Score improvement depends on your starting point and how consistently you prepare, but most students who work with a tutor see meaningful gains—typically 50-100+ points on the composite score with focused study over several months. The key is identifying your specific weak areas (whether that's reading comprehension, math problem-solving, or test pacing) and targeting those through deliberate practice and strategy refinement rather than generic test prep.

The SHSAT has two main sections: English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics, each scored on a scale that contributes to your composite score. Many students find the reading comprehension and inference questions in ELA challenging because they require both speed and deep understanding, while others struggle with the multi-step math problems that test conceptual reasoning rather than just computation. A tutor can diagnose which section is holding you back and create a targeted strategy to improve it.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with the format and time pressure—tutoring builds confidence by repeatedly exposing you to authentic practice tests under timed conditions, so the real test feels familiar rather than intimidating. A tutor also teaches you specific pacing strategies (like how to manage the 90-minute window, when to skip difficult questions, and how to review your work) so you can focus on answering questions correctly rather than worrying about the clock.

Practice tests are essential—they show you exactly what to expect, help identify your weak areas, and build test-taking stamina. Most students benefit from taking 4-6 full-length practice tests spaced throughout their prep timeline, with detailed review after each one to understand mistakes. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who use official and high-quality practice materials and can help you analyze results to refine your strategy before test day.

Most students benefit from 3-6 months of consistent preparation, ideally starting in the fall if you're taking the test in the spring. The exact timeline depends on your current level and target score, but starting earlier gives you time to build foundational skills, take multiple practice tests, and adjust your strategy based on results rather than cramming at the last minute.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment—either a practice test or targeted questions—to understand your current strengths and weaknesses across both ELA and Math sections. From there, a tutor will discuss your target score, timeline, and learning style to create a personalized study plan that focuses on the areas where you'll see the most improvement.

The SHSAT includes multiple-choice questions in both ELA (reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar) and Math (problem-solving, data analysis, geometry), each with specific strategies. For example, reading questions reward careful annotation and process-of-elimination, while math questions often require you to work backwards from answer choices or set up equations systematically. A tutor teaches you the unique approach for each format so you can answer efficiently and accurately.