The ISEE has four levels: Primary (grades 2-3), Lower (grades 4-5), Middle (grades 6-7), and Upper (grades 8-11). Your child takes the level corresponding to the grade they'll enter at their target school, not their current grade. For example, a current 5th grader applying to 6th grade at a private school would take the Middle Level ISEE.

Many students struggle with the ISEE's fast pace and the variety of question types they haven't encountered in regular classroom instruction. Verbal reasoning and reading comprehension questions often require deeper analysis than typical school tests, while the quantitative section demands quick problem-solving under time pressure. Additionally, students may feel anxious about the high-stakes nature of the exam, which can impact performance even when they know the material.

Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to identify your child's specific strengths and weaknesses—whether that's struggling with analogies, time management, or test anxiety—and focus directly on those areas. In a classroom setting, teachers must move at one pace for all students; with personalized tutoring, the pace and content adapt to your child's learning style and needs. This targeted approach typically leads to faster improvement and more confident test performance.

Most students benefit from 2-4 months of focused preparation, working 1-2 hours per week with a tutor plus independent practice. The exact timeline depends on your child's current skills, target score, and the ISEE level. Starting early also reduces stress and allows time to build confidence before test day—particularly important for younger students taking the Lower Level ISEE for the first time.

Score improvements vary based on starting point and effort, but students working with personalized tutoring typically see gains of 10-20 percentile points or more over 2-3 months. The most significant improvements usually come in areas where students had specific skill gaps—like mastering analogy strategies or improving reading speed without sacrificing comprehension. Consistent practice combined with targeted feedback from an expert tutor is key to measurable progress.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors in Virginia Beach who specialize in ISEE preparation. You can get matched with a tutor who has experience with your child's specific ISEE level and understands the unique demands of independent school admissions. The matching process takes into account your child's learning style, schedule, and goals to ensure a great fit.

The first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment to understand your child's current skills, test-taking habits, and areas needing the most attention. The tutor will also discuss your child's target schools, score goals, and timeline to create a personalized prep plan. This foundation allows the tutor to tailor subsequent sessions to address your child's specific challenges and maximize improvement.