Pacing is one of the most common challenges students face on test day. The SAT gives you about 1-2 minutes per question depending on the section, which means you need a strategy to avoid getting stuck on difficult problems. Many students benefit from:

• Starting with easier questions to build confidence and secure quick points
• Flagging harder questions and returning to them only after completing easier ones
• Practicing time management extensively on full-length practice tests before exam day
• Learning to estimate how long each question type typically takes you

The reading section challenges many students because it requires both speed and comprehension—you need to understand complex passages quickly and answer inference questions that test deeper understanding, not just literal recall. Math improvements often come faster because they're more straightforward to diagnose (specific skill gaps) and drill systematically.

However, everyone's weak point is different. Some students struggle with test anxiety that affects accuracy, while others simply need better strategies for analyzing question types. A good 4-week prep approach includes taking a diagnostic practice test early to pinpoint your specific weaknesses, then dedicating most of your study time to those areas rather than spreading effort equally across all sections.

A solid 4-week program typically includes 3-4 full-length practice tests, spaced strategically throughout your preparation. You might take a diagnostic test in week one to establish your baseline, another mid-way through to track progress and adjust your study plan, and a final one in week four to simulate test-day conditions and build confidence.

Between full tests, you'll focus on targeted drills for specific skills and question types. The practice tests serve two purposes: they help you identify weak areas and measure improvement, but equally important, they build your stamina and familiarity with the test format. On test day, the SAT won't feel like a surprise if you've already taken it several times under timed conditions.

Test anxiety often comes from feeling unprepared or unsure about what to expect. A focused 4-week program builds confidence through repetition and mastery. When you practice the same question types dozens of times, you develop pattern recognition and trust your skills—anxiety naturally decreases because you know what's coming.

Beyond skill building, tutors can teach you specific strategies for managing nerves on test day: breathing techniques, how to pace yourself to avoid panic, and mental approaches to difficult questions (like skipping and coming back rather than spiraling). Knowing you have a solid study plan and understand the test format inside and out is one of the most effective anxiety antidotes available.

Not necessarily. Your 4-week schedule should reflect your personal strengths and weaknesses, not a generic split. If math is your strong area, spending 60% of your time on reading and writing might make more sense. If math anxiety is your main challenge, dedicating more time there could yield bigger score gains.

Start with a diagnostic practice test in week one to see where you stand on the SAT's 400-1600 scale and which sections are dragging down your score. Then allocate your study time accordingly—this focused approach is much more efficient than trying to improve everything equally. Tutors who specialize in SAT prep can analyze your diagnostic results and help you build a personalized study plan that maximizes your score gains in just 4 weeks.

Varsity Tutors connects students in Brooklyn with expert tutors who specialize in SAT prep and can work with your 4-week timeline. Look for tutors who have experience with intensive, goal-focused programs and can diagnose your specific weak areas quickly, then structure their lessons to maximize improvement in that shortened timeframe.

When you connect with a tutor, be clear about your target score and any sections where you're struggling most. The best prep happens when your tutor understands your goals, learning style, and availability so they can personalize instruction and keep you accountable to your study plan over these four critical weeks.