Pacing is one of the biggest challenges students face on the SHSAT. The test gives you about 45 minutes for the verbal section and 45 minutes for the math section, which requires working quickly without sacrificing accuracy. Expert tutors teach strategic approaches like identifying easier questions to tackle first, knowing when to skip and return to a question, and practicing time management during mock tests. Regular timed practice is essential—this trains both your speed and your decision-making about which questions to prioritize.

The SHSAT verbal section (including reading comprehension and writing) challenges students to work with unfamiliar texts and tight time constraints, while the math section tests problem-solving speed and conceptual understanding. Many San Diego students find that their strengths in one section don't automatically carry over to the other—a strong reader might struggle with math pacing, or a quick mathematician might find reading comprehension trickier. Personalized tutoring helps you understand which section needs more focus and develops tailored strategies for each.

Most students benefit from taking 5-8 full-length practice tests under realistic timed conditions leading up to test day. This gives you enough exposure to identify patterns in your mistakes and build test stamina. More importantly, it's not just about quantity—quality matters. After each practice test, reviewing your errors with an expert tutor helps you understand why you missed questions and prevents you from repeating the same mistakes. The last week or two before the test should focus on targeted review of weak areas rather than endless practice tests.

Test anxiety is common, but several strategies help. First, familiarity reduces fear—taking multiple practice tests under timed conditions makes the actual test feel less intimidating. Second, having a concrete strategy for each section (where to start, how to pace, what to do if you get stuck) gives you control and confidence. Third, expert tutors teach breathing techniques and mental strategies to use during the test itself. Building a strong foundation of content knowledge also reduces anxiety because you feel more prepared. Many students find that working 1-on-1 with a tutor to address specific fears—like time pressure or certain question types—makes a huge difference in their confidence level.

Start by taking a diagnostic or full practice test and reviewing every question you missed—not just to check the answer, but to understand why. Did you misunderstand the question? Run out of time? Lack the content knowledge? Personalized tutoring is especially valuable here because tutors analyze your performance patterns and spot trends you might miss on your own. Maybe you consistently struggle with inference questions in reading, or certain algebra topics in math. Once weak areas are identified, you can create a targeted study plan that focuses on those specific skills and question types, rather than reviewing material you already know well.

Most students benefit from 2-4 months of consistent preparation, though this depends on your baseline skills and target score. A typical effective schedule includes 2-3 focused study sessions per week with personalized tutoring (60-90 minutes each) combined with independent practice in between. Your tutoring sessions should cover content review, test strategy, and practice problem analysis, while independent time includes completing practice problems and full tests. In the final weeks before the exam, scale back new content and focus on review, timed practice, and confidence building. Working with an expert tutor helps you stay on track and adjust your schedule based on your progress toward your goal score.