This depends on your child's strengths and weaknesses. The ISAT assesses both English language arts and mathematics, so ideally both areas get attention. However, many students benefit from prioritizing whichever subject has weaker skills first, then balancing preparation as test day approaches. A tutor can diagnose specific gaps—like struggling with inference questions in reading or multi-step word problems in math—and create a focused study plan that addresses those particular challenges before expanding to broader review.

Practice tests are crucial for ISAT success because they help your child understand the exact format, timing, and types of questions they'll encounter on test day. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions reveals pacing issues and question format confusion that content review alone won't catch. Most students benefit from taking at least 3-4 complete practice tests during their preparation period, with a tutor reviewing results to identify patterns in wrong answers and adjust study focus accordingly.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with the test format or uncertainty about problem-solving strategies. When tutors work with students on ISAT-specific test-taking techniques—like reading questions carefully before jumping to answers, managing time across sections, and building confidence through repeated practice—anxiety naturally decreases. Regular practice with immediate feedback, combined with learning concrete strategies for staying calm under pressure, helps students feel more in control on test day and perform at their actual ability level.

Many ISAT test-takers rush through early questions and run out of time for harder ones. Effective pacing strategies include reading questions fully before answering, eliminating obviously wrong choices before diving deep, and skipping difficult questions to return to them later rather than getting stuck. Tutors help students practice these strategies during timed sessions so they become automatic habits. With Atlanta's 19 school districts each following the same ISAT assessment standards, working with a tutor familiar with the test's specific timing demands ensures your child can manage the full test within the allotted time.

The best approach is starting with a diagnostic assessment—either a full practice test or targeted review of key skill areas like reading comprehension strategies, fraction and decimal concepts, or multi-step problem solving. A tutor analyzes your child's performance to spot patterns: Are mistakes clustered in one question type? Do they rush through certain sections? Is there a conceptual gap or a test-taking strategy issue? Once weak areas are identified, tutoring focuses intensively on those specific skills while maintaining confidence in stronger areas.

Most students benefit from starting ISAT prep 8-12 weeks before test day, meeting with a tutor 1-2 times per week. However, the ideal timeline depends on your child's current skill level and how much independent practice they do between sessions. A student with significant gaps might need 12-16 weeks, while one with strong fundamentals might succeed with 6-8 weeks of focused work. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can assess your child's starting point and recommend a personalized timeline for success.