Students typically struggle most with word problems that require multi-step reasoning, ratio and proportion applications, and geometry problems involving angles and area. Quantitative comparison questions—where you evaluate two quantities and decide if one is greater, they're equal, or the relationship can't be determined—also trip up many test-takers because they require a different thinking approach than traditional multiple choice. A tutor can diagnose which of these topics are your personal weak spots and build targeted practice around them.

Quantitative Comparison questions ask you to compare two quantities (Column A vs. Column B) rather than solve for a specific answer, which requires a shift in strategy. Instead of calculating exact values, you often need to test edge cases, use estimation, or recognize patterns to determine the relationship. A tutor can teach you when to eliminate the "relationship can't be determined" answer choice, how to spot trap answers designed for students who miscalculate, and techniques like plugging in strategic numbers to quickly compare quantities without full computation.

Word problems on the ISEE-Upper Level often hide their math in everyday language, and students frequently misread what's being asked or set up the wrong equation. A tutor can teach you a systematic approach: identify what you're solving for, mark key numbers and relationships, and translate phrases like "three times as many" or "percent increase" into mathematical symbols. Practice with problems of increasing complexity, combined with reviewing common language patterns, helps you recognize problem types quickly and build confidence in your setup before you even solve.

Score improvement depends on your starting point and effort, but students typically see 3-7 point gains (on the ISEE scale) with focused tutoring over 8-12 weeks. If you're making careless errors or missing entire question types, improvement often comes faster. If you're already scoring well, gains may be smaller but still meaningful—eliminating just 2-3 mistakes per section can move you into a higher percentile. A tutor can assess your baseline, identify your highest-leverage areas for improvement, and set realistic milestones based on your timeline.

Taking full timed practice tests is crucial, but how you review them matters more than the score itself. After each test, spend time analyzing every wrong answer—not just the ones you guessed on, but also the ones you solved incorrectly. Categorize mistakes into types: careless errors, conceptual misunderstandings, or timing issues. A tutor can help you spot patterns (e.g., "I always mess up ratio problems" or "I rush through geometry") and design targeted practice that focuses on your specific error types rather than re-drilling topics you already know.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with question formats or fear of running out of time. A tutor builds confidence by making the test feel predictable—you'll see every question type repeatedly, understand the patterns behind them, and practice strategies that work. Knowing you can skip a hard problem and come back to it, or that you have a reliable method for word problems, reduces panic during the actual test. Regular practice in timed conditions also desensitizes you to the pressure, so test day feels like just another practice session.

Beyond strong math knowledge, an effective tutor understands the ISEE test format deeply—which question types appear, what traps test makers use, and how to teach strategy alongside content. They should be able to diagnose your specific weak spots quickly, explain concepts clearly without over-complicating, and adapt their teaching based on how you learn best. They'll also be experienced in managing test anxiety and building pacing strategies, not just drilling problems. Look for someone who can show you why answers are wrong, not just confirm that they are.