Both tests are equally accepted by Ohio universities, but the ACT has historically been more popular in the Midwest—many Ohio high schools offer free ACT testing days. However, students often perform better on one test than the other, so taking a practice version of each can help you decide. If you're aiming for selective schools like Case Western, both tests are valued equally; if you're considering automatic admission thresholds at state schools, check their specific ACT/GPA combinations since some still emphasize ACT. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors experienced in both tests who can help you determine which format plays to your strengths.

Most students see 100-200 point improvements with focused, personalized prep—and students who work consistently often gain even more. The amount depends on your starting score and how much time you invest; students starting around 1000 often improve more dramatically than those already scoring 1400+. Research on 1-on-1 instruction shows it's significantly more effective than self-study because tutors identify your specific weak areas (like time management on the Reading section or multi-step math problems) and target them directly. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who create customized plans based on your baseline score and target goal.

Ideally, start SAT prep during the spring of your junior year if you plan to take it in fall senior year—this gives you 4-6 months of focused preparation. If you're already a senior, starting immediately is still valuable; even 8-12 weeks of consistent tutoring can yield meaningful improvements. Many Akron students balance SAT prep with school coursework, so working with a tutor 1-2 times per week helps you stay on track without overwhelming your schedule. The earlier you start, the more time you have to identify weak areas (like evidence-based reading strategies or data interpretation) and build mastery before test day.

The SAT is scored 400-1600 and has three main sections: Evidence-Based Reading/Writing (100 minutes total for both), Math (80 minutes split into calculator and no-calculator portions), and an optional Essay. The Reading section (65 minutes, 52 questions) focuses on analyzing passages and selecting evidence-based answers—time management here is critical for most students. Writing & Language (35 minutes, 44 questions) tests grammar and expression. Math includes 20 questions without a calculator (25 minutes) and 38 with a calculator (55 minutes), covering algebra, problem-solving, and data analysis. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who break down each section's unique demands and teach strategies tailored to how you work best.

Time management is the #1 challenge on the SAT Reading section—you have 65 minutes for 52 questions, which feels rushed if you're reading every word carefully. Effective strategies include reading the questions first to know what to look for, skimming passages strategically, and using line references to locate answers quickly. Many students also struggle with vocabulary in context and selecting evidence-based answers; these skills improve dramatically with targeted practice and feedback. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who diagnose whether your issue is reading speed, comprehension, or answer selection—then teach you specific techniques to address it, not generic tips.

SAT Math challenges students differently depending on the question type: the no-calculator section (25 minutes, 20 questions) requires strong algebra and problem-solving skills, while the calculator section (55 minutes, 38 questions) emphasizes data analysis, graphs, and multi-step problems. Most students improve by learning to identify question patterns, avoiding careless errors, and understanding why wrong answers are tempting. Practice testing with detailed error analysis is critical—you need to know not just that you got it wrong, but why you chose the wrong answer. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who review your practice tests, pinpoint patterns in your mistakes, and teach you the specific concepts or strategies you need to master.

Most students benefit from taking the SAT twice—once to see where they stand, then again after focused prep to improve their score. If you score below your target (say 1100 when you need 1250), a retake with tutoring support is definitely worth it; if you're already at or above your goal, retaking depends on whether you want to strengthen your application for selective schools. Many colleges allow you to submit your best score, so retaking strategically can help. The key is treating the second attempt as a chance to apply what you've learned, not just to repeat the same study methods. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who review your first test results, identify specific areas to target, and help you prepare more effectively for your next attempt.