Chicago Independent Schools (ISEE/SSAT mix) Exam Survival Guide

Use: Latin School, Lab, Parker & peers (requirements vary; often ISEE or SSAT + writing sample + interview)

Must-do

• Verbal: roots/prefixes; synonyms; analogies (SSAT).
• Quant/Math: estimation/number sense (ISEE QR), algebra/geometry (Math Ach.).
• Reading: purpose, inference, function; charts/paired texts (Upper).
• Writing sample: clear structure, specific examples (sent to schools).
• Interview fit: curiosity, community, activities.

Top traps

• Two-blank sentence completions solved without tone first.
• Over-algebra on comparisons (estimate first).
• Essay: generic examples; weak close.
• Interview: scripted answers, no questions for school.

Quick checks

• Root bene → beneficial/benign (positive good).
• Compare 45\sqrt{45}45​ vs 7 → < (≈6.7).
• Translate “20% of x is 30” → 0.2x=30.
• One strong question to ask the interviewer (club, course, service).

You will make

• Two-Blank Playbook (tone → logic → eliminate).
• Estimation ladder (roots/powers/fractions).
• Essay outline frames (hook, 2 points, specific example, close).
• Interview one-pager (stories + questions).

Last-48h

• 15 vocab; 6 two-blank; 12 math mix; 2 timed passages; 1 essay outline.
• 10-min interview rehearsal (STAR stories).

Speed tactics

• Lock tone, then meaning; reject wrong connotations.
• Compare magnitudes before algebra.
• Reading: answer with a line reference.

Day-of plan

• 8-min warm-up: 5 vocab + 3 comps + 2 math.

Arrive early; bring writing sample mindset & interview questions.