ISEE Test Day: How to Prepare the Week Before

So your ISEE test date is right around the corner. Maybe your child is feeling confident and carefree. Maybe they wish there were more time to practice vocab. Whatever the case, it’s completely normal to feel at least a few butterflies. Remember, your child has already put in the hard work to prepare. So what is left to do? This final week is all about fine-tuning routine and setting students up to bring their A-game on test day. Here’s a practical guide on how we recommend preparing the week before the ISEE:

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1. Review Test-Taking Strategies

The week before the test is a great time to review both general and section specific strategies. Evaluate how comfortable your child is feeling about timer stress, pacing, guessing, Process of Elimination, and question prioritization. Review strategies for all multiple choice sections, and what goes into a rockstar essay.

If certain areas still feel tricky, focus on brief, targeted practice. Instead of cramming too much, work in practice problems daily, and don’t throw anything too new into the mix. This way, you’ll keep skills sharp without overwhelming, and build accuracy along with confidence. Talk to your tutor to find out what specific material they recommend for your student!

2. Prioritize Sleep and Movement

Sleep is one of the most powerful tools for boosting focus, memory, and mood. Aim to log 8–9 hours of sleep each night in the days leading up to the test, gradually adjusting your child’s schedule if needed to wake up earlier than normal for test day. A quick walk or light exercise can also help relieve stress and support a good night’s rest. If your child is really feeling those pre-test jitters, some deep breathing or a short walk outside always helps clear the mind.

3. Eat Nutritious, Energy-Boosting Foods

You’ve heard it before, but “we are what we eat” really does apply, especially when the brain is working overtime. The week before the test, you might consider working in some healthy meals that are high in fiber, healthy fats, and protein to keep energy levels steady. For breakfast on test day, try options like oatmeal with nuts and berries, whole-grain toast with avocado, or a smoothie with greens and protein. Steer clear of too much sugar or caffeine.

On the other hand, being too extreme with diet isn’t always going to be the right route for 12 year olds. At this age, mitigating the pressure of the test is a huge part of prep. If your child loves Thai food, this might be the perfect week to grab some takeout!

4. Pack Your Essentials Early

As the test approaches, make sure you’re prepared with all the materials you’ll need. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Printed Verification Letter (required for entry)

• Student ID: Have at least one form of ID ready, such as a school report card, library card, or passport. If you’re testing at a Prometric center, both the student and parent must bring original ID documents.

• Pencils & Pens: For an in-person, on-paper test, pack several sharpened #2 pencils with erasers and a couple of black or blue ballpoint pens.

• Snacks: Bring healthy snacks that fuel the brain without causing sugar crashes. Think along the lines of carrot sticks with hummus, pretzels with peanut butter, or trail mix with nuts and dried fruit. Keep the snacks simple and easy to eat so you can recharge during breaks.

Packing these items a few days in advance means you’ll have one less thing to think about the night before the test.

Be sure to check out the official ISEE website for test specifics, access to testing portals, and other updated information.

5. Stay Positive and Focused

Mindset can make a huge difference, especially when facing a big challenge. We always remind our students that they’ve prepared well and that they are ready to do their best. A positive mindset doesn’t mean ignoring nerves, but it does mean putting things in perspective. Positive affirmations are no joke: You might encourage your child to say “I’ve got this.” or “I’m ready.” out loud until they know it’s true!

Visualization is another helpful technique—your child can picture themselves calmly moving through the test, managing their time well, and staying focused. Remember, no matter the outcome, they’re resilient, capable, and ready to tackle any challenge that comes their way.

6. Reward with a Break

Lastly, you might consider giving your child a chance to unwind. It may sound crazy, but you can actually plan a treat or break for the day or evening before the test. This could be something simple, like watching a favorite movie, having dinner with family, or spending time on a relaxing hobby. A small reward will help them feel refreshed and ready to go.

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Good luck on the ISEE! Remember, we are here to support, so feel free to reach out and ensure your student is reaching their potential.