Many students struggle with managing time while reading dense passages carefully and answering questions accurately. Other common challenges include distinguishing between what the passage explicitly states versus what can be inferred, understanding vocabulary in unfamiliar contexts, and identifying an author's tone or purpose. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction helps students develop targeted strategies for each of these areas, building confidence and speed.

Expert tutors work with you to analyze your specific reading patterns, identify where you lose points, and develop customized strategies for different passage types and question formats. Tutoring includes practice with real ISEE passages, timed drills to build speed without sacrificing accuracy, and techniques for active reading and annotation. With personalized feedback on your approach, you'll strengthen both comprehension and test-taking confidence.

During your initial session, a tutor will assess your current reading level, review sample ISEE passages with you, and identify your specific strengths and areas for growth. You'll discuss your timeline for the exam, any test anxiety concerns, and your goals. This diagnostic approach allows the tutor to create a personalized plan tailored to your needs, whether you need foundational reading skills, test strategy, or targeted practice on inference and analysis questions.

With consistent, focused tutoring—typically 1-2 sessions per week—many students see measurable improvement in 4-6 weeks. However, the timeline depends on your starting point, how frequently you practice between sessions, and how much time you dedicate to the tutoring plan. Regular practice with real ISEE passages and application of strategies learned in tutoring accelerates progress and builds the habits needed for sustained improvement.

Look for tutors with demonstrated expertise in standardized test preparation, particularly the ISEE, and a strong background in reading comprehension and English. Ideal tutors understand the specific format and question types on the ISEE-Upper Level, can teach active reading strategies, and have experience working with middle and high school students preparing for independent school admission. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have proven track records helping students improve their reading scores.

Consistent, deliberate practice is key—work through one to two full passages per week using timed conditions, then review your answers with the strategies your tutor taught you. Focus on understanding why you missed questions (was it comprehension, inference, or time pressure?) rather than just counting right and wrong. Keep a log of challenging vocabulary and passage types, and revisit those areas regularly. Your tutor can provide targeted practice materials and feedback to guide your independent work.

Many independent and private schools in the Philadelphia area use the ISEE for admission, including well-known institutions across the city and surrounding regions. With over 420 schools and nearly 181,000 students in the Philadelphia area, competitive independent schools often require strong ISEE scores, particularly in Reading Comprehension. Varsity Tutors connects students with tutors who understand the specific expectations of Philadelphia-area schools and can help you prepare effectively for admission.