Many students struggle with time management on the Reading and Writing section, which requires both speed and accuracy—leaving questions blank hurts your score just as much as getting them wrong. A tutor can teach you strategic skimming techniques, help you identify which question types to prioritize, and use timed practice drills to build your pace naturally without sacrificing comprehension. For math, pacing issues often stem from spending too long on hard problems; tutors help you recognize when to skip and come back later, which is a game-changer for managing the 80-minute window.

Absolutely. Many students for whom Los Angeles schools prepare come with stronger skills in one section and need targeted help in another. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can customize your summer plan—whether that's deep-diving into algebra and geometry concepts, strengthening reading comprehension strategies, or mastering the grammar rules tested in Writing and Language. This focused approach lets you maximize your time and resources where they'll have the most impact on your score.

Most students benefit from taking 4-6 full practice tests spaced throughout their summer preparation—roughly one every 1-2 weeks. The first test establishes your baseline and identifies weak areas; middle tests let you track improvement and adjust your strategy; the final test (ideally 2-3 weeks before the real exam) builds test-day confidence. Your tutor will use results from each practice test to guide what you focus on next, so every test serves a learning purpose rather than just a check-in. This approach, called retrieval practice, is proven to strengthen retention and performance.

Test anxiety often comes from uncertainty—not knowing what to expect or doubting your ability to handle tough questions. Tutors help by familiarizing you with every question format and timing challenge through repeated, low-pressure practice, so test day feels familiar rather than scary. They also teach concrete techniques like strategic breathing, positive self-talk frameworks, and how to mentally reset when you hit a hard question. Many students find that knowing they've practiced extensively gives them the confidence boost they need, and summer is the perfect time to build that confidence before the pressure of fall applications hits.

Yes. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who understand the landscape of LA schools—including the competitive college admissions environment across the district's 169 school districts and the variation in school resources. They're familiar with how different schools approach test prep and can tailor their instruction to complement what you're learning in class or fill gaps if your school has limited test prep resources. This local knowledge, combined with personalized 1-on-1 instruction, means your tutor can help you compete effectively for college admissions.

Ideally, start in early June if your test is in August or September, giving yourself 8-10 weeks to identify weak areas, build skills, and consolidate knowledge through practice. However, even starting in July or mid-summer with an intensive schedule can yield significant improvement. The earlier you start, the more time you have to take multiple practice tests and adjust your approach based on results. If you're testing in fall, summer is your best window for focused preparation before school demands pick up again.