The ISEE in Moraga is a test that is designed for admission to private middle schools and high schools across the United States.

Unlike the other standardized tests, the ISEE is geared toward younger exam-takers. It has three levels: the Lower Level (for 5th to 6th-grade students), the Middle Level (for 7th to 8th level students) and Upper Level (for 9th to 12th-grade students).

Some people think that it is too early for elementary school children to take the ISEE. They argue that children at that age are too young to take something as “big” or as “rigid” as a standardized test. They say until the children grow older, kids should learn just basics of reading, writing, and math, develop their social skills, and see the classroom as a place where they can find fun in learning.

This stage of a child’s schooling is crucial for preparing him or her to face bigger challenges. Besides, there is undue stress that kids will most likely experience from taking a standardized test. But with a clear plan and early preparation, you can help your child confident and well-equipped by the time he or she enters the test center.

If you have plans to admit your child to a private middle school because you believe that it will give the best education your child needs, you’re probably looking at the ISEE to help your child to get into that school.

All levels of ISEE consist of five sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics Achievement, and a 30-minute essay. The test runs for a little over three hours. And although a student may be comfortable with answering reading or math (or both) test items, the fact that the ISEE is a timed test will most likely give them a source of stress and worry.

By the fifth grade, children may have acquired the basic things that have been taught to them at school, and some advanced learning as well. If you feel that it is the right time for your child to take the ISEE, here are some things you should do to guide them through the process:

1. Most test-takers of the ISEE in Moraga and other areas are middle school students.

If anything at all, most school children at that age may not have heard of a standardized test before. And even if they have, they are still not familiar what a standardized test is except that they see it as a “big” test. That would elicit some feelings of anxiety. So, the best way to begin is to make your child feel comfortable about taking a standardized test such as the ISEE.

Chances are your child has taken the in-school ERB test. Tell them that the ISEE is developed by the ERB and it is pretty similar to the latter.

Tell your child that it doesn’t take a gargantuan amount of preparation. With just some practice, it won’t be too hard for them to ace the test.

2. Early preparation is still the key to a successful exam-taking. Allot a few months for practice rather than cramming a few weeks before the test date. Let your child familiarize through each of the sections so that he or she wouldn’t be too lost when they’re confronted by the real exam.

3. Engage in practice timed tests so that your child can learn to manage his/her time and answer the test in his/her own pace come test day. Get your child a watch for his/her practice.

4. Have a few days for rest and relaxation; allow your child to have days of rest as well as “fun” days to loosen the straits and stress from practicing. Remember that a well-rested body and mind will lead to a productive and successful outcome in their test-taking.

5. Sometimes, your child really does have a hard time to calm down about the exam. So instead of rebuking him/her, you can ride on it and turn your child’s nervousness into excitement. Act as if you are really thrilled about the exam and get your child to turn his or her jittery feelings into something positive and exciting. This will encourage and inspire your child to do better for the exam.

The good thing about standardized tests such as the ISEE in Moraga is that almost all school children do these, and the pressure isn’t as great now as it was then. Also, standardized tests could provide room to improve your child’s weak spots. For instance, if your child has difficulty in math or has trouble in reading or in spelling words, knowing this will help you attend to the weaknesses sooner rather than later.