Score improvement varies based on your starting point and how consistently you prepare, but most students who work with tutors see meaningful gains within 3-4 months of focused study. The key is identifying your specific weak areas—whether that's math problem-solving, reading comprehension, or pacing—and targeting those through practice tests and strategic review. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who can create a personalized study plan based on your diagnostic results.

Your first session focuses on understanding where you stand. Tutors typically review your background, discuss your goals, and may administer a diagnostic test or review practice work to identify your strengths and challenge areas. This assessment helps create a customized roadmap for your prep, whether you need to build foundational skills, improve pacing, or master specific question types.

Both sections present different challenges. The Math section requires quick problem-solving and strong number sense, while the ELA section demands careful reading comprehension and the ability to analyze passages under time pressure. Many students find pacing more challenging than content—managing time across 50-60 questions is crucial. A tutor can help you identify whether you're struggling with the material itself or test-taking strategy, then target your prep accordingly.

Practice tests are essential—they're the best way to understand question formats, build stamina, and identify patterns in what you're missing. Most tutors recommend taking full-length practice tests every 1-2 weeks during your prep, then reviewing them carefully to spot trends. This retrieval practice and error analysis is what drives real improvement, not just reviewing content.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unsure about question formats. Building confidence through repeated practice tests, learning time-management strategies, and understanding exactly what to expect on test day all help reduce anxiety. Tutors can also teach you techniques like strategic skipping (answering easier questions first) and mental reframing, which give you a sense of control during the exam.

Look for tutors with proven experience preparing students for the SHSAT specifically—they should understand the test's unique format, question types, and scoring. Ideally, they've helped multiple students improve their scores and can show you examples of their approach. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have deep knowledge of the SHSAT and can adapt their teaching to your learning style.

Most students benefit from 3-4 months of consistent preparation, though this depends on your starting level and target score. If you're aiming for a highly competitive school, you might want 4-6 months. Starting early also reduces stress and allows time to identify weak areas and address them systematically rather than cramming. A tutor can help you create a realistic timeline based on your current skills and goals.