The most common struggles are pacing (running out of time on reading passages), vocabulary in unfamiliar contexts, and understanding what the test is actually asking in tricky grammar questions. Many students also struggle to identify the main idea of dense passages or spot subtle grammar errors. A tutor can help you develop faster reading strategies, build a test-specific vocabulary toolkit, and learn to recognize question patterns so you're not caught off guard on test day.

Your first session focuses on understanding your current skills and challenges. Expect to take a diagnostic practice test or review recent SAT work so a tutor can see exactly where you're losing points—whether it's reading comprehension, grammar rules, or test-taking speed. From there, you'll build a personalized study plan that targets your specific weak areas rather than wasting time on concepts you already know.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of focused preparation, though this varies based on your starting score and target score. If you're aiming for a significant improvement or starting below your target, 3-4 months of consistent work (ideally 5-7 hours per week) gives you time to learn strategies, practice extensively, and build confidence. A tutor can help you create a realistic timeline based on where you are now and where you want to be.

Practice tests are essential—they're how you identify patterns in your mistakes and get comfortable with the test's pacing and format. Taking full-length practice tests every 2-3 weeks helps you track progress and spot recurring issues (like consistently missing inference questions or running out of time). Between full tests, targeted practice on specific question types helps you build skills efficiently. A tutor can review your practice test results to pinpoint exactly what to focus on next.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unsure of your approach. Working with a tutor builds confidence through mastery—when you understand the question types, have a solid strategy, and've practiced extensively, anxiety naturally decreases. Tutors can also teach you specific techniques like time management strategies, how to skip difficult questions strategically, and how to stay focused when you encounter unfamiliar vocabulary or complex passages.

Both sections are equally weighted and important, but your focus should depend on where you're losing the most points. Some students struggle more with reading speed and comprehension, while others find grammar rules tricky. A diagnostic assessment with a tutor will show you exactly which section is holding back your score, so you can prioritize your study time where it matters most—though you'll develop skills in both areas as you prepare.

Look for tutors with strong SAT scores themselves, proven experience teaching test prep, and familiarity with the current SAT format and question types. Ideally, they should be able to explain not just the right answers, but why other choices are wrong and what the test makers are looking for. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who understand the nuances of SAT Verbal and can teach you the strategies that actually work on test day.