The SHSAT typically includes Math and English Language Arts sections, with questions testing problem-solving, reading comprehension, grammar, and logical reasoning. Each section requires different strategies—math demands careful pacing and accuracy under time pressure, while ELA requires strong reading speed and the ability to identify main ideas quickly. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who can break down each section's unique demands and help you develop targeted strategies for both areas.

Score improvement depends on your starting point, study consistency, and how much time you have before test day. Students typically see meaningful gains—often 50-100+ points—when they work with a tutor to identify weak areas, learn test-specific strategies, and practice consistently with realistic full-length tests. The key is diagnostic work early on to pinpoint exactly where you're losing points, then targeted practice to address those gaps.

Many students struggle with pacing—the test moves quickly and it's easy to spend too much time on one question and rush through others. Others find the question formats unfamiliar compared to classroom tests, or they have uneven skills across math and reading. Test anxiety is also common when high stakes are involved. Personalized tutoring addresses these specific challenges through strategy coaching, timed practice, and confidence-building work with realistic practice tests.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of focused preparation, though this varies based on your starting level and target score. A typical study plan includes diagnostic testing to identify weak areas, 3-4 weeks of skill-building in those areas, and 4-6 weeks of full-length practice tests with review. Working with a tutor helps you create a realistic timeline tailored to your schedule and progress, ensuring you're not cramming or studying inefficiently.

That depends entirely on your strengths and weaknesses—a diagnostic practice test will show you exactly where you're losing points. Some students find math concepts challenging but can improve quickly with targeted skill work, while others struggle more with reading speed and comprehension. The best approach is to identify your specific weak areas early, then allocate study time proportionally. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who use diagnostic data to create a personalized study plan that addresses your individual gaps.

Practice tests are essential—they're the most realistic way to understand the test format, build stamina, and identify patterns in your mistakes. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions also helps you develop pacing strategies and manage test anxiety. Most students should take at least 4-6 full practice tests during their prep, with careful review of every wrong answer to understand why you missed it. Expert tutors use practice test results to guide your study plan and ensure you're making progress toward your goal.

Look for tutors with proven experience teaching test-taking strategies, not just subject knowledge—they should understand the SHSAT's specific format, timing demands, and question types. It's also valuable to work with someone who can diagnose your weak areas quickly and create a focused study plan rather than generic prep. When you connect with Varsity Tutors, you're matched with experienced tutors who specialize in test prep and can provide personalized instruction tailored to your needs and timeline.