Score improvement depends on your starting point, study consistency, and how you apply feedback from tutoring sessions. Many students see meaningful gains of 50-100+ points with focused preparation and regular practice, though results vary based on individual effort and baseline skills. A tutor can help you identify specific weak areas—whether that's reading comprehension, math problem-solving, or pacing—and create a targeted study plan to address them systematically.

Timing is one of the biggest challenges students face on the SHSAT, since you have limited time to answer 57 verbal questions and 57 math questions. Expert tutors teach strategic approaches like identifying easier questions first, managing time per question type, and knowing when to skip and return to difficult items. Practice tests are essential—they help you build speed and confidence while revealing which sections drain your time, so you can adjust your approach before test day.

The SHSAT verbal section tests reading comprehension and logical reasoning through passages and questions that require careful analysis, while the math section focuses on problem-solving with algebra, geometry, and arithmetic concepts. Many students find reading more challenging because it requires sustained focus and understanding nuanced language, while math rewards systematic problem-solving approaches. Personalized tutoring can address your specific struggles—whether you need help with inference questions, word problems, or building foundational math skills.

Practice tests are absolutely critical to SHSAT success. They help you understand the exact question formats, build stamina for the full exam length, and identify patterns in the types of questions you struggle with. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions also builds confidence and helps you refine your pacing strategy. A tutor can review your practice test results with you, pinpoint weak areas, and guide you toward targeted improvements rather than studying unfocused material.

Test anxiety is common, but it's manageable through preparation, familiarity with the test format, and developing a growth mindset. Regular practice with actual SHSAT questions and timed conditions reduces fear of the unknown, while working with a tutor provides personalized encouragement and helps you see concrete progress over time. Tutors also teach test-day strategies like breathing techniques and positive self-talk, helping you stay calm and focused when it matters most.

Most students benefit from 2-4 months of consistent preparation, with 5-8 hours of study per week, though this varies based on your starting skills and target score. A typical week might include 2-3 tutoring sessions focused on specific skills, daily independent practice with targeted worksheets or question sets, and a full-length practice test every 1-2 weeks to track progress. Your tutor can customize a study schedule that fits your timeline and learning pace, ensuring you're building skills efficiently without burnout.

Look for tutors with proven expertise in the SHSAT specifically—ideally with experience helping students improve their scores and familiarity with the test's unique question formats and challenges. Strong SHSAT tutors understand both the verbal and math content deeply, can diagnose learning gaps quickly, and know effective teaching strategies for test prep. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have demonstrated success preparing students for standardized tests and can provide personalized instruction tailored to your needs.