Reading comprehension and math reasoning are typically the most challenging sections for many students because they require both content knowledge and strong critical thinking skills. Reading comprehension can be tough because it demands quick analysis of passages and inference-making under time pressure. Math challenges often stem from multi-step problem solving and understanding when to apply different strategies. A tutor can diagnose your specific weak spots and create a targeted study plan, whether you need to build foundational skills or refine test-taking strategies.

Pacing is one of the most important skills for test success, and it's something tutors work on heavily. The strategy involves practicing with timed sections to understand your natural pace, learning which questions to tackle first (usually easier ones to build confidence), and knowing when to move on from difficult questions rather than getting stuck. Many students benefit from working through practice tests under real testing conditions, then reviewing with a tutor to identify pacing patterns. This builds both speed and accuracy over time.

Test anxiety often comes from uncertainty about what to expect or feeling unprepared. Working with a tutor builds confidence by familiarizing you with question formats, practicing under timed conditions, and developing strategies that feel automatic on test day. When you've solved similar problems dozens of times with feedback, you can approach the actual test with more calm and focus. Tutors also teach stress-management techniques like controlled breathing and positive self-talk that help keep anxiety in check during the exam.

Most students benefit from 2-4 weeks of focused preparation, with 3-5 hours per week of study time. This might include tutoring sessions plus independent practice with study materials. The exact timeline depends on your current skill level and target score—students aiming for significant improvement may want to start 6-8 weeks out. A tutor can help you create a realistic study schedule that fits your school workload and builds skills progressively rather than cramming at the last minute.

Practice tests serve two critical purposes: they show you exactly what the real test format looks like and reveal which skills need the most work. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions helps you build stamina for test day and get comfortable with pacing. When you review your practice test results with a tutor, you can identify patterns—like consistently missing certain question types or running out of time on specific sections—and adjust your study plan accordingly. This targeted approach is much more efficient than generic test prep.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have expertise in ISAT preparation and understand the specific challenges students face with the test. When you work with a tutor, you can discuss your current score, target score, and which sections give you the most trouble. The best ISAT tutors combine content knowledge with test-taking strategy expertise and can adapt their approach based on whether you learn better through practice problems, concept explanations, or strategy drills. Most students find that working with someone who knows the test format inside and out makes preparation much more efficient.