The Reading Comprehension section challenges many students because it requires both speed and comprehension under time pressure. However, struggles vary by student—some find the Quantitative section harder due to the variety of problem types, while others struggle with the Verbal section's vocabulary-heavy questions. A skilled tutor can diagnose which section is your bottleneck and create a personalized study plan, since improvement in one area doesn't automatically transfer to another.

Taking a full-length practice test every 1-2 weeks is ideal during active test prep, with lighter practice between tests. This frequency allows you to see progress without burning out, and it helps you build stamina for the actual 3+ hour test. Between full tests, you should focus on targeted practice with specific question types or sections where you're weakest. Your tutor can recommend a schedule based on your timeline and how much you've already prepared.

Pacing is one of the biggest challenges on the SSAT Upper Level, since you have limited time for each section. Most effective strategies involve quickly identifying easier questions and tackling them first, then returning to harder ones if time allows. Skipping strategically is crucial—spending 3 minutes on a difficult reading comprehension question means missing easier points later. Working with a tutor on timed practice helps you develop a rhythm that works for your test-taking style and build confidence in pacing decisions.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about what to expect or what strategies to use. Building familiarity through repeated practice tests, learning proven test-taking techniques, and understanding the exact format of each section significantly reduces anxiety. Tutors also help by creating a low-pressure practice environment where you can make mistakes safely and learn from them. Knowing you're prepared—and having strategies for each section—transforms nervous energy into focused confidence on test day.

Los Angeles has over 700 schools across 169 school districts, and many top independent schools here use the SSAT for admissions. While competitiveness varies by school, most selective institutions look for scores in the 80th percentile or higher. Given the number of strong students in the LA area competing for spots at prestigious schools, thorough SSAT preparation is a smart investment in standing out. A tutor familiar with local admissions trends can help you set realistic score goals based on your target schools.

Yes—they require very different skills. The Verbal section tests vocabulary and word relationships through analogies and synonym questions, so it rewards memorization and pattern recognition. Reading Comprehension, on the other hand, requires understanding main ideas, making inferences, and synthesizing information from passages. A tutor can teach you specific strategies for each: flashcards and word lists for Verbal, active reading and annotation techniques for Reading. Most students benefit from spending different amounts of time on each based on their strengths.