Score improvement depends on your child's starting point and how consistently they engage with personalized instruction. Most students see meaningful gains—often 10-20 percentile points—when working with tutors on targeted strategies, practice test analysis, and their specific weak areas. The key is identifying which sections (verbal, math, or reading) need the most focus and building confidence through repeated, guided practice.

In your first session, a tutor will assess your child's current skills, learning style, and test-taking habits. They'll likely administer a practice test or diagnostic to identify specific strengths and areas for improvement across the verbal, math, and reading sections. This diagnostic approach helps create a personalized study plan tailored to your child's needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Pacing is a major challenge for elementary-level test-takers, and tutors help by teaching time-management strategies specific to each section. Through timed practice drills and full-length practice tests, your child learns to recognize when they're spending too long on a question and when to move forward. Tutors also help identify which question types your child naturally solves quickly versus slowly, so they can adjust their approach strategically.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with the test format and question types. Tutors reduce anxiety by demystifying the test through repeated exposure to similar questions and formats, building your child's confidence through small wins and progress tracking. When students understand what to expect and feel prepared, they perform more calmly and effectively on test day.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of consistent preparation, though this varies based on their starting level and target schools. A typical schedule includes 2-3 tutoring sessions per week combined with independent practice. Starting early allows time to identify weak areas, build foundational skills, and complete multiple practice tests before the actual exam.

Not typically—students often find one or two sections more challenging than others. Some struggle with verbal reasoning and vocabulary, while others find math problem-solving or reading comprehension more difficult. Tutors identify your child's specific weak sections early and allocate study time accordingly, ensuring balanced preparation while maximizing improvement where it matters most.

Practice tests serve two critical purposes: they familiarize your child with the actual test format and timing, and they provide diagnostic data showing exactly which question types and topics need more work. Tutors use practice test results to adjust your child's study plan, focus on high-impact areas, and build the stamina needed for test day. Regular practice testing also reduces anxiety by making the real test feel familiar.