Score improvement depends on your starting point and study consistency, but students typically see gains of 50-150 points with focused preparation and regular practice. The most significant improvements come from identifying weak areas—whether that's reading comprehension strategies, math problem-solving approaches, or test-taking pacing—and targeting those specific skills. Working with a tutor helps you avoid common mistakes and build confidence in question formats you'll encounter on test day.

The SHSAT has two main sections: Verbal Reasoning (reading comprehension and logic) and Math. Many students struggle more with the Verbal section because it requires quick reading, strong inference skills, and understanding nuanced language—not just finding facts in a passage. The Math section challenges students with multi-step problems and time pressure, especially questions requiring spatial reasoning or complex number relationships. A tutor can help you develop section-specific strategies tailored to your strengths and weaknesses.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of consistent preparation, dedicating 5-10 hours per week to studying and practice tests. Your timeline depends on your current skills, target score, and how much time you can commit weekly. Starting with a diagnostic practice test helps identify which areas need the most attention, so you can focus your effort efficiently rather than studying everything equally.

Practice tests serve two critical purposes: they help you understand the test format and question types, and they reveal your specific weak areas so you can target your studying. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions also builds stamina and helps you develop pacing strategies—knowing how to allocate time across sections is just as important as knowing the content. Reviewing your mistakes with a tutor helps you understand why you missed questions and prevents repeating the same errors.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unfamiliar with question formats, so thorough practice and understanding the test structure significantly reduce stress. Working through timed practice tests builds confidence and helps you develop a routine for managing pressure. A tutor can also teach you practical strategies like skipping difficult questions initially and returning to them later, which reduces frustration and keeps your momentum going throughout the test.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in SHSAT preparation and understand the specific challenges students face on this test. You can share your goals, timeline, and any areas where you need extra support, and we'll match you with a tutor whose expertise fits your needs. Your first session is a great opportunity to discuss your current level, identify your biggest challenges, and create a personalized study plan.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment—either a practice test or targeted questions—to understand your current skills and identify which sections or question types need the most work. You'll discuss your timeline, goals, and any specific concerns (like time management or particular question formats). From there, your tutor will create a customized study plan that focuses your preparation on the areas where you'll see the biggest score improvements.