Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to identify your specific strengths and weaknesses—whether that's struggling with logic-based verbal reasoning questions or timing on quantitative sections—and create a customized study plan. Unlike classroom settings, you get undivided attention to work through challenging question types at your own pace and receive immediate feedback on your approach.

Many students struggle with the verbal reasoning section, which requires understanding analogies and sentence completions without a large vocabulary—it's more about logic than memorization. Time management is another major challenge, as students must work through multiple sections efficiently. Quantitative reasoning also trips up students who haven't mastered foundational math concepts or who rush through word problems without careful reading.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of consistent tutoring leading up to their test date, though the timeline depends on your starting point and target score. With focused, personalized instruction on weak areas, many students see meaningful score improvements within 4-6 weeks. Starting early allows time to build foundational skills and practice test-taking strategies without last-minute cramming.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment to understand your current strengths, weaknesses, and test-taking habits. Varsity Tutors connects you with an expert tutor who will review your goals, discuss which ISEE level you're taking, and create a personalized study plan targeting your specific needs—whether that's building verbal reasoning skills or mastering timing strategies.

Expert tutors working with Varsity Tutors have extensive experience teaching ISEE content and test-taking strategies, often with backgrounds in education or standardized test preparation. They understand the nuances of each ISEE section and know how to help students approach different question types strategically, not just memorize content.

Score improvements vary based on your starting point and effort, but students working with personalized tutors typically see gains of 10-20+ percentile points with consistent practice. The key is identifying exactly which question types and concepts are holding you back, then practicing those areas with targeted strategies—something personalized instruction excels at.

Getting started is simple: connect with Varsity Tutors, share your ISEE goals and test timeline, and you'll be matched with an expert tutor who fits your needs. From there, you'll schedule your first session and begin working through a personalized plan designed to boost your score and build test-taking confidence.