Score improvement depends on your starting point and effort, but most students see meaningful gains with focused preparation—typically 2-4 points on the ACT (out of 36) or 100-200 points on the SAT (out of 1600) over 8-12 weeks of consistent study. The national average ACT score is around 21, and SAT is around 1050, so targeted prep can help you stand out for college admissions.

Reading comprehension and timing are common challenges on both tests—the ACT's reading section moves faster, while the SAT's passages are longer and more complex. Math sections trip up students who haven't practiced specific question types or who rush through calculations. Personalized instruction helps identify whether your struggle is conceptual understanding, test format familiarity, or pacing strategy.

Taking 4-6 full-length practice tests under timed conditions is ideal for building stamina and identifying patterns in your mistakes. After each test, review wrong answers to spot whether errors stem from careless mistakes, timing issues, or knowledge gaps. Tutors can help you analyze practice test results and create a targeted study plan based on what you discover.

Anxiety often comes from unfamiliar question formats or feeling unprepared. Repeated exposure to real test conditions through practice tests, learning specific strategies for each section, and understanding your baseline strengths build genuine confidence. Tutors can also teach breathing techniques and mental strategies to stay calm during the actual test.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment—either a practice test or targeted questions—to identify your current strengths and weak areas. You'll discuss your target score, college timeline, and learning style, then work with your tutor to create a personalized study plan that addresses your specific gaps and test-taking habits.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have deep knowledge of both test formats, scoring rubrics, and proven strategies for improvement. Many have personal high scores, teaching experience, and track records helping students in Akron reach their target scores. You can discuss a tutor's background and approach before your first session.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of preparation with 5-7 hours of study per week, including tutoring sessions and independent practice. If you're aiming for a significant score increase or have a shorter timeline, you may need to increase frequency. Your tutor can help you build a realistic schedule that fits your school commitments and college application deadlines.