The ISEE essay is the final section of the Independent School Entrance Exam. While it’s not scored like the other parts, it plays a big role in admissions decisions. Private school admissions officers read your writing sample to understand how you think, how well you organize ideas, and how clearly you express yourself.
Unlike the multiple-choice questions in the rest of the test, the essay is open-ended. You’ll get one ISEE upper level essay prompt (or middle/lower level, depending on your grade), and you’ll have 30 minutes to respond with a personal, organized, and well-thought-out response. This isn’t the place to show off advanced vocabulary – it’s about showing that you can build a clear narrative and make a point.
To help you prepare, we’ve written five original ISEE essay prompt examples and filled out realistic, well-structured student responses. These examples are written in the tone and language expected from students – not too formal, not too casual. If you’ve ever asked, “What is an essay prompt example?” or “How long should my response be?” – this is your guide.
Prompt 1: If you could change one rule at your school, what would it be and why?
Sample Response:
If I could change one rule at my school, I would allow students to listen to music during individual study time. Right now, our policy says that using headphones is not allowed unless it’s for an assigned audio activity. I think this rule could be updated to help students focus in a way that works for them.
I’m the kind of person who studies better when I’m listening to music. At home, I often play soft instrumental songs while doing homework, and it helps me concentrate. Without music, I tend to get distracted by background noise, even the hum of lights or people walking by. I know other classmates who feel the same way – music calms them, especially when we’re preparing for big tests.
Of course, not every type of music is helpful. That’s why my idea would be to let students use headphones quietly during study sessions, but not during group work or teacher-led lessons. The music wouldn’t disturb anyone else, and students who don’t want to use it wouldn’t have to.
Changing this rule would give students more control over their environment and show that the school trusts us to make responsible choices. That kind of trust motivates us to take our learning seriously.
Prompt 2: Write about a time when you were nervous to try something new, but did it anyway.
Sample Response:
One time I felt extremely nervous to try something new was when I joined my school’s public speaking club. I had always been scared of speaking in front of people. My voice would shake, my hands would sweat, and I avoided presentations whenever possible.
But last year, my teacher encouraged me to join the club. I said no at first. Then she told me that the first few meetings were just about practicing with friends – no pressure, no stage, just learning. That sounded manageable. So I went, even though my stomach was full of butterflies.
At our first meeting, we had to stand and introduce ourselves. My heart raced. But something surprising happened – everyone smiled and clapped, even after my short, shaky introduction. That support gave me courage to return the next week.
Over the months, I improved. I learned how to structure a short talk, use humor, and make eye contact. The biggest moment came when I gave a speech during school assembly. It wasn’t perfect, but I didn’t freeze. I even got laughs at a joke I added!
Trying something that scared me taught me that fear gets smaller each time you face it. Now I know I can do hard things – even when I’m shaking.
Prompt 3: Describe someone who inspires you and explain how they influence your choices.
Sample Response:
One person who inspires me is my older cousin Maya. She’s in college now, studying environmental science, but even when she was in high school, she was already organizing clean-up events and tutoring younger students. She’s always busy, but somehow she makes time for people, animals, and the planet. I really admire that.
Last year, Maya invited me to join her for a weekend event called “River Day,” where volunteers clean up a local stream. I expected to pick up some trash and leave, but it turned into much more. She showed me how to check for signs of pollution, identify native plants, and even helped a group of kids understand why we were doing what we were doing. Seeing her in action was amazing – she was a leader, a teacher, and a friend, all at once.
Ever since then, I’ve tried to follow her example. I started a recycling drive at school and joined a local community garden. I also talk more openly about protecting the environment, even if people disagree. Maya showed me that real leadership isn’t about being loud – it’s about caring enough to act.
Whenever I’m unsure what to do, I ask myself what Maya might do. That usually helps.
Prompt 4: If you could speak any language instantly, how would you use that ability?
Sample Response:
If I could speak any language instantly, I would use that ability to help people connect – especially people who feel alone because they can’t express themselves. I think about how scary it must be to move to a new country, go to a new school, and not be able to understand or be understood. That would be incredibly frustrating.
At my school, there are a few students who just moved here. Some speak only a little English. I can see them struggling – not just in class, but during lunch or group projects. If I could speak their language, I’d help translate instructions, explain assignments, or just be someone they could talk to.
I’d also love to volunteer at hospitals or community centers where translation can literally save lives. If someone’s in pain and can’t explain what’s wrong, it can be dangerous. Knowing how to speak their language would give me the power to ease their fears and help doctors give better care.
Finally, I’d use this skill to learn from others. Languages aren’t just about words – they carry stories, ideas, and history. Speaking many languages would let me understand the world from more than just one point of view. And that, I think, is true power.
Prompt 5: Share an experience that changed how you felt about a school subject.
Sample Response:
I used to think science was boring. It felt like memorizing facts from a textbook: the parts of a cell, the periodic table, the steps of the water cycle. I didn’t see the point. But everything changed last spring during a field trip to the local science museum.
One exhibit had a big touchscreen that let us simulate natural disasters and see how different choices affect communities. I tried to prevent wildfires by changing wind speeds, tree types, and building materials. It felt like a game, but the consequences were real. I started asking myself questions I’d never asked before: What causes these disasters? How can we prepare better? Why do some places recover faster than others?
That night, I looked up more about fire science. I found articles, videos, and even a documentary about firefighters and forest management. Suddenly, science wasn’t just vocabulary – it was a tool to solve real problems.
Now, science is one of my favorite subjects. I approach it with curiosity and questions. When I read about climate change or diseases, or new inventions, I actually get excited. The museum trip didn’t change what science is, but it changed what science meant to me – and that made all the difference.
Final Thoughts
When preparing for the essay, don’t overthink it. You don’t need dramatic stories or perfect grammar. Admissions officers want to see how you think, how clearly you express yourself, and what matters to you.
The prompts above are designed to help you reflect and respond – not impress with fancy words, but connect with clarity and honesty. Each essay prompt example here can be used as a starting point to practice your own writing. You can try new angles, rewrite from different perspectives, or use the ideas to build your confidence.
Remember: the best writing examples or emotional essays aren’t the ones that try too hard – they’re the ones that speak from the heart. If you’re asked to write about a challenge, be honest. If it’s a passion, be specific. And if you’re stuck, just start writing – sometimes your best ideas come after a few sentences of warming up.
Use this guide to prepare for your essay. Read each of the prompt essay examples carefully, notice how the ideas are organized, and try creating a few of your own. Your voice is the one thing no other test-taker has – make it count.
