Score improvement depends on your starting point and study consistency, but most students see meaningful gains with focused preparation. Students who work with tutors typically improve by 50-100+ points through targeted practice on weak areas, learning test-specific strategies, and building familiarity with the exam format. The key is identifying your specific challenges—whether that's pacing through math problems, understanding reading comprehension passages, or managing test anxiety—and addressing them systematically.

Reading comprehension and math reasoning trip up many students because they require both content knowledge and strategic thinking. Reading passages can be dense and time-consuming, while math questions often test problem-solving rather than just calculation. The writing section, though shorter, requires clear organization and strong grammar under time pressure. A tutor can help you identify which sections are your personal weak spots and develop targeted strategies to improve them.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment to understand your current skills, test-taking habits, and areas needing improvement. You'll discuss your target score, timeline, and any specific concerns like test anxiety or pacing issues. From there, a tutor can create a personalized study plan that prioritizes your biggest opportunities for growth and builds a realistic preparation schedule leading up to test day.

Practice tests are essential—they help you get comfortable with the exam format, identify timing issues, and reveal which question types give you the most trouble. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions mimics the real test experience and builds stamina. Between practice tests, tutors can review your mistakes to spot patterns, teach you strategies for those specific question types, and help you refine your approach before your next attempt.

Most students benefit from 3-6 months of consistent preparation, though this varies based on your starting level and target score. A realistic study schedule typically includes 5-10 hours per week of focused practice, including practice tests, strategy drills, and review sessions with a tutor. Starting early gives you time to identify weak areas, master test-specific strategies, and build confidence without last-minute cramming.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with the exam format or fear of running out of time. Working with a tutor builds confidence through repeated exposure to real SHSAT questions, teaching you pacing strategies so you feel in control, and developing mental techniques to stay calm under pressure. When you've practiced extensively and understand the test inside and out, anxiety naturally decreases because you know what to expect.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in SHSAT prep and understand the specific challenges of this exam. You can get matched with a tutor who fits your schedule, learning style, and goals—whether you need intensive prep or targeted help with specific sections. Tutors work with you flexibly to build a personalized study plan that gets you ready for test day.