Score improvement depends on your starting point and how consistently you prepare. Most students see meaningful gains—typically 50-100 points or more—when they work with a tutor to identify weak areas, practice test-taking strategies, and complete targeted practice. The key is understanding which sections challenge you most (reading, math, or logical reasoning) and building a focused study plan around those areas.

Your first session focuses on understanding where you stand. A tutor will review your background, discuss your goals, and likely administer a diagnostic practice test or review past work to identify your strengths and weaknesses across verbal and math sections. This assessment guides your personalized study plan so you're not wasting time on skills you've already mastered.

Pacing is one of the biggest challenges students face on the SHSAT. Tutors teach strategic approaches like identifying easier questions first, knowing when to skip and return to harder problems, and practicing with real time constraints. Working through full-length practice tests under timed conditions is essential—it builds the mental stamina and rhythm you need on test day.

That depends entirely on your strengths and weaknesses. Some students struggle with reading comprehension and inference questions, while others find the math reasoning problems more challenging. A tutor will diagnose which section needs the most work based on practice tests and targeted exercises, then allocate your study time accordingly. Most students benefit from balanced preparation with extra focus on their weaker area.

Most students benefit from taking 4-6 full-length practice tests under realistic conditions spread throughout their preparation period. This gives you enough exposure to different question types and helps you build confidence, but also leaves time to review mistakes and refine strategies. Your tutor will help you space these tests strategically and use each one as a learning opportunity, not just a score check.

Test anxiety often comes from uncertainty—not knowing what to expect or feeling unprepared. Working with a tutor builds confidence through familiarity with question formats, consistent practice, and proven strategies. Tutors also teach practical techniques like deep breathing, positive self-talk, and how to manage panic if you encounter a difficult question. The more prepared you feel, the calmer you'll be on test day.

Most students benefit from 3-4 months of consistent preparation, though this varies based on your starting point and target score. If you're starting from a lower baseline, 4-6 months gives you time to build foundational skills before diving into advanced strategies. Your tutor will create a realistic timeline based on your diagnostic assessment and help you stay on track with a structured study schedule.