Score improvement depends on your starting point and effort level, but most students see meaningful gains—typically 100-200 points—with focused, consistent prep over 8 weeks. Students who start with a foundation score and commit to regular practice and strategy refinement often see the most dramatic improvements. The key is identifying your specific weak areas early and targeting them systematically rather than trying to improve everything at once.

Reading and Writing often challenges students who aren't used to the SAT's specific question formats and pacing demands, while Math trips up students who struggle with time management or haven't practiced the calculator and no-calculator sections separately. The good news is that both sections respond well to targeted practice and strategy instruction—once you understand what each question type is really asking, performance typically improves quickly. An 8-week program gives you time to work through each section methodically and build the skills that matter most for your profile.

Most 8-week programs include at least 4-6 full-length practice tests, spaced throughout the program so you can track progress and adjust your strategy as you improve. Early practice tests help identify weak areas, while later ones simulate real test conditions and build stamina for the 3-hour exam. Between full tests, you'll work through targeted practice on specific question types and sections, so you're not just taking tests—you're actively learning from each one.

Timing problems usually stem from either moving too slowly through easier questions or getting stuck on harder ones. An 8-week program teaches you strategic pacing—how to allocate time by section, when to skip and return to questions, and how to maximize your score within the time limits. You'll practice these strategies repeatedly so they become automatic, and you'll learn which sections need the most time based on your personal strengths and weaknesses.

Confidence is built through familiarity and preparation, and an 8-week program reduces anxiety by demystifying the test format, teaching proven strategies, and giving you multiple opportunities to practice under timed conditions. When you've seen every question type multiple times and know exactly how to approach them, test day feels much less overwhelming. Many students also find that tracking their score improvements throughout the program reinforces that they're making real progress, which naturally builds confidence going into the actual exam.

Look for tutors with strong SAT scores themselves, proven experience teaching test prep (not just general math or reading), and familiarity with the current SAT format and question types. Ideally, they should be able to explain not just the right answer, but why the wrong answers are traps—that's what separates good test prep instruction from generic tutoring. Tutors who regularly take practice tests themselves and stay current with SAT changes are best equipped to help you succeed.

Most 8-week programs expect 5-10 hours per week of study, including instruction time, practice problems, and full-length tests. This breaks down to roughly 1-2 hours of focused prep most days, which is manageable alongside school and other commitments. The more consistent you are—spreading practice throughout the week rather than cramming—the better your results, since spaced practice helps information stick and builds the test-taking stamina you'll need on exam day.