Score improvement depends on starting point and preparation intensity, but students who work with tutors typically see gains of 50-150 points over 2-4 months of focused study. The key is identifying specific weak areas—whether that's reading comprehension speed, math problem-solving strategies, or test anxiety—and targeting those directly. Consistent practice with full-length tests and strategic review between sessions accelerates progress significantly.

Timing is one of the biggest challenges on the SHSAT—students have roughly 1.5-2 minutes per question depending on the section. The best approach is to practice full-length timed tests regularly to build speed without sacrificing accuracy, learn which question types to tackle first, and develop a strategy for skipping difficult questions and returning to them. Tutors can help you identify your personal pacing bottlenecks and teach you techniques like pre-reading strategies and efficient elimination methods.

Most students find reading comprehension more challenging than math on the SHSAT because it requires speed, inference skills, and managing longer passages under time pressure. However, the best approach is to take a diagnostic practice test first to identify your actual weak spots—some students struggle with specific math concepts while others have strong fundamentals but poor pacing. Tutors can analyze your performance across both sections and create a personalized study plan that prioritizes your biggest opportunities for improvement.

Most students benefit from taking 8-12 full-length practice tests throughout their preparation period, spaced out over several weeks or months. Early tests help identify weak areas; middle tests let you practice new strategies; final tests build stamina and confidence. Between practice tests, focused study on specific question types and concepts is more valuable than endless practice. Tutors can help you space these tests strategically and ensure you're learning from each one rather than just repeating mistakes.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with the format and time pressure—both of which improve dramatically with repeated practice. Building confidence requires taking many full-length timed tests, learning your personal pacing rhythm, and developing a pre-test routine that calms your mind. Tutors can also teach you mental strategies like breaking the test into smaller chunks, managing self-talk during difficult sections, and recognizing when to move on from a hard question to preserve mental energy.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment—either a full practice test or targeted questions across reading and math—to pinpoint your specific strengths and weaknesses. The tutor will review your results, discuss your goals and timeline, and create a personalized study plan that addresses your biggest opportunities for improvement. This foundation helps ensure every future session is focused and efficient rather than generic test prep.

Look for tutors with direct SHSAT teaching experience, a strong track record of score improvement, and expertise in both content knowledge and test-taking strategy. The best SHSAT tutors understand the specific question formats and timing challenges of the test, can diagnose exactly where students are struggling, and teach personalized strategies rather than one-size-fits-all approaches. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in SHSAT prep and can customize instruction to your learning style and goals.