Pacing is the most common challenge—the SHSAT gives you limited time to work through complex reading passages and multi-step math problems. Many students either rush through questions and make careless mistakes, or spend too long on one problem and run out of time. A tutor can help you develop section-specific strategies, like identifying which reading questions to tackle first based on question type, or recognizing which math problems are best solved by testing answer choices versus algebra. Practice tests are essential here; they help you get comfortable with the test's rhythm and let you identify whether your timing issues are in reading, math, or both.

That depends on your strengths and weaknesses, which is why personalized assessment is so valuable. Some students struggle with inference and comprehension under time pressure, while others find the multi-step math problems tricky. The best approach is to take a full practice test early in your prep to identify which section is actually holding you back—don't assume you know. Once you pinpoint your weaker area, you can allocate more study time there while maintaining your stronger section. Many students benefit from alternating focus areas within study sessions to keep their skills sharp across both sections.

Most students benefit from 3-6 months of focused preparation, depending on when you're taking the test and your current performance level. If you're starting from a diagnostic practice test score around 550, you'll need more time to build foundational skills and test-taking stamina than if you're already scoring 650+. A study schedule might look like 5-8 hours per week spread across practice, review, and tutoring sessions. Consistency matters more than cramming—spaced practice helps you retain strategies and build confidence over time. Your tutor can help you create a realistic timeline based on your target score and current baseline.

Aim for at least 4-6 full practice tests spread throughout your prep period, with the last one 1-2 weeks before test day. The first practice test should be diagnostic—take it untimed or with extended time to see where you stand without time pressure. Then use timed practice tests to build test-taking stamina and refine your pacing strategy. After each test, spend time reviewing not just the questions you got wrong, but also the ones you guessed on or spent too much time on. This review process is where real learning happens. A tutor can help you analyze your practice test performance to spot patterns in the types of questions that trip you up.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or uncertain about what to expect. The best antidote is familiarity—the more practice tests you take in realistic conditions (timed, quiet environment), the more normal the experience becomes. Build in confidence-boosting strategies during tutoring sessions: identify 2-3 questions types you feel confident about and review those first on test day, practice deep breathing techniques, and remind yourself that you don't need to get every question right to reach your target score. On the day of the test, arrive early, eat a good breakfast, and remember that the SHSAT is just one piece of your high school application—it's not a measure of your worth or potential.

Look for tutors who have specific experience with the SHSAT format and scoring, not just general standardized test prep experience. When you connect with a tutor, ask about their approach to your specific challenge areas and whether they use official SHSAT materials and practice tests. A good tutor should start with a diagnostic assessment to understand your baseline, then create a personalized study plan rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in SHSAT prep and can work with your schedule and learning style, whether you need help with overall strategy or focused work on one particular section.