The biggest hurdles are usually pacing (finishing all passages within the time limit), understanding complex question formats, and making inferences from dense academic passages. Many students also struggle with vocabulary-in-context questions and distinguishing between similar answer choices. A tutor can help you identify which of these challenges affects you most and teach strategies tailored to your reading style.

Your first session focuses on assessment and goal-setting. A tutor will review your current SAT Reading score (or have you take a diagnostic), understand your target score, and identify your specific weak areas—whether it's command of evidence, words in context, or passage comprehension. From there, they'll create a personalized study plan that fits your timeline and learning style.

Practice tests are essential—they help you build stamina, learn the test's patterns, and identify which question types slow you down. Most effective prep includes taking full practice tests under timed conditions, then reviewing every question you missed to understand why. Your tutor will use practice tests strategically to track progress and adjust your study focus as needed.

Pacing comes down to strategy and practice. Some students benefit from reading the questions first, others from skimming passages strategically, and some from tackling easier passages first. A tutor can help you experiment with different approaches on practice passages to find what works for your reading speed and comprehension. Once you find your rhythm, timed practice builds the automaticity you need on test day.

Confidence comes from preparation and familiarity. When you've practiced extensively with real SAT passages, learned proven strategies, and seen yourself improve, test day feels less intimidating. Tutors also teach calming techniques for managing stress during the section and help you develop a positive mindset by focusing on what you can control—your effort, strategy, and practice.

Look for tutors with strong SAT Reading scores themselves, proven experience teaching test prep, and familiarity with the current SAT format and question types. They should be able to explain their teaching approach clearly and show how they personalize instruction based on your specific challenges. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors in Springfield who specialize in SAT prep and understand how to help students improve efficiently.

Most students benefit from 5-8 hours of focused prep per week over 8-12 weeks, though this varies based on your starting score and target. Your tutor will help you create a realistic schedule that fits your life—balancing practice tests, strategy lessons, and review sessions. Consistency matters more than intensity; regular, targeted practice builds the reading skills and test familiarity you need.