Score improvements depend on your starting point and study intensity, but students typically see 2-4 point gains on the ACT or 50-150 point gains on the SAT with focused preparation over 8-12 weeks. The most significant improvements come from identifying weak areas (like pacing on reading sections or algebra gaps) and addressing them systematically through practice and targeted instruction. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction helps you pinpoint exactly where you're losing points and build strategies to recover them.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with the format or fear of running out of time—both manageable with the right preparation. Tutors can teach you pacing strategies, breathing techniques, and mental frameworks to stay calm under pressure, plus expose you to full-length practice tests so the real exam feels familiar rather than intimidating. Many students find that confidence built through practice and understanding question patterns naturally reduces anxiety on test day.

Reading strategy differs slightly between tests: the ACT rewards speed (you need to finish all passages), while the SAT allows deeper analysis of fewer passages. Common challenges include getting lost in dense passages, misreading questions, and poor time management. Tutors can teach you active reading techniques, question-type recognition, and pacing adjustments specific to your test, then refine these strategies through targeted practice passages until they become automatic.

The best way to find gaps is through diagnostic practice tests—they reveal which topics (algebra, geometry, data analysis) consistently trip you up. Once identified, targeted review of those specific concepts, followed by practice problems in the test's actual format, closes the gaps quickly. Tutors help you distinguish between careless errors and conceptual misunderstandings, then build the right study plan to address each type of mistake.

Most students benefit from taking a full-length practice test every 2-3 weeks during their prep period, with lighter practice in between on specific sections or question types. This schedule lets you track progress, stay motivated, and identify emerging patterns without burnout. Tutors can help you interpret practice test results to focus your study time where it matters most, ensuring each test serves as a learning tool rather than just a stress point.

Columbus students benefit from personalized instruction that accounts for your specific strengths, test preference, and timeline—something group classes and generic prep books can't provide. With Columbus schools serving over 45,000 students across 89 districts, many students face different preparation needs and pacing. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors experienced in both tests who adapt to your learning style and create a study plan that fits your schedule and goals.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment to understand your current strengths, identify weak areas, and learn about your test goals and timeline. The tutor will explain their approach, answer your questions about the tests, and establish a personalized study plan tailored to your needs. This foundation ensures that every session afterward builds directly toward your target score.