The Reading and Writing section (now combined on the digital SAT) tests two distinct skills: Reading comprehension focuses on understanding passages and answering questions about main ideas, details, and inference, while the Writing portion tests grammar, syntax, and word choice in context. Many students find one section easier than the other—some excel at reading comprehension but struggle with grammar rules, while others do the reverse. A tutor can identify which area needs more focus and develop targeted strategies for each.

Pacing is one of the biggest challenges students face—you need to read carefully while staying within time limits. Effective strategies include skimming passages strategically, answering easier questions first, and practicing with timed drills to build speed without sacrificing accuracy. A tutor can help you develop a personalized pacing plan based on your reading speed and the types of questions that trip you up, so you're not rushing through material or running out of time.

Most students benefit from taking 4-6 full-length practice tests under timed conditions in the weeks leading up to test day, with at least one or two taken in the exact format and timing of the real SAT. Beyond full tests, targeted practice on specific question types and passages is equally important—it's about quality over quantity. Your tutor can recommend a practice schedule that fits your timeline and help you review each test to identify patterns in your mistakes rather than just retaking tests blindly.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or uncertain about question formats—tutoring builds confidence through familiarity and mastery. When you've practiced extensively, understood the patterns behind questions, and developed reliable strategies, you walk into test day feeling ready rather than panicked. A tutor also helps you develop mental approaches to manage stress in the moment, like staying focused on one question at a time and using breathing techniques when you feel overwhelmed.

The best way to identify weaknesses is to take a full practice test, review every question you missed, and categorize the errors—did you misunderstand the passage, miss a grammar rule, misread the question, or run out of time? A tutor can do this analysis with you and spot patterns you might miss on your own, like consistently struggling with inference questions or specific grammar concepts. Once you know exactly what's holding you back, you can focus your study time on those areas instead of wasting energy on skills you've already mastered.

The digital SAT tests vocabulary in context rather than through standalone definitions, so memorizing random word lists is less effective than it used to be. Instead, focus on understanding how words function in passages and learning vocabulary through reading challenging material. A tutor can teach you strategies for decoding unfamiliar words from context clues and help you build vocabulary through passages and questions rather than flashcards alone.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in SAT Verbal and understand the specific challenges students face with reading comprehension, grammar, and pacing. When you get matched with a tutor, you can discuss your target score, timeline, and learning style so they can tailor their approach to your needs. Look for someone with a strong track record of SAT prep and who can explain concepts clearly—a good tutor makes the difference between grinding through practice problems and actually understanding why you're getting questions wrong.