Score improvement depends on your starting point, the areas where you need the most help, and how consistently you practice. Most students see meaningful gains—often 50-100+ percentile points—when they work with a tutor to identify weak areas, learn test-specific strategies, and practice with real exam questions. The key is targeted preparation: focusing on the sections that challenge you most (whether that's reading comprehension, math problem-solving, or verbal reasoning) typically yields the biggest improvements.

Pacing is one of the biggest challenges students face on the SSAT because you have limited time for each section. A tutor can teach you strategies like skimming reading passages efficiently, identifying which math problems to tackle first (easier ones build confidence), and knowing when to skip a difficult question rather than get stuck. Practice tests are essential—they help you internalize the rhythm of the exam so you're not surprised by time pressure on test day.

The best way is to take a full-length practice test under timed conditions and review your results carefully. Look at which sections have the lowest scores and which question types trip you up most—for example, some students struggle with analogies in the verbal section, while others find word problems in math challenging. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can analyze your practice test results, pinpoint specific weak areas, and create a focused study plan to address them.

Most students benefit from 2-3 months of focused preparation, though this varies based on your starting point and target schools. A typical study schedule might include 3-4 tutoring sessions per week combined with independent practice between sessions. If you're aiming for a highly selective school or know you need significant improvement, starting earlier gives you more time to master test-taking strategies and build confidence without rushing.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about what to expect or feeling unprepared. Working with a tutor helps build confidence through repeated exposure to real exam questions and formats—the more familiar the test feels, the less anxious you'll be. Tutors can also teach you calming strategies like controlled breathing, positive self-talk, and how to approach difficult questions without panic. Taking multiple practice tests under timed conditions is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety before test day.

Many students try to read every word carefully, which wastes time. Instead, effective test-takers skim the passage first to understand the main idea, then refer back to specific sections when answering questions. A tutor can teach you how to identify key details quickly, recognize what different question types are asking (main idea vs. inference vs. detail), and avoid common traps like answer choices that sound right but don't match the passage. Practice with actual SSAT passages helps you develop speed and accuracy together.

Your first session is typically a diagnostic and planning meeting. Your tutor will likely review your background, discuss which schools you're targeting, and assess your current strengths and weaknesses—either through a practice test or by reviewing past work. From there, you'll develop a personalized study plan focused on your specific needs, whether that's building foundational math skills, expanding your vocabulary, or mastering test-taking strategies. This sets the foundation for productive sessions ahead.