Score improvement depends on your starting point, the specific areas you need to strengthen, and how consistently you practice. Many students see meaningful gains—often 5-15 percentile points or more—when they work with a tutor to identify weak areas, learn test-specific strategies, and practice with real test formats. The key is targeted, consistent preparation that focuses on your individual challenges rather than generic test prep.

Your first session typically focuses on understanding your current strengths and challenges. A tutor will review your past ISAT scores (if available), discuss which sections feel most difficult, and assess your test-taking habits and anxiety levels. This diagnostic approach helps create a personalized plan that targets your specific needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Many students struggle with pacing—running out of time on the math section or spending too long on individual reading passages. Others find it hard to understand what questions are really asking, especially in reading comprehension. Writing section challenges often include organizing ideas quickly and managing time between planning and drafting. A tutor can help you develop strategies for each of these obstacles through targeted practice and feedback.

Most students benefit from meeting 1-2 times per week for 4-8 weeks leading up to the test, though this varies based on your baseline performance and target score. Consistency matters more than intensity—regular practice with feedback helps you build skills and test-taking stamina. Between sessions, independent practice with real test materials reinforces what you're learning and identifies patterns in your mistakes.

Yes. Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unfamiliar with question formats, both of which tutoring directly addresses. As you practice with real ISAT materials and develop confidence in your strategies, anxiety typically decreases. A tutor can also teach you practical techniques like pacing strategies, breathing exercises, and mental preparation to help you stay calm and focused on test day.

That depends on your diagnostic results and goals. If one section is significantly weaker, starting there often builds confidence and momentum. However, many students benefit from balanced preparation since both sections require specific strategies—math needs problem-solving approaches and time management, while reading needs comprehension and inference skills. Your tutor can help you prioritize based on your scores and test date.

Practice tests are essential—they help you get comfortable with the format, identify your weak areas, and build test-taking stamina. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions is especially valuable because it simulates test day and reveals pacing problems you might not notice in isolated practice. Your tutor can use practice test results to guide your study plan and track improvement over time.