Most students see 100-300 point improvements with focused, personalized prep—though the amount depends on your starting score and study timeline. Students starting around 950 often reach 1150-1200, while those at 1200 might push to 1350+. Consistent practice combined with targeted instruction on your specific weak areas (whether that's reading comprehension, grammar, or multi-step math problems) typically yields the strongest gains.

Most juniors benefit from starting prep 3-4 months before their test date, though sophomores taking the PSAT can begin foundational work earlier. If you're targeting a fall senior test date, summer after junior year is ideal for building momentum. Starting earlier gives you flexibility to retake if needed and reduces cramming stress.

The SAT has four main sections: Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (100 minutes total), Math without a calculator (25 minutes, 20 questions), Math with a calculator (55 minutes, 38 questions), and an optional essay. The Reading section is often the most time-pressured—you'll have 65 minutes for 52 questions requiring careful analysis. Personalized tutoring can help you develop pacing strategies specific to each section.

Both tests are widely accepted at Tennessee universities, though the ACT has traditionally been more popular in the region. However, the choice depends on your strengths: the SAT emphasizes reading comprehension and data analysis, while the ACT rewards faster processing and covers science reasoning. Many Memphis students benefit from taking a practice test in each format to see which aligns better with their skills.

The Reading section's main challenge is answering 52 questions in 65 minutes while finding textual evidence for each answer. Strategic approaches include previewing questions before reading, focusing on evidence-based reasoning rather than outside knowledge, and practicing with real SAT passages under timed conditions. Tutors can help you identify whether you're losing points to slow reading, vocabulary gaps, or inference errors—then target that specific weakness.

SAT Math tests problem-solving and data analysis across two sections (one without a calculator, one with). Common trouble spots include multi-step word problems, graph interpretation, and algebra applications. Breaking problems into smaller steps, checking your work, and practicing similar question types repeatedly builds both accuracy and confidence. Personalized instruction can pinpoint whether you're missing concepts or making careless errors under pressure.

Most students benefit from taking the SAT 1-2 times—once to establish a baseline, then again after targeted prep if needed. Colleges use your highest score, so retaking doesn't penalize you. For Memphis students aiming at competitive schools, a second attempt after focused tutoring on weak areas often yields meaningful gains without the stress of multiple retakes.