Pacing is one of the biggest challenges students face on the SHSAT. A tutor can teach you strategic approaches like which sections to tackle first, how to allocate time across questions based on difficulty, and when to skip and return to harder problems. During practice tests, tutors help you identify where you're losing time—whether you're overthinking questions, misreading prompts, or struggling with specific question types. Building this awareness and practicing under timed conditions is essential; most students need 4-8 weeks of focused work to develop confident pacing habits.

Reading and math require different strategies. For reading, many students struggle with inference questions and time management; tutors teach active reading techniques and how to identify key details quickly. For math, the challenge is often understanding question formats and recognizing which concepts are being tested. Tutors can help you build a mental toolkit of problem-solving approaches for each question type, from algebra to geometry to word problems. Most students find their scores improve faster in one section than the other—tutoring lets you focus more intensively on your weaker area while maintaining your strengths.

A solid practice test schedule is crucial. Most students benefit from taking a full practice test every 1-2 weeks, especially once they've built foundational skills. Early on, your tutor may focus on teaching concepts and question-type strategies with shorter drills. As you progress, full-length timed practice tests become more valuable—they help you get comfortable with pacing, build test stamina, and reveal patterns in what you're missing. Between practice tests, your tutor will guide targeted review of weak areas so each test shows measurable progress.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or uncertain about what to expect. Working with a tutor builds genuine confidence because you're actually getting better at the material and becoming familiar with question formats. Tutors teach test-taking strategies that reduce uncertainty, help you recognize patterns in questions you've seen before, and create a structured study plan so you know exactly what you're working toward. As you see improvement through practice tests and targeted review, anxiety naturally decreases. Many students also benefit from discussing their worries—a good tutor can help you separate real skill gaps from just feeling nervous.

Look for tutors with specific SHSAT experience who understand the test's unique format and question types. Since San Francisco has 17 school districts and diverse student backgrounds, it's valuable to work with someone who can adapt their teaching style to your learning needs and pace. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who know the SHSAT inside and out, can diagnose your specific challenges, and create a personalized study plan. A good tutor will use practice tests to track progress, adjust their approach based on what's working, and help you build both skills and confidence before test day.

Most students benefit from 3-6 months of tutoring, meeting 1-2 times per week, depending on their starting level and target score. If you're aiming for a highly selective school, more intensive prep is often worth it. Your tutor will assess where you stand, identify skill gaps, and create a timeline that gets you to your goal without burnout. Some students need focused work in just one or two areas, while others benefit from comprehensive review of all sections. Starting earlier gives you more time for practice and skill-building, which typically leads to bigger score improvements than cramming at the last minute.