Students often struggle with the verbal reasoning section, which requires understanding synonyms and analogies without relying on grade-level vocabulary. The quantitative reasoning section also challenges many students because it tests logic and problem-solving rather than just computational skills. Additionally, the timed nature of the exam can cause anxiety, and students may rush through reading comprehension passages, missing key details needed to answer questions correctly.

Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to identify your student's specific weak areas—whether that's verbal reasoning, math problem-solving, or test anxiety—and focus on those gaps rather than generic test prep. A tutor can also teach time-management strategies tailored to your child's pace and work through practice questions that mirror the actual exam format. This targeted approach typically leads to more significant score improvements than classroom-based prep, since the instruction adapts to your student's learning style and needs.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of consistent tutoring, meeting 1-2 times per week, though the timeline depends on your student's starting level and target schools. Students who begin prep earlier can work at a comfortable pace and build confidence gradually, while those preparing closer to test dates may need more intensive sessions. A tutor can assess your student's current skills and create a customized timeline that ensures thorough preparation without overwhelming them.

During the first session, a tutor will get to know your student, understand their academic background, and assess their current strengths and areas for improvement through diagnostic questions or a practice section. The tutor will also discuss your student's goals, any test anxiety concerns, and the timeline for your target schools. This foundation helps the tutor create a personalized prep plan focused on the skills that will have the biggest impact on your student's score.

In a classroom setting, test prep moves at a fixed pace and covers material for all students, even if some already understand certain concepts. With personalized tutoring for students in Dallas, the instruction adjusts to your student's pace and focuses only on the skills they need to build. Tutors can also spend extra time on high-anxiety areas, teach test-taking strategies specific to your student's strengths, and provide immediate feedback on practice problems—all of which accelerate learning and confidence.

Score improvements vary based on starting level and prep intensity, but students who engage consistently with personalized tutoring typically see meaningful gains across all sections. Many students improve their verbal and quantitative reasoning scores by 5-10 percentile points or more when they address specific skill gaps and practice test-taking strategies. The key is identifying weak areas early and working with a tutor to build both content knowledge and test-taking confidence.

Varsity Tutors connects students with expert tutors who have deep knowledge of the ISEE format, content, and strategies for helping younger students succeed. Tutors typically have experience working with elementary and middle school students, understand child development and learning styles, and are skilled at building confidence alongside test prep skills. When you connect with a tutor, you can discuss their specific experience with ISEE preparation and their approach to working with your student's age group.