from a friend of his daughter’s who had used 91ÁÔĆć the year prior.

Lev wanted to ensure that Lily was as prepared as possible for test day, so he set up a consultation with a 91ÁÔĆć tutor, Erin. Based on that initial conversation, he knew that he wanted Erin to work with Lily, despite her extremely busy schedule. He saw that Erin would not only be the perfect tutor to help teach Lily the test material, but more importantly, to give her the motivation and confidence boost she needed to succeed on the test. Lev was also impressed with Erin’s personality and professionalism. In fact, Lev was impressed with the credentials of all of the 91ÁÔĆć tutors, who had the degrees and experience that helped them stand out as exceptional instructors.

In his initial consultation with Erin, Lev learned more about the structure of the program. He liked that the one-on-one tutoring would be tailored to his daughter’s needs, and that Erin would maintain an open line of communication with him, providing a written follow-up after each lesson so that he could keep track of Lily’s progress.

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Preparation Process

Before starting her prep, Lily knew a lot of the content tested on the SSAT. She just needed extra help to really zero in on her weaknesses. The 91ÁÔĆć system identified where Lily needed improvement and encouraged her to concentrate her limited time on the most important areas. With only two to three months to prepare, this focus was critical.

Ultimately, Lily was successful both on the test and in securing a spot at Poly Prep. Lev states that “obviously, based on her progress reports, her test results, and her overall participation in extracurricular activities” she was accepted. However, he emphasizes that “none of that would’ve happened if she didn’t get where she needed to be as far as the test score.” He was “extremely pleased and satisfied with the results that [91ÁÔĆć] provided.” He also credits Erin’s work with Lily as a reason for her success.

Lev’s advice to other parents is to ensure that they find the absolute best program for their child. He shared that during his search, he was unable to “come across any real competitors for 91ÁÔĆć.” He praises 91ÁÔĆć for their all-inclusive packages, which include a user-friendly web portal, excellent practice tests, and tutoring programs. He says that “some sites might have filled in certain bits and pieces but not on an all-inclusive level.”

What stands out for Lev about 91ÁÔĆć is the structure the testing platform presents. It allows you to do “an in-depth analysis of the knowledge of the specific student and because you are successful in identifying the problem you’re getting so much closer to resolving that problem by addressing the specific needs of the student.” Different students will always have different needs, but 91ÁÔĆć is able to address every student’s needs through its personalized, data-driven approach. This approach is what Lev found most important in identifying the test-prep program for his daughter.

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How 91ÁÔĆć Can Help You

91ÁÔĆć is here to help you build test confidence through personalized practice. Cutting-edge analysis presents an in-depth view of results, reveals the competitiveness of scores, and provides detailed timing feedback. The system dynamically adapts by using insights from over 20 million questions answered to provide each student with individualized, targeted practice. With an emphasis on test-taking skills, 91ÁÔĆć teaches key strategies and helps students build the confidence they need to be successful on test day.Ěý

91ÁÔĆć has helped over 100,000 students improve their test scores to gain acceptance into schools with selective admissions processes. They offer prep for the Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT), the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE), the SAT, and the ACT. They also offer tutoring for all four tests.

Ěý

To watch Lev’s full video testimonial, please visit our testimonials page.

Get started with your test prep today!

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Originally published on August 26, 2019. Updated on February 5, 2026.Ěý

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]]> ISEE Top Tips /blog/isee-top-tips/ Fri, 30 Jan 2026 08:57:08 +0000 /?p=4100 Remember to take your practice exams in calm, non-distracting settings, get adequate sleep (especially the few nights before your test), and relax and breathe, both as your prepare and on test day.

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ISEE Pacing:

Efficient pacing is one of the most important skills to master on the ISEE. While different questions may take more or less time to answer, avoid spending more than a couple of minutes on any single question (unless you’re done with all the others). When writing the essay, it’s essential to learn how to outline and write out four to five paragraphs in 30 minutes; hence, practice is critical!

The ISEE Essay:

The ISEE essay is not graded, but it is sent to the schools that you’re applying to. Choose appropriate essay content, understanding that the school’s admissions department is your audience. What will they learn about you through your writing?

Guessing on the ISEE:

There’s no penalty for guessing on the ISEE; bubble-in a lettered answer for every question, even if you don’t have time to read the question. If you flag a question to come back to later, you should still mark an answer in the event that you do return in time to review the question.

Levels of the ISEE:Ěý

Each level of the ISEE is taken by multiple grades (for example, the Upper Level test is taken by 8th-11th graders). Since the test is designed to challenge students across several grades, it’s completely normal to come across unfamiliar topics—however, with preparation, you can learn many new math concepts and vocabulary words before test day.

ISEE Strategies:

Spend some time learning test-taking strategies. For example, read non-math questions and come up with an answer before reviewing the listed answer choices. Many wrong answers are tempting and may trick you—first decide what you are looking for in a correct answer.Ěý

Practice How You Want to Perform

Remember to take your timed practice exams in calm, non-distracting settings. Get adequate sleep (especially the few nights before your test), and relax and breathe, both as you prepare and on test day.

Ěý

Start preparing today!

HSPT
PSAT
ACT
SAT

Originally published on May 12, 2014. Updated on January 30, 2026.Ěý

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]]> How to afford the private school of your dreams /blog/how-afford-private-school-your-dreams/ Fri, 30 Jan 2026 08:34:46 +0000 /?p=4341 It’s a simple fact - not everyone can afford to pay full-price tuition for private schools. However, that doesn’t mean that a high quality education is impossible to attain. Before you give up on a competitive school for your child, consider these tuition tips:

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It’s a simple fact—not everyone can afford to pay full-price tuition for private schools. However, that doesn’t mean that a high-quality education is impossible to attain. Before you rule out sending your child to a competitive school, consider these tuition tips:

Scholarships

The most convenient option is to receive financial aid from the school itself. Research whether the schools you’re applying to offer scholarships, as some schools routinely give full scholarships to high-achieving students. However, make sure to apply for these scholarships early—many applications are due months before you’ll hear back about admissions.

There are also nationwide scholarship programs for eligible students, such as for students of color, the for students with financial need, and the for low-income students grades K-8.

State Voucher Programs

Some states have voucher programs that provide funding to low-income or special-needs students to attend private schools. Check to see whether your family is eligible.

Public Exam Schools & Charter Schools

The best schools aren’t always private schools—there are many great charter schools and public exam schools that not only rival a private education in quality, but also don’t charge tuition.

However, because these schools are free, they can often be more competitive and difficult to get into. For example, requires ISEE scores in the 90th percentile for a good chance of acceptance.Ěý

Negotiable Tuition Rates

It is a little-known fact that private school tuition rates aren’t always set in stone. Communicate with schools to see if there is any flexibility in tuition rates. Many private schools offer plans that allow parents to pay tuition in monthly installments, or may even lower tuition rates if paying in full isn’t feasible.

Good luck making your dream school affordable! We’re here to ensure the admissions tests don’t stand in your way.Ěý

Click below to find your test:

ĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚý

Originally published on October 26, 2016. Updated on January 30, 2026.Ěý

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]]> Parent’s Guide to Private High Schools: Three Big Questions /blog/parent-guide-to-private-high-schools-three-questions-to-help-you-decide/ Sat, 10 Jan 2026 06:02:00 +0000 /?p=3892 Taking the ISEE or SSAT test is only one step in preparing to apply to private high schools. Making a list of schools to apply to can be nearly as daunting as taking a test. Here are three important questions to ask yourself as you get started.

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Taking the ISEE or SSAT is only one step in the private high school application process. Making a list of schools you’d like to apply to can be nearly as daunting as taking an important test. We’ve gathered intel from parents who’ve used 91ÁÔĆć in their admissions journey, and concluded that there are three resounding questions that parents prioritize when researching schools. Ask yourself the following as you get started on your application journey: .

1. What is the school’s academic track record?
Note the school averages for SAT and ACT scores over the last several years, as well as how many students are recognized with National Merit. Ask if there are any accelerated learning or AP classes offered, and what level of participation there is in these programs. Find out where alumni have attended college, to see if the school’s academic programs yield proven results.

2. Which extracurricular programs does the school offer?
Based on your student’s interests and skills, learn what programs the school offers in the arts, athletics, student government, etc. Make sure that the school values a range of interests, rather than focusing on one type of program, and takes a holistic approach to extracurricular activities.

3. How much support will your student receive?
Most importantly, find out what kind of relationships are built between the teachers and students at the schools. Make sure that the teacher/student ratio is low, and that the school fosters strong relationships between the faculty and students. Don’t forget, also, to check in on how the students treat one another. Do the students seem positive, comfortable, and excited about learning? A quality school will create a positive environment that will nurture your child and teach them to value their learning as much as you do.

Start preparing today!

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Originally published on May 15, 2018. Updated on January 9, 2026.

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]]> What About Boarding School? /blog/what-about-boarding-school/ Sat, 10 Jan 2026 01:12:00 +0000 /?p=3420 Did you know there are over 300 boarding schools in the US? In fact, over 25 are scattered throughout California alone. Today’s boarding schools exude a college campus atmosphere that welcomes students from all over the world to study and learn in a supportive environment.

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Did you know that there are over 300 boarding schools in the US? In fact, over 25 are scattered throughout the state of California alone. Today’s boarding schools exude a college campus atmosphere that welcomes students from all over the world to study and learn in a supportive environment. Given the nature of dorm life, the boarding experience provides opportunities simply not available at public or day schools. These are dynamic, student-centered communities that encourage and celebrate holistic student growth and development. Students and families can expect to find challenging academics, plentiful arts and athletics offerings, and a supervised, structured student life experience.

Learn more about the potential benefits of boarding school from this interesting post from BoardingSchoolReview.com.Ěý

Most boarding schools require applicants to take the ISEE or SSAT. Always check the school’s website to confirm which test is required. If you decide that boarding school is the right fit for your family, get started with your test prep here at 91ÁÔĆć!

Start preparing today!

HSPT
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Originally published on August 2, 2018. Updated on January 9, 2026.

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]]> Director of Admissions Greg Jones’s Advice for Parents /blog/director-of-admissions-greg-jones-offers-his-advice-for-parents/ Tue, 06 Jan 2026 04:07:00 +0000 /?p=3247 Greg Jones shares his tips for parents and families as a former Director of Enrollment Management and Admissions at Epiphany School in Seattle.

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Greg Jones served a long and illustrious career in education. Recently retired, Jones was the Director of Enrollment Management and Admissions at Epiphany School for 14 years and a middle school Humanities teacher, department chair, and admissions committee member at The Northwest School for 15 years, both located in Seattle, Washington.

In this conversation with 91ÁÔĆć’ CEO, Edan Shahar, Greg talks about his experience helping 8th graders find the best high school fit, and offers his advice for parents as they navigate the admissions process.

Originally published on December 12, 2018. Updated on January 5, 2026.

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]]> When Is Boarding School the Right Choice? /blog/when-is-boarding-school-the-right-choice/ Fri, 02 Jan 2026 00:50:00 +0000 /?p=3400 What kind of family should consider boarding school? In this clip from our CEO's conversation with placement expert Neal Kamsler, Neal discusses how traditional wisdom about boarding schools may not hold water.

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What kind of students should consider attending boarding school? In this clip from our CEO’s conversation with placement expert Neal Kamsler, the twoĚý discuss how traditional wisdom about boarding schools may not hold water.

For 21 years, Neal Kamsler was Head of Upper School at Allen-Stevenson School in New York City. He now serves as Senior Director of Placement at Oliver Scholars, a non-profit educational access organization. Listen to Neal’s school admissions conversation with our CEO, Edan Shahar, here.

Check out this video from the for one student’s boarding school story.

Originally published on October 25, 2018. Updated on January 1, 2026.

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]]> What is the ISEE? /blog/what-is-the-isee/ Thu, 01 Jan 2026 17:47:00 +0000 /?p=3948 The ISEE, which stands for the Independent School Entrance Exam, is an admissions exam published by ERB. Many independent and private schools in the United States use the ISEE to evaluate candidates as part of their admissions process.

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The ISEE, which stands for the Independent School Entrance Exam, is an admissions exam published by . Many independent and private schools in the United States use the ISEE to evaluate candidates as part of their admissions process.

Overview and Structure of the ISEE

There are several different levels of the ISEE. When determining which level of the test you need to take, keep in mind that it is dependent on the grade you are applying to rather than your current grade level.Ěý

  • The is for students applying to grades 9, 10, 11, or 12.
  • The is for students applying to grades 7 or 8.
  • The is for students applying to grades 5 or 6.
  • The is for students applying to grade 4.
  • The is for students applying to grade 3.
  • The Ěý is for students applying to grade 2.

The Upper, Middle, and Lower ISEE have five sections:Ěý

  • Verbal Reasoning
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Math Achievement
  • EssayĚý

The Primary 3 and 4 ISEE have two sections:Ěý

  • Reading
  • MathematicsĚý

The Primary 2 ISEE has three sections:

  • Auditory Comprehension
  • Reading
  • MathematicsĚý

Each section has its own challenges. You can read our .

How is the ISEE scored?

The ISEE is scored normatively based on grade level, meaning a student’s individual performance is assessed in comparison to their peers. On each multiple-choice section, students receive a stanine score (1-9), which corresponds to a percentile range. It’s important to keep in mind that scores are dependent on the grade level rather than everyone who takes the test. For example, even though a student applying to 9th grade takes the same test as a student applying to 12th grade (the Upper Level), the former student will only be evaluated and compared to other students applying to the 9th grade rather than everyone taking the Upper Level ISEE.Ěý

Note: The Essay section is not scored. Instead, a copy of your essay is sent along with your score report to your selected schools.Ěý

Check out How is the ISEE Scored? for more information about scoring.

What makes the ISEE different from other tests?

Although other standardized school assessments may also be scored normatively, the ISEE is unique. Many students who score well on traditional assessments can find the ISEE challenging for two main reasons.

  1. The content on the ISEE is designed to assess students in multiple grades. For example, 8th graders take the same test as 11th graders (the Upper Level ISEE), so the content that is intended to challenge 11th graders will likely be unfamiliar to 8th graders. But remember, your scores are only compared to other students applying to the same grade!Ěý
  2. The students who take the ISEE are a high-performing group, which makes obtaining high percentile scores especially difficult. If you score in the 50th percentile, that means you are right in the middle of this very talented group!

How do you prepare for the ISEE?

Since the ISEE can be challenging, it’s important to prepare so that you can put your best foot forward on test day.

The most effective way to start preparing for the ISEE is to take a full-length practice test. This initial practice test will serve as a benchmarkĚý and identify areas you need to work on. Make sure that the practice test is accurate and provides normative scoring.Ěý Full-length practice tests also help you becomeĚý familiar with the test’s style, content, and difficulty, which helps reduce test-related anxiety.Ěý

After you take the initial diagnostic test, do an in-depth review of your results. Go through the test question by question and review the ones you skipped, guessed, or answered incorrectly. Read the answer explanation and make sure you understand how to tackle that question moving forward.Ěý

Next, perform targeted practice on the areas that need improvement until you are comfortable with those skills. Then, take another practice test and repeat the process! Continue with these steps until you achieve your target scores.

91ÁÔĆć is the only ISEE practice officially endorsed by ERB. All of our materials are vetted by ERB to ensure students have an authentic practice experience. Get started by taking a free sample test.

Get Started Today!

Originally published on October 16, 2017. Updated on January 1, 2026.

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]]> The Hardest ISEE Verbal Problem /blog/the-hardest-isee-verbal-problem/ Wed, 31 Dec 2025 05:30:00 +0000 /?p=4296 In this series of posts, we will explore some of our practice questions that have stumped a remarkable number of students. We hope to highlight some common mistakes and how to avoid them on the official test.

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STUMPERS Volume 1: To choose or not to choose.

For this installment of STUMPERS, in which we dissect the most difficult practice questions across our SSAT and ISEE offerings, we’ll take a look at the ISEE Verbal question with the lowest correct rate out of more than 4,000 practice questions on our tests.

The question comes from one of our Middle Level practice exams. See if you can fill in the blank with the correct word:

In contrast to San Diego’s downtown cityscape, the upscale —— of Rancho Santa Fe enchants with sprawling estates, lush foliage, and mature equestrian trails.

    A) asylum
    B) hamlet
    C) monarch
    D) metropolis

Think you know it?

Okay, now check your answer. If you answered B) hamlet, then you are smarter than quite a few fifth graders. Believe it or not, only 7% of our test takers answered this question correctly. That’s far below the expected value of 25% for a question on which all students randomly guessed an answer. So, let’s delve into this question and explore what makes it such a stumper.

Why This Question Is So Difficult:Ěý

Before we go into exactly why so many studentsĚý were stumped, let’s look at how they were stumped. It turns out that a whopping 62% of testers selected D) metropolis as their answer, while 15% selected A) asylum, and 16% selected C) monarch. As you can see,Ěý each incorrectĚý answer received farĚý more bites than the correct one.

Metropolis is the most tantalizing option, but why is this? One possibility is that studentsĚý aren’tĚý parsing through the entire sentence. Perhaps they were focusing mostly on the first six words in the sentence rather than picking up on the more relevant last eight words—words that really don’t hint to or describeĚý a metropolis. The key to understanding this question is recognizing that “sprawling estates, lush foliage, and mature equestrian trails” are not typical features of a “downtown cityscape”. Compounding this is the fact that it’s easier for many studentsĚý to recognize a synonym than an antonym. Once you’ve attached yourself to the “San Diego cityscape” part of the question, it would be a natural step to look for another word describing this same environment (i.e., metropolis).

As for the low rate of hamlet as a guess, we chalk this up to the pure difficulty of the word. This is a test taken by students applying to seventh and eighth grade. Some well-read kids might actually be more acquainted with the Shakespearean connotation of the word rather than the “village” or “rural community” definition.

How to Avoid Making This Mistake:Ěý

The key to correctly answering this question is threefold: 1) carefully reading the entire sentence before selecting an answer, 2) eliminating answers that won’t work, and 3) thinking about how well your selected answer fits into the sentence as a whole.Ěý

  1. As seemed to be the case with this question, carefully reading every word of the sentence is critical. The sentence completion questions on the ISEE are designed to test your mastery of context clues. You need to be the Sherlock Holmes of the ISEE and find all of these clues before coming to your ultimate conclusion.
  2. Process of elimination is your best friend with this type of question. When you see words such as “contrasts,” “although,” or “but,” you should typically look for words that would describe the opposite of other thoughts in the sentence. An imaginary red flag should wave in your head when you spot a word that actually describes the part of the sentence covered by those contrary words—this answer choice is probably there to trick you.
  3. Once you’ve eliminated words that definitely won’t work (like metropolis in this example), you need to re-read the sentence with your word included. Does it make sense? Are there any contradictions? If not, you’ve probably nailed it!

In the case of this problem, many middle schoolers may be less sure of the word asylum. However, many may know the word monarch from studying history in school. Even if a student can only eliminate two answer choices, they will have significantly raised their likelihood of selecting the correct answer. In this problem, if a student pays attention and knows the word metropolis, they will have saved themselves from the most tempting of wrong answers.

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Originally published on May 13, 2015. Updated on December 30, 2025.

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