Pacing is one of the biggest challenges students face on the SHSAT. Effective strategies include: knowing which question types to attempt first (usually easier ones), practicing skipping difficult questions and returning later, and timing yourself on practice sections to build speed without sacrificing accuracy. Many students benefit from learning when to guess strategically rather than spending too much time on a single problem. A tutor can help you develop a personalized pacing plan based on your strengths and teach you to recognize time traps in specific question formats.

Both sections present different challenges depending on the student. The Verbal section requires understanding complex passages and inference-based questions—many students find the time pressure here particularly stressful. The Math section tests problem-solving and reasoning rather than just computation, and students often struggle with multi-step word problems and spatial reasoning questions. The good news is that both sections are very coachable. A tutor can assess which section is your weaker area and build targeted strategies to address specific question types that trip you up.

Most students benefit from taking a full practice test every 1-2 weeks during active preparation, with lighter practice in between. This frequency allows you to measure progress, identify patterns in your mistakes, and build test-day stamina. Early in your prep, focus on untimed practice to master question types; then gradually shift to timed full-length tests to simulate actual conditions. Between tests, spend time on targeted drills for your weak areas rather than rushing through more full tests. A tutor can help structure this schedule and ensure you're analyzing practice tests for insights, not just checking answers.

Test anxiety is very common and manageable with the right preparation. Confidence comes from familiarity—the more you practice with actual SHSAT question formats and time constraints, the less intimidating the test becomes. Breathing techniques and positive self-talk help in the moment, but the most effective anxiety reduction comes from knowing you've prepared thoroughly. Working with a tutor provides structure, progress tracking, and personalized feedback that builds real confidence. Many students also find it helpful to practice in test-like conditions (quiet room, same time of day) to reduce surprises on test day.

Most students preparing for the SHSAT benefit from 8-12 weeks of consistent tutoring, meeting 1-2 times per week. However, the timeline depends on your starting point, how much you practice between sessions, and when you're taking the test. Some students need more time if they're building foundational skills; others make gains more quickly if they're already strong academically and just need test-specific strategy. Consistency matters more than duration—regular tutoring sessions combined with your own practice time produce better results than sporadic cramming. A tutor can give you a more specific timeline after assessing your current performance.

Look for tutors with specific SHSAT experience who understand the test's unique question formats and scoring. You want someone who can diagnose your weak areas quickly (usually through a diagnostic assessment), teach both content and test-taking strategies, and provide structured practice with detailed feedback. It also helps if your tutor is familiar with the pressures Los Angeles students face and can adapt to your learning style and pacing needs. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in SHSAT prep and can work around your schedule to keep you on track.