A 4-week program focuses on high-impact strategies: test format and timing, section-specific techniques (reading comprehension, math problem-solving, writing and language), and practice with real SAT questions. Rather than trying to teach all content, the class prioritizes identifying your weak areas in the first week, then spending the remaining three weeks drilling those specific challenges with timed practice tests and targeted feedback.

Pacing is one of the biggest SAT challenges—students often run out of time or rush through questions. Tutors teach you to recognize which questions are worth spending time on versus which to skip strategically, then use timed drills to build speed without sacrificing accuracy. By the end of 4 weeks, you'll have practiced enough full-length sections that managing time becomes automatic.

Absolutely. If you're stronger in one section, you can concentrate your prep time on your weaker area—many students find reading comprehension or specific math topics like algebra or word problems more challenging. Tutors can customize your 4-week plan to prioritize what will move your overall score the most, rather than spending equal time on everything.

Most 4-week programs include at least 2-3 full-length timed practice tests, plus numerous section-specific drills. The first practice test helps identify your baseline and weak areas, while later tests measure progress and build test-day confidence. Between sessions, you'll work through targeted practice sets focused on your specific challenges.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with the format and time pressure. With 4 weeks of consistent practice, the SAT becomes familiar—you'll know exactly what to expect, how to approach each question type, and what your pacing strategy is. This familiarity builds confidence, and many students find that anxiety decreases significantly once they've taken multiple timed practice tests successfully.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors in Philadelphia who specialize in SAT prep. You can specify that you want a 4-week intensive program, and tutors will customize their approach based on your current score, target score, and which sections need the most work. The first session is a great opportunity to discuss your timeline and goals.

Four weeks is a solid timeline for focused prep, especially if you're already familiar with the test format or targeting a modest score increase. If you're starting from scratch or aiming for a 200+ point improvement, you might benefit from longer prep. The best approach is to assess your baseline with a practice test, then work with a tutor to create a realistic plan for your specific goals and timeline.