Score improvement depends on your starting point and effort, but most students see meaningful gains with focused prep—typically 100-200 points on the SAT (out of 1600) or 2-4 points on the ACT (out of 36) over several months of consistent study. The first few weeks often yield the biggest improvements as you learn test-specific strategies and identify weak areas. Your personalized tutoring plan will be built around your baseline score and target goals.

Personalized 1-on-1 instruction is ideal for this exact situation—your tutor can spend more time on reading comprehension strategies while maintaining your math skills through targeted practice. Reading improvement often takes longer than math because it requires building both speed and deep understanding, but tutors use proven techniques like active annotation, question prediction, and timed drills to accelerate progress. You won't waste time on concepts you've already mastered.

Practice tests are essential—they're how you identify weak areas, get comfortable with timing and format, and build confidence before test day. Research on learning shows that practice testing is one of the most effective study strategies. Your tutor will use full-length practice tests to diagnose specific challenges (like running out of time on reading or making careless math errors), then design targeted lessons to address them rather than generic review.

Much test anxiety comes from unfamiliarity with the format or fear of time pressure. With personalized tutoring, you'll take dozens of practice tests under realistic conditions, which builds familiarity and confidence. Your tutor can also teach specific pacing strategies, breathing techniques, and mental approaches to stay calm during the actual test. Knowing you've practiced extensively and understand the material is one of the best antidotes to anxiety.

Yes, Varsity Tutors connects students in Concord with expert tutors who specialize in ACT and SAT prep. With personalized 1-on-1 instruction tailored to your schedule and learning style, you'll get focused help on exactly what you need—whether that's mastering a specific math concept, improving reading speed, or building test-taking confidence. Your tutor will work with you to create a realistic study plan that fits your timeline and goals.

The best way to find out is to take a practice test for each—they have different formats, timing, and question styles. The SAT allows more time per question and includes a grid-in math section, while the ACT moves faster and includes a science section. Most students perform better on one than the other based on their strengths. Your tutor can help you take diagnostic tests for both, analyze your results, and recommend which test aligns better with your skills and test-taking style.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of consistent prep, with 5-10 hours per week of study time including tutoring sessions and independent practice. Your actual timeline depends on your starting score, target score, and test date. Your tutor will help you create a realistic study schedule that balances test prep with school and other commitments, breaking down preparation into manageable weekly goals so you stay on track without burnout.