Score improvement depends on your starting point and how consistently you prepare. Most students see meaningful gains—typically 50-150 points—when they work with a tutor to identify weak areas, learn test-specific strategies, and practice with real exam questions. The key is focusing on your particular challenges, whether that's pacing, question format recognition, or specific math concepts, rather than trying to improve everything at once.

The Math section tests algebra, geometry, and number sense with multiple-choice and grid-in questions, while the Reading section focuses on comprehension and inference from passages. Neither is universally harder—it depends on your strengths. Many students find Math more straightforward because there's one correct answer, while Reading requires interpreting nuance and managing time across longer passages. A tutor can help you identify which section needs more focus and develop targeted strategies for each.

Pacing is one of the biggest challenges students face on the SHSAT, which has strict time limits for each section. Expert tutors teach you to recognize question difficulty levels, skip strategically, and return to harder problems after completing easier ones. Practice tests are essential—they help you internalize timing patterns so you're not rushing or leaving questions unanswered on actual test day.

Your first session focuses on assessment and planning. A tutor will review your baseline skills, discuss your goals, and likely have you work through sample SHSAT questions to identify specific weak areas—whether that's algebra, reading inference, or test anxiety. From there, you'll develop a personalized study plan that targets your needs and fits your timeline before the exam.

Practice tests are critical—they're the best way to understand the test format, build stamina for the full exam, and identify patterns in your mistakes. Taking full-length, timed practice tests under realistic conditions helps you discover whether you're struggling with specific question types or simply running out of time. Your tutor can analyze your practice test results to pinpoint exactly what to focus on next.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with the format or fear of time pressure. Working with a tutor helps you build confidence through repeated exposure to real questions and test conditions, so the exam feels less intimidating. Tutors also teach relaxation techniques and help you develop a growth mindset—understanding that mistakes during practice are learning opportunities, not failures.

Look for tutors with proven experience teaching the SHSAT specifically, strong performance records on the test themselves, and familiarity with NYC's specialized high school admissions process. They should understand the test's unique format, be able to explain concepts clearly, and have strategies for managing the time pressure that makes the SHSAT challenging. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have demonstrated expertise in SHSAT preparation.