Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment to identify your current strengths and weaknesses across the three SSAT sections: verbal, math, and writing. The tutor will review your goals, discuss your target schools, and create a personalized study plan tailored to your needs. This foundation helps ensure every subsequent session builds directly toward your score goals.

Reading comprehension is often the most challenging section for students because it requires both strong vocabulary and the ability to understand complex passages under time pressure. However, the specific section that's hardest varies by student—some find the math section demanding due to pacing, while others struggle with the writing sample. A tutor can pinpoint which section needs the most attention in your case and develop targeted strategies to improve it.

Practice tests are essential—they help you understand the test format, build pacing skills, and identify patterns in the types of questions you miss. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions also builds test-day confidence and reduces anxiety. Most students benefit from taking 4-6 full practice tests throughout their preparation, with a tutor reviewing your results to refine your strategy.

Most students prepare for 2-4 months, depending on their starting score and target school requirements. If you're aiming for a significant score boost or preparing for highly competitive schools, 3-4 months of consistent study with weekly tutoring sessions is ideal. Even with a shorter timeline, focused tutoring can help you maximize your preparation and avoid common mistakes.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with the format or uncertainty about your abilities—both things tutoring directly addresses. When you work through practice tests and learn proven test-taking strategies with a tutor, you build genuine confidence in your preparation. Many students find that understanding exactly what to expect on test day and having a solid game plan significantly reduces anxiety and improves performance.

Effective strategies include building vocabulary through contextual learning, practicing active reading to understand main ideas quickly, and learning to eliminate wrong answers efficiently. Time management is critical—many students benefit from skimming questions before reading passages, then reading with purpose. A tutor can teach you which strategies work best for your learning style and help you practice them until they become automatic.

Look for tutors with strong test prep experience, familiarity with SSAT-specific question types and scoring, and a track record of helping students improve. Ideally, they should understand the schools you're targeting and how SSAT scores fit into the admissions process. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have proven success preparing students for competitive independent and private schools.