Your first session focuses on understanding your current strengths and weaknesses. Your tutor will likely review your practice test results, discuss which sections challenge you most, and learn about your target schools and timeline. This diagnostic approach helps create a customized study plan rather than generic test prep, so every session moves you toward your specific goals.

Timing is one of the biggest challenges SSAT takers face—you have limited minutes per section to answer all questions. A tutor can teach you strategic approaches like identifying easier questions first, knowing when to skip difficult problems, and practicing with timed drills to build speed without sacrificing accuracy. Most students improve significantly once they stop trying to answer every question slowly and instead focus on maximizing correct answers within the time limit.

The best approach is to assess which section is pulling down your overall score, then allocate more tutoring time there while maintaining your strengths. Many students struggle with SSAT reading comprehension because it requires both speed and deep understanding, while others find the math section's geometry and word problems tricky. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can diagnose your specific weak areas and create a balanced study plan that prioritizes impact.

Most students benefit from taking 4-6 full-length practice tests under timed conditions, spaced throughout their prep timeline. The first practice test establishes your baseline, while later tests help you track progress and build test-day stamina. Between full tests, your tutor can have you practice individual sections and question types so you're building skills consistently rather than just taking tests.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty—not knowing what to expect or feeling unprepared. Working with a tutor builds confidence through familiarity with question formats, strategic techniques, and repeated practice in low-pressure settings. Your tutor can also teach you specific mindset strategies and help you recognize that the SSAT is a learnable test, not something dependent on innate ability.

Most students benefit from 2-4 months of consistent preparation, meeting with a tutor 1-2 times per week depending on their starting score and target timeline. If you're aiming for a competitive independent school, starting earlier gives you time to address foundational gaps and build test-taking stamina. Your tutor can recommend a specific schedule based on your current level and goals.

Look for tutors with deep knowledge of the SSAT's unique format and scoring, experience helping students improve their specific weak areas, and familiarity with independent schools in the El Paso area. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who understand not just the test content but also effective test-taking strategies and how to build student confidence. Your tutor should be able to explain their approach and adapt it based on how you learn best.