Award-Winning ISEE Tutors serving Philadelphia, PA

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Hannah
Certified ISEE Tutor
Hannah
MS Temple University • BA University of Pennsylvania
1+ Years Tutoring

I'm currently pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing at Temple University. I love working with children and young adults, and I'm thrilled to be spending some time tutoring this spring.

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Alessia
Certified ISEE Tutor
Alessia
BA University of Pennsylvania
8+ Years Tutoring

I am originally from New York City and am a student at the University of Pennsylvania studying Political Science, Economics, and Psychology. Having gone through high school and the whole college process within recent memory, I am at the unique intersection of having a very current understanding of the challenges, and of having gained experience and perspective from college. I started tutoring as soon as I had real knowledge to share, which for me was in the eighth grade. In the way a six-year-old might feel an unwavering sense of duty and pride from being charged with returning scissors to the desk, I felt the true significance of the job I had been given. Tutoring has never lost this importance for me and I continue to approach each student with the same level of preparation and commitment as I did all those years ago. As both a nationally-ranked swimmer and a student I learned meticulous organization and time management. I have seen success in my own pursuits and in those of the students I have had the pleasure of working with over the years. I am invested, reliable, and capable. I look forward to meeting you!

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Certified ISEE Tutor
Martin
PhD Washington University in St. Louis • BA Davidson College
10+ Years Tutoring

I am a very passionate teacher who has worked in public and private school settings at both the high school and college level. I have an undergraduate mathematics degree, and taught AP Calculus at a North Carolina high school. I also have a PhD in philosophy, and have taught at major research universities in Missouri and Ohio. I am personally invested in my students' success, and take pride in being clear, conscientious, and accessible.

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Certified ISEE Tutor
Meghan
BA Villanova University • Doctor of Medicine, School of Medicine Temple University
1+ Years Tutoring

I am a first year medical student who is excited to teach others! I would love to help anyone who needs help with tutoring in the sciences or SAT prep. I have a very flexible schedule so I am willing to work around other students' schedules. I can't wait to help!

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Certified ISEE Tutor
Nate
BA Grinnell College • Juris Doctor, Law Northeastern University School of Law
1+ Years Tutoring

I'm eager to encourage and assist students in continuing their education and pursuing their dreams.

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Certified ISEE Tutor
Kate
BA Lebanon Valley College
10+ Years Tutoring

I am an experienced teacher with over 7 years' experience teaching a variety of ages and subjects. My areas of expertise include ESL, writing, music, and the general education curriculum. Outside of teaching, I spend my free time hiking, reading, doing yoga, and playing with my dog. I look forward to working with you!

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Certified ISEE Tutor
Sarah
Current Undergrad Student, Applied Physics Carnegie Mellon University
7+ Years Tutoring

I am currently a student at Carnegie Mellon University studying Physics and Engineering. I have a strong interest in aerospace engineering and fluid dynamics.

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Certified ISEE Tutor
Alice
BA Bryn Mawr College
13+ Years Tutoring

I am a senior at Bryn Mawr College majoring in Sociology and minoring in Child and Family Studies and Education. I am currently wrapping up my teaching certification program teaching American History in a Philadelphia public school. I have extensive experience teaching and tutoring English, History and essay writing with elementary, middle and high school students. I strongly believe learning is a collaborative, student directed process and I love helping students acquire long-term learning skills. My favorite part of teaching is watching students gain confidence and pride in their work; eureka moments make my day!

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Certified ISEE Tutor
Malik
BA University of North Carolina at Charlotte
2+ Years Tutoring

As a second-year medical student with a strong foundation in science and a passion for education, I specialize in making tough subjects easier to understand. I excel in math, biology, physics, and other challenging topics that often intimidate students and I genuinely enjoy helping others master them. My approach combines patience, clarity, and high-level understanding to break down complex ideas into manageable, confidence-boosting lessons. Whether it's reviewing homework or prepping for exams, I'm here to support and motivate students at any level below mine to reach their full academic potential. My interests include: Weightlifting and fitness training (especially strength and hypertrophy programs) Morning cardio and physical conditioning Studying medicine with a focus on anatomy, physiology, and clinical problem-solving Teaching and tutoring tough academic subjects like math, biology, and physics Watching anime as a way to relax and recharge (especially after a long day) Cooking (with a focus on high-protein, keto/carnivore meals)

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Certified ISEE Tutor
Alex
BA Stanford University
9+ Years Tutoring

I am currently a student at Stanford University studying math and political science. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and experience with younger students. I have helped students of different ages and from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, and so I am very conscious of the needs and prior knowledge my students and tailor my tutoring method and style individually.

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Certified ISEE Tutor
Peter
MS Ohio State • BA Syracuse University
1+ Years Tutoring

I'm looking forward to helping your student find personal success in their academic lives!

SAT Scores
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Certified ISEE Tutor
David
MS Columbia University in the City of New York • BA The University of Texas at Austin
10+ Years Tutoring

I'm a computer and social scientist. I hold graduate degrees from Columbia University and the University of Chicago and earned my bachelor's at the University of Texas at Austin. In addition to teaching at the undergraduate level, I research ways the natural sciences can be used to advance the study of anthropology and history. I am currently completing my PhD.

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Certified ISEE Tutor
Abby
BA Brown University
1+ Years Tutoring

I am about to graduate from Brown University with a B.A. in Education Studies. I love working with students one-on-one and helping them feel like they can tackle challenging material. In the past I have tutored elementary school students in English and Math, middle school students in English as a second language, and helped peers in an informal context. My experiences teaching visual art and dance classes have also helped me develop creative and engaging ways to present information. While I tutor many different subjects, I am particularly excited about working with students on writing and French. I have studied French for 11 years and lived abroad in a Francophone country, and I am a total geek when it comes to French grammar. Similarly, I love playing with and examining the English language, whether in preparation for the reading section of a Standardized Test or for a college essay. I believe that students learn best when they are able to uncover the "why," not just the "what," and it is my goal to create an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes. In my free time, I enjoy making pottery, swing dancing, and experimenting in the kitchen.

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Certified ISEE Tutor
James
BA Harvard University
1+ Years Tutoring

I am currently a senior at Harvard College where I study chemistry, and I'll be attending Columbia Medical School next year. I have years of experience tutoring college students in math (mostly calculus) and chemistry including both general and organic chemistry. In addition, I am very familiar with all sections of the SAT and ACT having prepared several high school students for these tests. I believe that every student is capable of boosting his or her baseline score on these tests, so long as he or she works hard to get to know the format of the tests and the most popular types of questions. I tutor because I love seeing students develop a genuine passion for the subjects they once disliked (such as math and science), once they understand the power of these subjects and their applications to the real world.

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Certified ISEE Tutor
Vania
BA Massachusetts Institute of Technology
1+ Years Tutoring

I am an avid classical pianist, EMT, swimmer, and tinkerer. I love explaining things and paying forward my knowledge to those around me!

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Certified ISEE Tutor
Ben
BA Ball State University • Current Grad Student, Creative Writing Northwestern University
9+ Years Tutoring

I am a high school history teacher who has also worked as a teaching assistant at one of the country's top 10 colleges. I've taught ACT/SAT prep for about 4 years to students at all ends of the academic spectrum: from those working with learning disabilities/accommodations & struggling with timing to those trying to achieve perfect scores. Although I always create individualized plans, I focus on teaching every student the most effective, step-by-step way to approach each question on each section of the test. Beyond test prep, I've taught/tutored just about every academic subject through the undergraduate level. Outside the classroom, I enjoy reading about history, going to church, coaching sports (track & tennis), and spending time with my family. I really enjoy getting to know each student I teach as we work toward our goals.

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Certified ISEE Tutor
Chhavi
BA University
1+ Years Tutoring

I have helped many students achieve excellent grades in math by focusing on what really matters: building confidence and a clear understanding of concepts. My teaching style is simple I make sure students fully understand the basics, then guide them step by step to solve problems on their own. I encourage lots of practice and always take time to clear doubts, so that no student feels left behind. Math doesn't have to be scary with the right approach, it becomes logical and even enjoyable! My aim is to make every student feel confident, independent, and capable of solving problems successfully.

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Certified ISEE Tutor
Chelsey
BA Northwestern University
1+ Years Tutoring

I'm a recent graduate of Northwestern University, a native New Yorker, and a recent addition to Varsity Tutors. I grew up in Westchester County, where I volunteered as an assistant creative writing teacher in high school. After high school, I moved to Evanston, Illinois for school. I studied a wide variety of subjects in college: from Medieval Literature to Buddhist Psychology. I moved back to New York after graduating to pursue a career in the arts. I currently work as a reader for the literary director of an Off-Broadway theatre company.

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Certified ISEE Tutor
Bina
BA University of Pennsylvania
10+ Years Tutoring

I am currently a law student and am on the road to appreciating a new kind of study: that of various legal doctrines, statutory interpretation and methods of argumentation.

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Certified ISEE Tutor
Sarah
MS University of Pennsylvania • BA Georgetown University
10+ Years Tutoring

I am a committed educator with years of experience as both a classroom teacher and private tutor in a wide array of subjects. I am committed to working with students to support them in achieving their full potential. I look forward to hearing from you!

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Testimonials

Because the right ISEE tutor makes all the difference.

4.9

Average Session Rating – Based on 3.4M Learner Ratings

Worked with an ISEE Tutor

Your customer interface is A+, being your agents or your site, The tutor you found for me is perfect, no formulas or canned lectures but easy flowing lecture addressing my needs. Congratulations for a job well done.

JA
Julio Aranovich
Worked with an ISEE Tutor

Heejin has been very patient with me. I work a full time job sometimes even on the weekends. It has been a slow process with my Korean classes, but Heejin has been wonderful and patient.

AH
Angela Hussein
Worked with an ISEE Tutor

My son has had many quality tutors through this convenient service, and he can hop on at any time of day to get support for a homework assignment or test. It's very convenient and effective.

TR
Tara R
Worked with an ISEE Tutor

I've been working with my tutor for a few months now and the progress has been remarkable. The personalized attention and tailored lessons made all the difference compared to in-classroom learning.

MC
Michael Chen
Worked with an ISEE Tutor

The flexibility of scheduling combined with the quality of instruction is unmatched. I can get help exactly when I need it, whether that's late at night or early in the morning before a test.

PP
Priya Patel
Worked with an ISEE Tutor

My daughter went from dreading her sessions to looking forward to them. The tutor made the material engaging and built her confidence in ways I never thought possible. Highly recommend.

RW
Rebecca Williams

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Frequently Asked Questions

The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is a standardized test used by independent and private schools to assess student readiness for admission. Many Philadelphia-area independent schools, including those in the city's competitive private school network, require or recommend ISEE scores as part of their admissions process. The exam tests verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, and mathematics achievement across different levels depending on grade.

The ISEE has four levels: Primary (grades 1-2), Lower (grades 3-4), Middle (grades 5-6), and Upper (grades 7-11). The level your child takes depends on their current grade and the grade they're applying to enter. For example, a student in 6th grade applying to 7th grade would typically take the Middle Level ISEE. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who specialize in preparing students for the specific ISEE level they'll face.

Many students struggle with the ISEE's time constraints—the exam requires quick thinking and efficient problem-solving across four sections. Verbal reasoning questions often challenge students who haven't developed strong vocabulary or reading comprehension skills, while quantitative sections can be difficult for those with gaps in foundational math concepts. Additionally, the test's format and pacing differ significantly from classroom learning, which can cause anxiety. Personalized tutoring addresses these specific gaps by targeting your child's individual weak areas rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

Most students benefit from 2-4 months of focused ISEE preparation, though the ideal timeline depends on your child's current skill level and target schools. Students with strong foundational skills may need less time, while those addressing specific gaps in math or reading may benefit from longer preparation. Starting early allows for spaced practice and retrieval practice—proven learning techniques that help material stick—rather than cramming close to test day. Tutors can assess your child's readiness and create a customized prep schedule.

Group test prep classes follow a fixed curriculum for all students, but personalized 1-on-1 instruction adapts to your child's specific strengths and weaknesses. A tutor can identify whether your child struggles with reading comprehension, quantitative reasoning, or test anxiety—and focus time accordingly—rather than reviewing material your child already knows. This targeted approach typically leads to faster improvement and higher scores, especially for students with significant skill gaps or learning differences. Personalized instruction also allows tutors to teach test-taking strategies that match your child's learning style.

In the first session, a tutor will assess your child's current skills, discuss their target schools and score goals, and identify specific areas for improvement. This might involve reviewing a practice ISEE section, discussing past test experiences, and understanding your child's learning style and preferences. From there, the tutor will create a customized prep plan with a realistic timeline and clear milestones. This diagnostic approach ensures that every tutoring hour is spent addressing your child's actual needs rather than generic test prep.

Score improvement varies based on starting point and effort, but students working with tutors typically see meaningful gains within 8-12 weeks of consistent preparation. Some students improve by 5-10 percentile points, while others see larger jumps if they had significant skill gaps or test anxiety. The ISEE uses a scaled score system (typically 760-940 for Upper Level), and even small improvements in raw score can translate to meaningful percentile gains. A tutor can set realistic goals based on your child's baseline performance and target schools' typical score ranges.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who specialize in ISEE preparation and understand the needs of Philadelphia-area students applying to independent schools. You can share your child's grade level, current skills, and timeline, and we'll match you with a qualified tutor who fits your family's needs. The first step is a conversation about your goals—whether your child is aiming for a specific school or score target—so we can find the right fit.

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