The ISEE Upper Level includes five sections: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, mathematics achievement, and an essay. Many students find the quantitative reasoning section most challenging because it requires both mathematical knowledge and logical problem-solving skills, often with tricky wording designed to test deeper understanding. Verbal reasoning also trips up students who aren't familiar with the test's specific vocabulary and analogy formats.

Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to identify your specific weak areas—whether that's data interpretation, vocabulary retention, or time management—and focus intensively on those gaps. In a classroom setting, students typically follow a one-size-fits-all curriculum; with personalized tutoring, you work at your own pace and revisit concepts until they click. This targeted approach typically leads to faster score improvements and stronger confidence on test day.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of consistent preparation, though the timeline depends on your starting point and target score. Students who begin prep earlier (3-4 months out) often have more time to build foundational skills and practice test-taking strategies without feeling rushed. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can create a customized prep timeline based on your goals and current performance level.

Score improvement varies based on your starting point and effort level, but students typically see meaningful gains of 5-15 percentile points with focused, personalized prep. The key is identifying which sections need the most work and practicing consistently with feedback. Tutors can help you set realistic goals based on your target schools' typical admitted student scores and create a plan to reach them.

Look for tutors with proven experience preparing students for standardized tests, particularly the ISEE, and familiarity with the specific format and question types on the Upper Level exam. Ideally, they should have strong backgrounds in both verbal and quantitative reasoning, and experience working with middle and high school students. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have demonstrated success helping students improve their ISEE scores.

Yes—New Haven and surrounding areas have numerous independent and private schools that accept ISEE scores as part of their admissions process. With 60 schools across 10 school districts in the New Haven area, many families explore independent school options, making ISEE prep an important investment. Knowing your target schools' typical ISEE score ranges can help you and your tutor set specific, achievable goals.

Your first session typically involves an assessment to understand your current strengths, weaknesses, and familiarity with the ISEE format. The tutor will likely ask about your target schools, timeline, and any specific concerns you have about the exam. From there, they'll create a personalized prep plan focused on the areas where you'll see the biggest score improvements.