The Reading and Writing section (combined into one score) tests two distinct skills: the reading portion assesses your ability to understand passages and answer comprehension questions under time pressure, while the writing portion focuses on grammar, vocabulary, and rhetorical skills through sentence-level questions. Many students excel at one but struggle with the other—some find reading passages time-consuming while others miss grammar nuances. A tutor can diagnose which area needs work and develop strategies specific to each, like improving reading pace or mastering common grammar patterns.

Timing is one of the biggest challenges students face—you have roughly 2.5 minutes per question, which requires both speed and accuracy. The key is practicing with real SAT tests under timed conditions so you develop a rhythm and learn which question types to tackle first. A tutor can teach you strategic approaches like skimming passages effectively, identifying question types quickly, and knowing when to skip a tough question and come back to it, so you maximize points rather than rushing through everything.

The best way is to take a full-length practice test under timed conditions and review your results by question type—you'll quickly see patterns like "I miss all the inference questions" or "I can't finish the passage section." Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who analyze your practice tests in detail, breaking down not just what you got wrong, but why, so you can target your study time effectively. This diagnostic approach is much more efficient than general test prep, since you're focusing on real gaps rather than reviewing material you've already mastered.

The SAT has moved away from pure vocabulary memorization—instead, it tests your ability to understand words in context and recognize how word choice affects meaning in passages. Rather than flashcard lists, you'll benefit more from learning vocabulary through reading and understanding how words function in sentences. A tutor can teach you context clue strategies and help you build vocabulary naturally through practice passages, which is both more effective and less tedious than traditional vocab lists.

Your tutor will start by understanding your current level, goals, and timeline—whether you're aiming for a specific score or just want to improve overall. You'll likely take a diagnostic test or review your recent practice results to identify patterns in your mistakes, then your tutor will outline a customized study plan that targets your specific weaknesses. This first session sets the foundation for focused, efficient preparation, so you're not guessing about what to work on.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty—not knowing what to expect, feeling unprepared, or panicking when you encounter a tough question. Working with a tutor builds confidence through repeated practice with real SAT questions, familiarity with the test format, and proven strategies that give you something concrete to rely on during the test. Many students find that knowing they've seen similar questions before and have a plan for tackling them significantly reduces anxiety on test day.

Most students benefit from 1-2 sessions per week over 8-12 weeks, though your ideal schedule depends on your starting score, target score, and how much independent practice you can do between sessions. During tutoring sessions, you'll learn strategies and work through problems together; between sessions, you'll practice independently with real SAT tests to reinforce what you learned. Your tutor can adjust the frequency based on your progress, so you're investing time and money efficiently.