Score improvement depends on your starting point, study consistency, and time available before test day. Students who work with a tutor typically see gains of 50-150 points, though individual results vary. The key is identifying your specific weak areas—whether that's reading comprehension, math problem-solving, or writing—and targeting those through focused practice and strategy refinement.

Your first session focuses on assessment and goal-setting. A tutor will review your current skill level, discuss your target score, and identify which sections (reading, math, or writing) need the most attention. You'll also take a diagnostic practice test or review past work to pinpoint specific challenges like pacing issues, question format confusion, or content gaps. From there, the tutor creates a personalized study plan tailored to your needs and timeline.

Many students struggle with pacing—the test is timed, and managing time across three sections is challenging. Reading comprehension questions often trip up students who rush or miss key details, while math problems require both computational skills and logical reasoning. Writing sections demand clear, concise responses under pressure. Test anxiety and unfamiliarity with question formats also affect performance. Tutors help address each of these through targeted strategies and repeated practice.

Practice tests are essential—they help you get comfortable with the test format, build stamina for the full exam, and identify specific weak areas. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions mimics test-day pressure and reveals where you need to focus your studying. Most students benefit from taking 4-6 full practice tests during their preparation period, with tutors reviewing results to refine strategies and address recurring mistakes.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of focused preparation, though this varies based on your current skill level and target score. Students starting further behind may need 12-16 weeks, while those with strong foundational skills might prepare effectively in 6-8 weeks. Consistency matters more than duration—studying 5-7 hours per week over 12 weeks typically yields better results than cramming. Your tutor will create a study schedule that fits your timeline and goals.

Test anxiety is common, and tutors help by building confidence through repeated exposure to test conditions and proven test-taking strategies. Techniques like deep breathing, positive self-talk, and breaking the test into manageable sections reduce stress. Taking practice tests regularly desensitizes you to the pressure, while understanding your strengths reminds you that you're prepared. Many students also benefit from discussing their anxiety directly with their tutor to develop personalized coping strategies.

Look for tutors with proven experience preparing students for the SHSAT, strong scores on the test themselves, and a track record of helping students improve. They should understand the specific format and content of all three sections and be able to teach both content knowledge and test-taking strategies. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have deep familiarity with the SHSAT and personalized approaches to helping each student succeed.