Score improvements depend on your starting point and how consistently you engage with the program. Students typically see 100-200 point increases when they start with a baseline score and commit to regular tutoring sessions combined with guided practice. The key is identifying your specific challenge areas early—whether that's managing time on the reading section or mastering particular math concepts—and working with a tutor to develop targeted strategies. Starting in the summer gives you several months to build confidence and test-taking skills before your fall test date.

Your first session focuses on assessment and goal-setting. Varsity Tutors connects you with a tutor who will review your diagnostic test results (or administer one if needed), understand your target score, and identify which sections need the most attention. Together, you'll create a personalized study plan that outlines which skills to prioritize, how often you'll meet, and what practice materials you'll use between sessions. This foundation ensures every tutoring hour is spent on what actually moves your score.

Reading section challenges often stem from two separate issues: understanding the passages and managing time. A tutor can teach you active reading strategies that help you identify key information without getting bogged down in details, plus timing techniques specific to SAT question formats. They'll also have you practice with real SAT passages under timed conditions, gradually building your speed while maintaining accuracy. Many students find that learning to skim for structure and using annotation strategies dramatically improves both their pace and their ability to answer questions correctly.

Careless errors on the SAT math section are incredibly common and very fixable with targeted strategies. A tutor can help you develop a systematic approach to checking your work, identify patterns in where you typically slip up, and teach you techniques for working through problems more deliberately without sacrificing speed. They'll also help you understand which questions are designed to trap students with common mistakes, so you can recognize and avoid those pitfalls. Practice tests become a tool for analyzing your error patterns, not just measuring your score.

Test anxiety often improves dramatically when you feel prepared and have practiced under realistic conditions. Throughout the summer, your tutor will have you take multiple full-length practice tests in timed settings, which builds familiarity with the test format and reduces the "unknown" factor that fuels anxiety. You'll also develop specific strategies for managing stress during the actual test—like pacing techniques, breathing exercises, and mental frameworks for approaching difficult questions. By test day, you'll have taken the SAT dozens of times in practice, making the real thing feel routine.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who understand that summer schedules vary—you might have family plans, summer jobs, or other commitments. Sessions can be scheduled around your availability, whether that means meeting multiple times per week or spacing them out based on your needs. The key is maintaining consistency throughout the summer so you can build momentum toward your test date. Your tutor will work with you to create a realistic schedule that keeps you on track without overwhelming your summer.

Varsity Tutors matches you with expert tutors who have deep knowledge of the SAT and experience helping students improve their scores. The matching process considers your specific needs—whether you need comprehensive prep or targeted help with particular sections—as well as your schedule and learning style. Once connected, you can start with a consultation to make sure the fit is right before committing to ongoing sessions. This personalized approach ensures you're working with someone who understands your goals and can help you achieve them.