Many students struggle with the reading comprehension section, which requires you to absorb dense passages quickly while answering detailed questions—all within a tight timeframe. The Math section also trips up students who spend too long on difficult problems instead of moving forward strategically.

Tutors help you develop efficient reading strategies (like active annotation) and teach you when to skip and return to problems. They also use practice tests to help you calibrate your pace, so you know exactly how much time to spend on each question type before test day.

Most students benefit from 3-4 months of focused preparation, though this varies based on your baseline skills and target score. If you're aiming for selective schools, starting earlier gives you time to master both content and test-taking strategies without feeling rushed.

A structured study schedule—typically 5-8 hours per week with a tutor plus independent practice—allows you to work through the full test curriculum, identify weak areas, and take multiple practice tests. Consistent preparation beats cramming, and tutors can help you stay on track with a customized timeline.

Both sections require different skills, so it depends on your strengths. The reading section challenges students who struggle with inference, vocabulary in context, and managing dense passages. The math section frustrates students who rush through problems or lack confidence in algebra and geometry concepts.

The good news: both are improvable with targeted practice. Reading comprehension improves through systematic strategy work and exposure to test-style passages. Math improvement comes from learning problem-solving techniques, reviewing content gaps, and practicing under timed conditions. A tutor can diagnose which section needs more focus and create a plan accordingly.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or uncertain about how to approach questions. Tutoring builds genuine confidence by ensuring you understand content deeply and know exactly how to tackle every question type you'll encounter on test day.

Tutors also teach practical anxiety-management strategies like controlled breathing, positive self-talk, and time-management techniques that help you stay calm when you encounter a tough problem. Taking multiple practice tests under realistic conditions is especially powerful—each practice test builds familiarity and reduces the fear of the unknown when you sit for the real exam.

Aim to complete 4-6 full-length practice tests during your preparation period. This gives you enough repetition to identify patterns in the types of questions you struggle with, while still preserving some official materials for final review.

Tutors use your practice test results to pinpoint exact weak areas—whether it's a specific math concept, reading comprehension strategy, or pacing issue—then target those gaps with focused instruction. Practice tests also help you acclimate to the test's length and pressure, so the real exam feels familiar rather than shocking.

Queens students have access to highly competitive specialized schools, making SHSAT preparation crucial for admission. A tutor understands the specific rigor of the exam and can help you navigate both the academic content and test-taking strategies in a way generic prep books can't.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in SHSAT preparation and understand the unique needs of Queens students. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction lets you work at your own pace, focus on your weak areas, and get immediate feedback—all essential for maximizing your score and securing admission to your top choice school.