Students often struggle with the test's reasoning sections, which require critical thinking beyond basic grade-level math and reading. Time management is another significant challenge—the test moves quickly and students must balance accuracy with speed. Many students also find the verbal reasoning section difficult because it tests logic and inference skills rather than just vocabulary knowledge. Personalized tutoring helps students identify their specific weak areas and develop targeted strategies to overcome them.

Most students benefit from 2-3 months of consistent preparation, though this varies based on starting level and target schools. With personalized 1-on-1 instruction, tutors can create an efficient study plan tailored to your child's strengths and weaknesses rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. Typically, students work with a tutor for 1-2 sessions per week while practicing independently between sessions for optimal results.

The first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment to understand your child's current skills across verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, reading, and mathematics sections. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who use this initial evaluation to identify specific areas needing improvement and discuss your target schools and timeline. This foundation allows tutors to build a personalized study plan focused on your child's unique needs rather than generic test prep.

Classroom teachers in New Orleans manage an average student-teacher ratio of 24.8:1, making individualized attention limited. Personalized 1-on-1 tutoring allows expert tutors to focus entirely on your child's learning style, pace, and specific test challenges. Tutors can spend extra time on reasoning skills, practice test-taking strategies in real-time, and adjust explanations until concepts click—something that's difficult in a traditional classroom setting.

Score improvement depends on your child's starting level and the duration of tutoring, but students typically see meaningful gains in 2-3 months of consistent preparation. Personalized instruction is particularly effective for the ISEE because tutors can focus on reasoning and critical thinking skills—areas where targeted practice yields the most improvement. Many students gain confidence alongside score increases, which helps them perform better on test day.

Expert tutors working with Varsity Tutors have extensive experience with standardized testing and independent school admissions. Many have backgrounds in education, test preparation, or the subjects they teach, and they understand the specific skills the ISEE assesses. Varsity Tutors matches you with tutors whose expertise aligns with your child's needs and learning style.

Many selective independent schools in the New Orleans area use ISEE scores as part of their admissions process. With 62 independent schools across the region, several rely on standardized testing to evaluate applicants. Your tutor can discuss which schools your child is interested in and what score ranges are competitive, helping shape your preparation strategy accordingly.