The biggest obstacles are pacing (finishing all passages in time), distinguishing between similar answer choices, and understanding what the test makers are actually asking. Many students also struggle with dense academic passages on unfamiliar topics and lose focus partway through the section. A tutor can help you develop strategies for each of these challenges rather than just drilling more passages.

Effective pacing comes from strategic reading—skimming for structure, reading questions before passages, and knowing when to skip difficult questions. Most students waste time rereading passages or overthinking answers. A tutor can teach you the timing strategies that work for your reading speed and help you practice them under test conditions until they become automatic.

Quality matters more than quantity—completing 3-5 full, timed practice tests is typically enough if you're reviewing every question thoroughly afterward. What's more important is analyzing your mistakes to identify patterns (Do you miss inference questions? Struggle with vocabulary in context? Rush through detail questions?). A tutor can help you extract maximum learning from each practice test rather than just accumulating test-taking hours.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unsure of your approach. Working with a tutor builds confidence by giving you proven strategies, plenty of practice under realistic conditions, and a clear sense of what to expect. When you've practiced the same question types and timing constraints dozens of times, test day feels familiar rather than frightening.

Look for tutors with strong SAT scores themselves and proven experience helping students improve their Reading sections specifically. They should be able to explain why answer choices are correct or incorrect, teach you efficient reading strategies, and adapt their approach based on your learning style. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors in Sacramento who specialize in SAT prep and can focus on your specific weak areas.

Your first session typically involves a diagnostic assessment—either a practice test or targeted questions—to identify your specific strengths and weaknesses. Your tutor will discuss your target score, timeline, and learning preferences, then create a personalized study plan. This foundation ensures that every future session targets the skills that will have the biggest impact on your score.

Most students benefit from 1-2 sessions per week over 8-12 weeks leading up to test day, though this depends on your starting score and target. Consistent, spaced practice is more effective than cramming, and regular sessions keep you accountable and motivated. Your tutor can recommend the ideal frequency based on your goals and how quickly you're progressing.