Score improvement depends on your starting point and how consistently you prepare, but most students see meaningful gains with focused practice. Many students improve by 50-100+ points through targeted instruction that addresses their specific weak areas—whether that's reading comprehension pacing, math problem-solving strategies, or test-taking tactics. The key is identifying exactly where you're losing points and building skills systematically over several months of preparation.

The three main struggles are: (1) Reading & Language Arts—managing the time pressure while understanding complex passages and answering inference questions accurately; (2) Math—recognizing which strategies work best for each problem type and avoiding careless errors under time constraints; and (3) Test anxiety—staying focused and confident during a high-stakes, timed exam. Expert tutors help you develop section-specific strategies and build the stamina to perform consistently across all three areas.

Most students benefit from 3-6 months of focused preparation, with intensity depending on your starting score and target. A typical schedule includes 2-3 tutoring sessions per week combined with independent practice and full-length practice tests every 2-3 weeks. Starting earlier gives you more time to identify weak areas, build foundational skills, and take multiple practice tests—which is crucial for understanding the test's unique question formats and timing demands.

Practice tests do three critical things: they reveal your exact weak spots (specific question types, sections, or timing issues), help you build stamina for the full exam, and reduce test anxiety by making the format familiar. Taking full-length, timed practice tests every 2-3 weeks lets you track progress objectively and helps tutors tailor instruction to your actual needs rather than guessing. Many students are surprised by how much their pacing improves after taking 4-5 realistic practice tests.

Your first session focuses on assessment and planning. Expect to take a diagnostic practice test or review your recent scores to identify your strengths and biggest opportunities for improvement. Your tutor will discuss your target score, timeline, and learning style, then create a personalized study plan that prioritizes the areas where you'll see the biggest score gains. This foundation ensures every future session builds toward your specific goals.

The most impactful strategies are: (1) Reading—skimming strategically and finding evidence in the text rather than relying on memory; (2) Math—working backwards from answer choices and estimating when exact calculation is slow; and (3) Time management—knowing when to skip a tough problem and return later rather than getting stuck. Expert tutors teach you which strategies work best for your thinking style and help you practice them until they're automatic under pressure.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert SHSAT tutors for students in New Haven who understand the test's nuances and have a track record of helping students improve their scores. You'll be matched based on your specific needs—whether you need help with a particular section, test anxiety, or overall preparation—and can work with your tutor on a schedule that fits your life. The matching process ensures you work with someone experienced in SHSAT prep who can address your unique challenges.