Score improvement depends on your starting point and study intensity, but students who work with tutors often see meaningful gains by focusing on their specific weak areas. Most students benefit from identifying which sections (math, reading, or writing) need the most attention, then using targeted practice and test-taking strategies to build confidence and accuracy. Consistent practice with full-length practice tests, combined with personalized feedback, typically yields the strongest results.

The SHSAT has two main sections: English Language Arts (ELA), which includes reading comprehension and writing, and Mathematics. Many students find the reading comprehension section challenging because it requires both speed and deep understanding of complex passages, while others struggle with the math section's problem-solving questions that test reasoning beyond basic computation. A tutor can help you identify which section is your biggest challenge and develop targeted strategies to improve.

Pacing is critical on the SHSAT—you have limited time to work through multiple sections, and rushing often leads to careless mistakes while moving too slowly means incomplete sections. Tutors help you develop a realistic pacing strategy during practice tests, teaching you which questions to tackle first, how long to spend on each problem, and when to skip difficult items and return later. Building this timing skill through repeated practice is one of the most effective ways to improve your overall score.

Most students benefit from 2-4 months of consistent preparation, though this varies based on your starting level and target score. A typical schedule includes weekly tutoring sessions combined with independent practice between sessions—usually 30-60 minutes of focused work on specific skills or full-length practice tests. Starting with diagnostic practice tests helps identify your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you and your tutor to create a personalized study plan that addresses your specific needs.

Practice tests serve two critical purposes: they help you understand the test format and question types, and they reveal exactly where you're losing points so you can focus your studying strategically. Taking full-length, timed practice tests under realistic conditions also builds test stamina and helps reduce anxiety by making the exam feel familiar. Tutors use your practice test results to identify patterns in your mistakes and develop targeted strategies to address them.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unfamiliar with the test format—both of which tutoring directly addresses through repeated practice and skill-building. As you work through practice tests and see your scores improve, confidence naturally grows. Tutors also teach specific test-day strategies like deep breathing, positive self-talk, and breaking the test into manageable chunks, all of which help you stay calm and focused during the actual exam.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in SHSAT preparation and understand the specific challenges of this exam. When you get matched with a tutor, you can discuss your current score, target score, and which sections need the most work, so your tutor can create a personalized study plan from day one. Many students find that working with a specialist who knows the SHSAT inside and out makes the preparation process more efficient and less stressful.