Students in St. Louis schools often struggle with reading comprehension timing—finishing all passages and questions within the 65-minute window—and vocabulary in context, where word meanings shift based on passage content. Many also find the grammar section tricky because it tests subtle syntax rules rather than obvious errors. A tutor can help you develop faster reading strategies, build a test-focused vocabulary toolkit, and master the specific grammar patterns the SAT tests.

Your first session typically starts with a diagnostic—either a full practice test or targeted sections—to pinpoint exactly where you're losing points. The tutor reviews your results to identify patterns: Are you missing inference questions? Running out of time? Struggling with specific vocabulary? From there, they create a personalized study plan that focuses on your biggest opportunities for improvement.

Effective strategies include active reading (annotating key ideas and tone shifts), using process of elimination strategically, and managing time by tackling easier passages first. For grammar, learning to spot common error patterns (subject-verb agreement, modifier placement, verb tense) beats memorizing rules. Tutors teach you which strategies match your learning style and help you practice them on real SAT questions until they become automatic.

Most students benefit from taking 4-6 full practice tests spaced throughout their study timeline, with at least 1-2 under timed, test-like conditions. However, quality matters more than quantity—reviewing every mistake carefully teaches you more than rushing through multiple tests. A tutor helps you prioritize which practice tests to take, when to take them, and how to extract maximum learning from each one.

Pacing improves through deliberate practice with timed drills on individual question types, then full passages, then full sections. You'll learn your natural reading speed and which question types take you longer, so you can adjust your strategy—like skimming certain passages or tackling questions in a different order. Tutors often use video reviews of your timed work to show exactly where you're spending extra seconds and help you build faster, more efficient habits.

Look for tutors with strong SAT Verbal scores themselves, proven experience helping students improve their scores, and familiarity with the current SAT format and question types. They should be able to explain *why* answers are correct, not just which one to pick, and adapt their teaching to your learning style. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have deep test prep expertise and a track record of helping students reach their target scores.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty—not knowing if you'll finish in time, or second-guessing your answers. Tutoring builds confidence by helping you master the content, practice under realistic conditions, and develop a consistent approach to each question type. When you know exactly what to expect and have strategies that work, anxiety naturally decreases. Many tutors also teach specific techniques like timed breathing or positive self-talk to manage stress on test day.