Many students struggle with managing time while reading longer, complex passages and answering questions accurately. Others find it difficult to distinguish between the main idea and supporting details, or to make inferences based on textual evidence rather than personal assumptions. Additionally, unfamiliar vocabulary and dense academic prose can slow comprehension. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction helps students develop targeted strategies to overcome these specific obstacles and build confidence.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who assess your current reading skills and test-taking strategies, then create a customized plan to address your individual needs. Tutors use practice passages and real ISEE questions to teach active reading techniques, annotation strategies, and question-answering methods. Sessions include targeted feedback on your comprehension and pacing, helping you build both accuracy and speed before test day.

Improvement timelines vary depending on your starting point and how frequently you meet with a tutor. Most students see measurable progress within 4-6 weeks of consistent, focused practice with personalized instruction. Students who work with tutors over several months typically develop stronger foundational skills and test-taking strategies, leading to more significant score gains. Your tutor will help set realistic goals and track progress throughout your preparation.

Your first session is an assessment and planning meeting. The tutor will review your current reading skills, discuss your target schools and score goals, and identify specific areas for improvement—whether that's comprehension speed, inference skills, or vocabulary. You'll work through a sample passage together so the tutor can understand your strengths and challenges firsthand. By the end, you'll have a clear roadmap for your preparation.

Effective strategies include active reading (annotating key ideas and transitions), previewing questions before reading to focus your attention, and practicing retrieval—recalling details without rereading. Many students benefit from learning how to identify the author's tone and purpose, which helps them answer inference and main-idea questions more accurately. Tutors teach you which strategies work best for your learning style and help you practice them consistently on real ISEE passages.

Yes, Dallas has a strong network of independent schools that use the Upper Level ISEE for admission decisions. With 22 school districts and over 450 schools across the Dallas area, many selective institutions rely on ISEE scores as part of their admissions process. Preparing specifically for the ISEE-Upper Level Reading Comprehension section is an important step for students applying to these competitive programs.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have demonstrated expertise in standardized test preparation, reading comprehension instruction, and independent school admissions. Tutors are selected for their ability to teach critical reading skills, their familiarity with ISEE test format and content, and their track record of helping students improve their scores. Each tutor brings personalized teaching methods tailored to help you succeed.