For a 4-week program, most students benefit from 5-10 hours of focused study per week, combined with regular tutoring sessions. This typically includes timed practice tests (3 hours), targeted skill-building on weak sections (2-4 hours), and review of mistakes (1-2 hours). Your tutor can help you create a personalized schedule that fits your school commitments and maximizes your preparation time.

Reading and Writing and Math are equally challenging for different students—some struggle with reading comprehension and grammar nuances, while others find algebra and advanced math concepts difficult. The SAT also tests time management heavily; many students can solve problems correctly but run out of time. A personalized tutor can diagnose which sections and question types trip you up specifically, then focus your prep time where it matters most.

Taking 3-4 full-length, timed practice tests during a 4-week program gives you realistic score estimates and helps you identify patterns in your mistakes. Space them out (roughly one per week) so you have time to review errors and apply corrections before the next test. Between full tests, focus on targeted practice with specific question types and sections where you're weaker.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unfamiliar with the test format—both things a 4-week prep program directly addresses. Practicing under timed conditions, learning pacing strategies, and building confidence through repeated exposure to real SAT questions all reduce anxiety significantly. Your tutor can also teach breathing techniques and mental strategies to stay calm during the actual test.

The Reading and Writing section requires balancing speed with accuracy. Effective strategies include previewing questions before reading passages, skimming for key ideas rather than reading every word, and practicing with the specific grammar and vocabulary patterns the SAT tests. A tutor can help you find the reading approach that works best for your style and teach you to spot common grammar traps quickly.

With only 4 weeks, it's smart to focus your math prep on the topics that appear most frequently on the SAT and align with your weaknesses. Algebra and functions dominate the SAT Math section, so those are often priority areas. A tutor can quickly assess which concepts you need to strengthen, provide targeted instruction, and give you practice problems that mirror real SAT questions in those areas.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors in Des Moines who specialize in SAT preparation and understand the test format, timing, and strategies that work. When you connect with a tutor, you can discuss your current score, target score, and specific challenges so they can tailor a 4-week plan to your needs. Most tutors offer a first session to ensure the fit is right before you commit to the full program.