Score improvement depends on your starting point and effort, but students typically see gains of 2-4 points on the ACT or 100-200 points on the SAT (out of 1600) with focused preparation. The national average SAT score is around 1050, and the average ACT is about 21—if you're starting below average, improvement potential is often higher. Consistent practice with personalized instruction helps you identify weak areas and build test-specific strategies that drive real gains.

Pacing is one of the biggest challenges students face—the ACT especially demands speed, while the SAT gives you more time to think deeply. An all-in-one class teaches you section-specific timing strategies, like how many minutes to spend per question and when to skip and return to harder questions. Practice tests are essential; they help you internalize timing patterns so you're not rushing or second-guessing yourself on test day.

The best way is to take a full-length practice test under real conditions, then analyze your results by section and question type—not just your overall score. You might discover you're strong in math but struggle with reading comprehension, or that you miss more ACT Science questions than ACT English. Personalized instruction helps you dig into why you're missing questions (careless mistakes vs. concept gaps) so you can target your study time where it matters most.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unfamiliar with the test format—both things an all-in-one class directly addresses. Repeated exposure to the actual test format, timed practice, and proven test-taking strategies build real confidence because you've practiced under realistic conditions. Many students also benefit from learning breathing techniques and mental strategies that help you stay calm and focused when the pressure is on.

Most effective prep involves taking a full-length practice test every 1-2 weeks, starting 8-12 weeks before test day. Each practice test should be done under timed, test-like conditions—same time of day, same environment, no distractions. After each test, spend time reviewing every question you missed or found difficult, not just checking your score. This cycle of practice, review, and targeted study is what actually drives improvement.

An all-in-one class lets you understand both tests' unique formats, strategies, and question styles—then choose the one that plays to your strengths, or take both if you want options. Many Sacramento students benefit from exposure to both because they discover unexpected strengths; for example, you might excel at the ACT's Science section but prefer the SAT's reading approach. Plus, colleges increasingly accept either score, so having flexibility in your test choice reduces stress.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in ACT and SAT prep and understand what Sacramento students need to succeed. Your first step is to share your current score (or take a practice test), your target score, and your test timeline. From there, you'll get matched with a tutor who creates a personalized study plan, focuses on your weak areas, and helps you build the strategies and confidence you need to hit your goal.