Most students benefit from 2-4 months of focused preparation, depending on their starting level and target schools. Some Chicago students preparing for highly selective schools start earlier (3-6 months), while others strengthen specific sections in 6-8 weeks. A tutor can assess your baseline performance on a diagnostic test and create a timeline tailored to your needs and school application deadlines.

Many students struggle with the verbal reasoning section, which tests logic and language patterns rather than vocabulary size alone. The quantitative reasoning section also challenges students who rely on memorized formulas instead of understanding underlying concepts. Additionally, pacing is critical—students often run out of time because they don't prioritize easier questions first. Personalized tutoring addresses these habits directly, helping you develop a strategic approach that plays to your strengths.

Selective Chicago schools including Latin School of Chicago, University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, and St. Ignatius College Prep use the ISEE for admissions. While these schools don't publish strict cutoffs, competitive scores typically range from 85th percentile and above, though this varies by grade level and school. Varsity Tutors can connect you with expert tutors who understand the specific expectations of Chicago's top independent schools and can help you target your preparation accordingly.

In a typical Chicago classroom with a 17.7:1 student-teacher ratio, individual learning gaps often go unaddressed. A tutor works exclusively with you, adjusting difficulty, pacing, and teaching methods in real time based on what actually clicks for your brain. They can spend extra time explaining why you missed a reading comprehension question or help you develop a quantitative reasoning strategy that matches your thinking style—something a classroom teacher simply can't do for 17 other students simultaneously.

Look for tutors with proven ISEE experience who understand both the test format and Chicago's competitive independent school landscape. They should be able to diagnose your strengths and weaknesses quickly, teach strategic approaches (not just content), and track your progress with regular practice tests. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in ISEE preparation and can work with your schedule and learning style.

Yes—personalized tutoring is actually ideal when you're busy. Instead of spending hours reviewing material you already understand, a tutor focuses on your specific gaps and teaches efficient problem-solving strategies that save time on test day. Sessions can be scheduled flexibly around your school and extracurricular commitments in Chicago, and tutors can prioritize the sections that will have the most impact on your overall score.