Score improvement depends on your starting point and how consistently you prepare. Most students see meaningful gains—typically 50-100 points—when they work with a tutor to identify weak areas, learn test-specific strategies, and practice consistently over several months. The key is targeted instruction on the sections where you struggle most, whether that's math problem-solving, reading comprehension, or test pacing.

The SHSAT has two main sections: Math and Verbal (Reading and Language Arts). Many students find the math section challenging because it requires both strong foundational skills and strategic problem-solving under time pressure. The Verbal section tests reading comprehension and language mechanics, and students often struggle with the pacing—there's a lot to read in a limited time. A tutor can help you develop section-specific strategies and identify whether you need to build foundational skills or improve your test-taking speed.

Your first session is about assessment and planning. A tutor will review your current skills, discuss your goals, and likely have you work through some practice problems to identify your strengths and specific areas for improvement. This diagnostic approach helps create a personalized study plan tailored to your needs, whether you need to strengthen fundamentals or focus on advanced problem-solving and test strategy.

Most students benefit from 3-6 months of focused preparation, though this varies based on your starting level and target score. A typical study schedule includes 2-3 tutoring sessions per week combined with independent practice. Starting early gives you time to build skills systematically, take multiple practice tests, and adjust your strategy based on results—rather than cramming close to test day.

Practice tests are essential—they help you understand the test format, build stamina for the full exam length, and identify patterns in the types of questions you miss. Taking practice tests under timed conditions also reveals your pacing challenges and helps you develop strategies to manage your time during the actual exam. A tutor can review your practice test results with you to pinpoint exactly what to focus on next.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about the format or feeling unprepared. Working with a tutor reduces anxiety by building genuine competence—when you understand the material and have practiced extensively, confidence follows naturally. Additionally, tutors can teach you specific test-day strategies like pacing techniques, how to approach difficult questions, and mental strategies to stay calm under pressure.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in SHSAT preparation and understand the specific skills and strategies the test requires. When you get matched with a tutor, you can discuss their experience with SHSAT, their approach to test prep, and how they've helped other students improve. This personalized matching ensures you work with someone who's a good fit for your learning style and goals.