The test includes three core sections: Verbal Reasoning (synonyms and analogies), Reading Comprehension (short passages with questions), and Quantitative Reasoning (math problems). Each section requires different skills—verbal reasoning tests vocabulary and logic, reading comprehension evaluates understanding and inference, and math tests problem-solving and computational skills. Understanding each section's unique format helps students prepare more effectively.

The test takes approximately 2.5 hours total, including breaks. The time constraint is one of the biggest challenges students face—they must work quickly without sacrificing accuracy. Tutors help students develop pacing strategies so they can complete each section within the allotted time while maintaining focus and confidence.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of consistent preparation, with 2-3 tutoring sessions per week. The exact timeline depends on the student's starting level and target score. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can assess your child's current skills and create a personalized study plan that builds confidence and targets weak areas before test day.

Elementary-level students often struggle with pacing under timed conditions, understanding analogy question formats (which can be tricky for younger test-takers), and maintaining focus through a long test. Reading comprehension questions sometimes require inference skills that students haven't fully developed yet. Tutors help students practice these specific skills and build test-taking stamina through targeted practice and strategy coaching.

Score improvement depends on the student's starting point and effort level, but students who work consistently with a tutor typically see meaningful gains within 8-10 weeks. Some students improve by 10-20 percentile points, while others make smaller but significant gains in specific sections. The key is identifying weak areas early and using targeted practice tests to track progress—tutors help students focus on what will have the biggest impact on their score.

Practice tests are essential—they help students get comfortable with the test format, identify timing issues, and reveal specific weak areas. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions is much more effective than studying individual concepts in isolation. Tutors use practice test results to guide instruction and help students track improvement over time, which also builds confidence heading into test day.

Many elementary-level students experience anxiety around standardized testing, especially if they've never taken a timed test before. Tutors build confidence by familiarizing students with the test format, teaching specific test-taking strategies, and gradually increasing time pressure during practice sessions. When students feel prepared and have practiced under realistic conditions, anxiety naturally decreases. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors experienced in working with younger students who understand how to make test prep feel manageable and even enjoyable.