Most students benefit from 3-6 months of consistent preparation, depending on their starting point and target schools. Students who begin in summer or fall for winter/spring testing have a more relaxed timeline, while those prepping for the same season should start as early as possible. With personalized 1-on-1 instruction, a tutor can quickly identify your specific gaps—whether that's vocabulary, geometry, or test-taking strategies—and focus preparation on areas that will have the biggest impact on your score. The key is regular practice and feedback rather than total hours spent.

The Upper Level emphasizes algebra I and II concepts including linear equations, systems of equations, quadratic equations, and functions, along with geometry topics like angles, triangles, circles, area, and volume. Word problems often combine multiple concepts, requiring both computational accuracy and problem-solving strategy. Many Chicago students struggle with the transition from classroom algebra to test-format problems that require faster execution and strategic shortcuts. Personalized tutoring allows you to master these specific topics at your own pace and learn efficient test-taking techniques before test day.

Upper Level Verbal Reasoning requires vocabulary at a college-prep level, and there are no shortcuts to building a strong vocabulary. The most effective approach combines targeted word lists (focusing on high-frequency ISEE words), context-based learning through reading, and spaced repetition practice. Rather than memorizing random words, successful students connect new words to familiar concepts and practice them in different contexts. A tutor can help you focus on the most test-relevant vocabulary, teach you word families and roots to decode unfamiliar words, and design a practice schedule that keeps words fresh in your long-term memory.

Upper Level Reading Comprehension passages are longer and more complex than Middle Level passages, and they require active reading to identify main ideas, supporting details, and the author's tone or purpose. Many students make the mistake of trying to remember every detail; instead, successful test-takers annotate passages strategically, understand the passage structure, and refer back to the text to answer specific questions. Different passage types (narrative, scientific, persuasive) benefit from slightly different approaches. Personalized instruction helps you develop a consistent strategy, practice with real ISEE passages, and build the speed and accuracy needed to complete this section within the time limit.

The Upper Level essay is not scored numerically and does not affect your ISEE score, but it is a crucial part of the admissions package. Schools use the essay to assess your writing ability, creativity, and communication skills—qualities that can't be fully captured by the multiple-choice sections. A strong essay can strengthen your overall application, while a weak one might raise questions about your writing fundamentals. Tutors can help you understand what independent schools are looking for, brainstorm compelling essay topics, and refine your writing to be clear, engaging, and authentic to your voice.

In a classroom setting, instruction is paced for the average student and covers content broadly. With personalized 1-on-1 instruction, a tutor diagnoses your specific strengths and weaknesses from day one, then tailors every lesson to address your gaps and build on what you already know. If you're strong in quantitative reasoning but struggling with vocabulary, your tutor focuses preparation where it matters most. You also get immediate feedback, the chance to ask questions without time pressure, and strategies customized to your learning style. This targeted approach means more efficient progress and higher score improvement.