Score improvement depends on your starting point and how much you're willing to practice. Students typically see improvements of 2-4 points on the ACT or 50-150 points on the SAT with focused preparation over 8-12 weeks. Some students improve more, especially if they identify specific weak areas and work systematically to address them.

The key is consistent practice with strategic feedback. Rather than just taking more tests, effective preparation means understanding why you missed questions, learning the underlying concepts, and practicing similar question types. Tutors can help you identify your exact weak spots—whether that's SAT reading comprehension or ACT Science pacing—and create a targeted study plan to address them.

Chicago students juggle demanding coursework across the city's 12 school districts, so test prep needs to fit realistically into your schedule. Most students benefit from dedicating 5-8 hours per week to focused preparation over 2-3 months, rather than cramming close to test day. Breaking this into smaller sessions—30-45 minutes several times a week—often works better than long weekend study marathons.

Personalized 1-on-1 instruction lets you work around your schedule and focus only on what you need. Instead of spending weeks reviewing topics you already know, a tutor can pinpoint your weak areas and help you use your limited study time efficiently. Many Chicago students find that regular tutoring sessions keep them accountable and prevent test prep from becoming overwhelming alongside their regular classes.

Absolutely. Reading comprehension is one of the most common challenge areas for both the ACT and SAT, and it responds really well to targeted instruction. The issue is usually not about reading speed, but about understanding question types, recognizing what the test makers are actually asking for, and developing strategies to find answers efficiently in dense passages.

Expert tutors can work specifically on your reading weaknesses—whether that's managing time, understanding inference questions, or tackling paired passages on the SAT. They'll also help you understand why you're missing questions (rushed reading, misinterpreting the question, or second-guessing correct answers) and teach you strategies to address the root cause. This focused approach lets you keep your Math skills sharp while improving where you need it most.

Taking 4-6 full-length practice tests spread throughout your preparation is ideal—enough to get comfortable with the format and pacing without burning out. More important than the quantity is how you use them. Each practice test should be followed by a detailed review where you understand every single question you missed, not just the answers.

Many students make the mistake of taking a practice test, checking their score, and moving on. Instead, effective preparation means analyzing patterns: Did you rush through Math and make careless errors? Did you run out of time on Reading? Did you misunderstand a certain question type? Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can help you interpret your practice test results and adjust your study strategy accordingly, turning each test into a learning tool rather than just a score tracker.

Test anxiety is common, especially for high-stakes exams like the ACT and SAT, but it's manageable with the right strategies. Anxiety often peaks when you feel unprepared, so solid practice and understanding the test format help tremendously. Knowing exactly what to expect—the timing for each section, the types of questions, even where the bathroom is—reduces the unknown factors that fuel anxiety.

Beyond preparation, practical techniques matter too: deep breathing before tough sections, skipping difficult questions and returning to them later, and staying in a positive self-talk mindset. Tutors can help you build confidence through practice and teach you specific strategies for staying calm under pressure. Many students also find that working with someone one-on-one reduces anxiety because they feel more prepared and supported going into test day.

Preparing for both tests together lets you understand the core skills they share—critical reading, mathematical reasoning, and time management—while also learning the specific differences between them. Rather than studying each test in isolation, you see how the same concepts appear in different formats, which deepens your understanding and makes you more adaptable as a test-taker.

This combined approach works best when guided by an expert tutor who understands both tests deeply. They can show you which test format aligns better with your strengths, help you avoid wasting time on unnecessary prep, and ensure you're learning transferable strategies that improve your performance on whichever exam you ultimately take. For Chicago students deciding between the ACT and SAT, this approach gives you the insight to make an informed choice while building stronger foundational skills.