The ISEE has four levels: Primary (grades 2-3), Lower (grades 4-5), Middle (grades 6-7), and Upper (grades 8-11). The level you take depends on the grade you're currently in and the grade you're applying to for admission. Your target school will specify which level you need to complete, so check with the admissions office to confirm the right test for your situation.

Many students struggle with the verbal reasoning section, which requires strong vocabulary and logical thinking skills that differ from typical classroom instruction. The quantitative reasoning section also challenges students because it emphasizes problem-solving and logic over computational speed. Additionally, test anxiety and unfamiliarity with the question formats can impact performance, making targeted preparation essential for competitive scores.

Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to identify your specific weak areas—whether that's vocabulary, spatial reasoning, or test-taking strategy—and focus exclusively on those gaps. Unlike classroom settings where instruction is paced for the average student, personalized tutoring adapts in real time, allowing you to spend more time on challenging concepts and move quickly through areas you've already mastered, leading to more efficient and effective preparation.

Most students benefit from 2-4 months of focused preparation, though this varies based on starting level and target score. Students who begin with strong foundational skills may need less time, while those addressing significant gaps in vocabulary or quantitative reasoning typically benefit from longer preparation. A tutor can assess your current skills and create a personalized timeline during your first session.

Your first session focuses on assessment and planning. A tutor will review your current academic strengths, discuss your target schools and goals, and likely administer a diagnostic test or practice questions to identify specific areas for improvement. From there, you'll work together to create a customized study plan that addresses your unique needs and fits your timeline before test day.

Look for tutors with proven experience preparing students for the ISEE, familiarity with the specific level you're taking, and strong knowledge of both the content and test-taking strategies. Ideally, they should have a track record of helping students improve their scores and understand how to teach verbal reasoning, quantitative problem-solving, and reading comprehension in ways that transfer directly to test performance.

Score improvement depends on your starting point, effort level, and preparation timeline, but students who work with tutors typically see meaningful gains in their weakest areas within 4-8 weeks of focused study. Many students improve by 10-20 percentile points or more by addressing specific skill gaps and learning strategic approaches to each section. Your tutor can set realistic goals based on your initial assessment and target schools.