Preparing for both tests gives you flexibility in college applications and helps you capitalize on whichever test brings out your best performance. Many top colleges accept both scores equally, so having options increases your chances of submitting your strongest result. An all-in-one approach also strengthens foundational skills like reading comprehension and math reasoning that apply to both tests. Tutors working with Baltimore students can help you identify which test format suits your learning style while building skills that transfer across both exams.

Score improvements depend on your starting point and effort level, but students typically see 2-4 point gains on the ACT composite or 50-150 point improvements on the SAT with focused, personalized instruction. Students who commit to consistent practice and apply test-taking strategies often see even larger gains. The key is identifying your specific weak areas—whether that's reading pacing, math concepts, or test anxiety—and targeting them directly. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors experienced in helping Baltimore students break through their score plateaus.

Pacing is one of the biggest challenges students face, especially on the ACT where time pressure is intense. Tutors teach you strategic approaches like identifying easier vs. harder questions, knowing when to skip and return, and practicing with real time constraints. They'll analyze your practice tests to pinpoint where you're losing time—whether it's overthinking questions, re-reading unnecessarily, or struggling with specific question types. With Baltimore students, tutors create personalized timing strategies that match your natural pace while building speed through targeted drills.

Practice tests are essential because they simulate real test conditions, reveal your weak areas, and build test-day confidence. Research on learning shows that practice testing—especially under timed conditions—is one of the most effective ways to improve performance. Most students benefit from taking a full practice test every 1-2 weeks during active prep, then analyzing results to focus on specific sections or question types. Tutors working with students in Baltimore use practice test data to guide instruction and track progress toward your score goals.

The reading section challenges students because it requires both speed and comprehension—you need to understand nuanced arguments while managing tight time limits. Effective strategies include active reading techniques, learning to identify question types before diving into passages, and practicing elimination skills to narrow down answer choices. Many students also struggle with specific passage types (historical, scientific, or paired passages), so targeted practice on your weak areas makes a big difference. Tutors can teach you reading strategies proven to work, then help you practice until they become automatic.

Test anxiety is common, and personalized tutoring helps by building genuine confidence through mastery of content and test-taking strategies. When you know you're prepared and have practiced under realistic conditions, anxiety naturally decreases. Tutors also teach breathing and mental techniques to stay calm during the test, and they help you reframe mistakes as learning opportunities rather than failures. For Baltimore students working with tutors, consistent practice, progress tracking, and encouragement create the confidence you need to perform your best on test day.

Getting started is simple—Varsity Tutors matches you with a tutor experienced in ACT and SAT prep who understands your goals and learning style. Your tutor will assess your current level, identify your strongest and weakest areas, and create a personalized study plan that covers both tests. You'll begin with diagnostic practice tests to establish a baseline, then work through targeted lessons, practice problems, and full-length practice tests on your schedule. Connect with Varsity Tutors today to find the right tutor for your test prep journey.