Score improvement depends on your starting point and how consistently you prepare. Most students see meaningful gains—typically 50-150 points—when they work with an expert tutor to identify weak areas, learn test-specific strategies, and practice under timed conditions. The key is targeted practice: understanding why you miss questions matters more than taking endless practice tests. A personalized tutoring plan helps you focus on your specific challenges rather than reviewing material you already know.

Your first session is all about assessment and planning. A tutor will likely review your background, discuss your target score, and administer a diagnostic practice test to identify which sections (math, reading, or writing) need the most work. From there, you'll develop a personalized study schedule that fits your timeline and learning style. This foundation ensures every session after that is focused on your specific needs rather than generic test prep.

That depends on your diagnostic results. Many students find the reading section challenging because it requires both speed and comprehension under pressure, while others struggle with the math's pacing and question formats. A tutor can analyze your practice test to pinpoint whether you're losing points due to careless errors, timing issues, or conceptual gaps. Once you know your weak areas, you can allocate study time strategically—spending more time on sections that need it while maintaining your strengths.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with the format and time pressure. Working through timed practice tests regularly helps normalize the experience and builds confidence in your ability to manage the pace. Expert tutors also teach specific strategies like skipping difficult questions strategically, using scratch paper effectively, and mental techniques to stay calm. The more prepared you feel, the less anxiety takes over on test day.

Most students benefit from 2-4 months of consistent preparation, though this varies based on your starting score and target. A typical schedule includes 1-2 tutoring sessions per week plus independent practice between sessions. If you're starting further behind or aiming for a very competitive score, you might extend your timeline. Your tutor can help you create a realistic schedule that builds skills progressively rather than cramming at the last minute, which is far less effective.

Quality matters more than quantity. Taking 3-5 full-length practice tests under timed conditions gives you solid data about your pacing, weak areas, and test-day readiness. After each test, spend time reviewing every question you missed—understanding why you got it wrong is where real learning happens. Between full tests, focus on targeted practice for specific question types or skills. Your tutor can guide you on which practice materials are most valuable and how to extract maximum learning from each test.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in SHSAT prep and understand the test's unique demands. You'll tell us about your goals, timeline, and learning preferences, and we'll match you with someone who fits your needs. Whether you prefer to work with a tutor who can meet you in person or online, personalized 1-on-1 instruction is tailored to your specific challenges and pace, making your preparation far more effective than generic test prep courses.