Score improvement depends on your starting point and how consistently you apply feedback, but students typically see gains of 50-100+ points through focused preparation. With personalized 1-on-1 instruction, a tutor can identify your specific weak areas—whether that's pacing on the reading section, algebra concepts, or test anxiety—and create a targeted study plan. Most improvement happens when students combine tutoring with regular practice tests and consistent studying between sessions.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment to identify your baseline score, specific section strengths, and areas needing work. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who will discuss your goals, timeline, and test-taking habits to understand what's holding you back—whether it's time management, content gaps, or test anxiety. From there, your tutor creates a personalized study plan tailored to your needs and schedule.

Pacing is one of the biggest challenges students face, and it requires both strategy and practice. A tutor can teach you section-specific timing techniques—like how to quickly identify easy vs. hard questions, when to skip and return, and how to avoid getting stuck on one problem. The key is practicing with full-length, timed tests regularly so the pace becomes automatic, rather than something you think about during the real exam.

That depends entirely on your diagnostic results and goals. Some students struggle with reading comprehension and vocabulary in context, while others find algebra and word problems challenging. A tutor can analyze your practice test results to pinpoint which section offers the most room for improvement and where your effort will have the biggest impact. Many students benefit from balanced preparation, but with extra focus on their weaker area.

Most students benefit from taking 3-5 full-length practice tests spaced throughout their prep period, with at least one under strict timed conditions. Practice tests do two things: they help you get comfortable with the format and pacing, and they give your tutor concrete data about your progress and remaining weak spots. Between full tests, targeted practice on specific question types and concepts is more efficient than constant full-length testing.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unfamiliar with the test format, both of which tutoring directly addresses. When you work with a tutor, you build confidence through repeated exposure to question types, develop concrete strategies for managing time and stress, and get comfortable with the testing experience itself. Many students find that knowing exactly what to expect and having a solid study plan significantly reduces anxiety on test day.

Most students benefit from 4-8 weeks of preparation, meeting with a tutor 1-2 times per week depending on their starting level and goals. If you're aiming for National Merit recognition or want significant score improvement, starting earlier with more frequent sessions gives you time to master concepts and practice extensively. Your tutor can recommend a specific timeline based on your diagnostic results and how much you're able to study independently between sessions.