Mizzou's middle 50% SAT range is 1130-1330, though competitive programs may have higher expectations. A score of 1200+ puts you in a strong position for admission, while 1350+ makes you highly competitive. Keep in mind that Mizzou also accepts ACT scores and uses automatic admission thresholds based on GPA and test scores combined.

The ACT has historically been more popular in the Midwest, and many Missouri colleges built their admissions around ACT scoring—but all major universities now accept both tests equally. The best approach is to take practice tests in both formats to see which plays to your strengths; some students naturally perform better on SAT's evidence-based reading style, while others prefer ACT's more straightforward approach. Many St. Louis students take both to maximize their options.

Most students see 100-200 point improvements with focused, personalized prep—and some see even more depending on starting score and effort level. The key is identifying your specific weak areas (whether that's time management on Reading, grammar patterns in Writing, or multi-step problem-solving in Math) and targeting those directly. With consistent practice and expert guidance, 3-6 months of prep typically yields meaningful gains.

Most juniors benefit from starting prep in the spring or early summer before senior year, giving you time to take the test in fall and retake if needed before college application deadlines. If you're already a senior, starting immediately still allows 2-3 months of focused prep before October/November test dates. The earlier you start, the more flexibility you have with timing and the ability to improve between attempts.

The Reading section (65 minutes for 52 questions) is where time pressure hits hardest. Effective strategies include previewing questions before reading passages, focusing on evidence-based clues rather than outside knowledge, and practicing active reading to avoid re-reading. Many students improve dramatically by working with tutors who can identify whether you're spending too long on vocabulary-in-context questions or struggling with complex multi-step reasoning passages.

SAT Math rewards precision and strategic problem-solving across algebra, advanced math, and data analysis. Many students struggle with graph interpretation and multi-step problems that require careful setup before calculation. Personalized tutoring helps you identify whether you're making careless errors, missing problem setup steps, or lacking specific content knowledge—then targets those exact gaps with practice and strategy.

Most students benefit from taking the SAT 2-3 times to find their best score; colleges only see the scores you choose to report. Taking it once in fall of senior year, then again in November or December if needed, gives you a realistic timeline without rushing. Many competitive St. Louis students take it twice—once to establish a baseline and again after targeted prep to improve specific sections.