Both tests are equally accepted at Michigan colleges—test-optional policies mean most schools don't prefer one format over the other. However, the ACT is historically more popular in the Midwest, and many Grand Rapids high schools offer free ACT testing days. The best choice depends on your strengths: the SAT emphasizes evidence-based reading and data analysis, while the ACT focuses on faster-paced, straightforward questions. Many students benefit from trying a practice test in each format to see which plays to your strengths.

Most students see meaningful improvement of 100-200 points with focused, personalized prep—though the amount depends on your starting score and how much you practice. Students starting around 1000 often have more room to grow than those already at 1300+. Improvement typically requires 3-4 months of consistent work, with tutoring helping you target your specific weak areas (whether that's Reading comprehension, Math problem-solving, or time management) rather than studying everything equally.

Most juniors benefit from starting SAT prep in the fall or early spring, giving you 4-6 months before the spring or summer test date—enough time to build skills without rushing. If you're a senior, starting immediately is important since colleges typically prefer fall test scores. Starting earlier also gives you flexibility to retake the test if needed, which many students do to reach their target score.

The Reading section (65 minutes for 52 questions) is notoriously tight on time. Effective strategies include reading the questions first to know what to look for, using evidence-based elimination to narrow choices, and skipping difficult questions to return to them later. Many students also benefit from practicing with a timer to build speed without sacrificing accuracy—personalized tutoring can help you identify which passages slow you down and develop a pacing strategy that works for your reading style.

SAT Math tests both calculator and no-calculator sections, with data analysis and graph interpretation appearing frequently. The key is practicing multi-step problems and learning to extract information from tables, charts, and real-world scenarios. Many students struggle because they rush or skip the setup—slowing down to understand what the question is asking, then working through it step-by-step, typically improves accuracy. Tutoring can help you recognize common graph types and question patterns so you're not solving each one from scratch.

Most students benefit from taking the SAT 2-3 times, especially if their first attempt doesn't hit their target score. Colleges with test-optional policies typically only see scores you submit, so retaking doesn't hurt you—they won't know unless you tell them. The key is spacing out test dates (at least 2-3 months apart) and using each attempt to identify what needs improvement, rather than just retaking without a plan.

Personalized 1-on-1 instruction focuses on your specific weak areas—whether that's vocabulary in context, multi-step algebra, or pacing strategy—rather than reviewing material you already know. A tutor can also adapt to your learning style, identify why you're missing questions (careless mistakes vs. conceptual gaps), and build a prep timeline that fits your schedule and target score. This targeted approach typically leads to faster, more significant score improvements than one-size-fits-all prep courses.