Score improvement depends on your starting point and study intensity, but students typically see gains of 2-4 points on the ACT (out of 36) or 100-200 points on the SAT (out of 1600) with focused preparation. The key is identifying your specific weak areas—whether that's reading comprehension, math problem-solving, or test pacing—and targeting those through personalized instruction and consistent practice.

Reading comprehension and math problem-solving tend to challenge most students because they require both content knowledge and strategic thinking under time pressure. The ACT's faster pace can make timing a bigger issue, while the SAT's more complex reading passages often trip up students. Identifying whether you struggle with accuracy, pacing, or question interpretation helps tutors target the right strategies for you.

Most effective study plans include a full practice test every 1-2 weeks, with targeted practice on specific sections in between. This approach helps you track progress, get comfortable with test conditions, and identify patterns in your mistakes. Your study schedule should also include time to review each practice test thoroughly—understanding why you missed questions matters more than the volume of tests you take.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with the format or uncertainty about your preparation. Practicing with real test conditions, mastering time management strategies, and working through challenging problems with personalized guidance all build genuine confidence. Many students also benefit from learning specific anxiety-management techniques like pacing strategies and mental resets during the test itself.

Pacing issues usually come from either spending too long on difficult questions or not allocating enough time to review. Tutors can teach you strategic approaches like identifying which questions to tackle first, knowing when to skip and return, and using your remaining time wisely. Regular timed practice helps you internalize these strategies so they feel natural on test day.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment to understand your current strengths, identify specific weak areas, and determine whether you're better suited for ACT, SAT, or a combined approach. Based on this assessment, your tutor will create a personalized study plan that targets your biggest opportunities for improvement and aligns with your timeline.

With Charleston's average class size of about 14 students per teacher, group settings can make it hard to address your specific test challenges. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction lets you focus on exactly what's holding you back—whether that's reading speed, algebra concepts, or test strategy—without waiting for others to catch up. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who understand both test formats and can adapt their teaching to your learning style.