Score improvement depends on your starting point, current strengths, and how consistently you engage with the material. Students who work with tutors typically see meaningful gains—often 100-200 points—when they identify their specific weak areas and practice strategically. The key is understanding where you're losing points (reading comprehension, math concepts, pacing) and addressing those gaps systematically through targeted practice and feedback.

Your first session typically starts with a diagnostic assessment—either a full practice test or focused sections—to identify your strengths and pinpoint areas for improvement. Varsity Tutors connects you with a tutor who will review your results, discuss your goals, and create a personalized study plan tailored to your timeline and test date. This foundation ensures every session that follows targets exactly what you need to improve.

Many students struggle with pacing on the Reading and Writing section—managing time while carefully analyzing passages—and with conceptual gaps in math, particularly in algebra and advanced problem-solving. Others find the SAT's question formats unfamiliar compared to classroom tests, or struggle with test anxiety that affects their performance. A tutor can help you practice under timed conditions, build familiarity with question types, and develop strategies that play to your strengths.

Most students benefit from taking a full practice test every 1-2 weeks, with focused section practice in between. This schedule gives you regular feedback on progress while allowing time to work on specific skills without burnout. Your tutor can recommend the right frequency based on your starting score, test date, and how quickly you're improving—some students need more frequent testing early on, while others benefit from longer intervals once they've mastered core concepts.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with the test format or uncertainty about your skills. Working with a tutor builds confidence through repeated exposure to real SAT questions, timed practice, and proven strategies for managing stress during the test. Your tutor can also help you develop a pre-test routine and teach techniques like strategic pacing and question prioritization, which give you a sense of control on test day.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have deep knowledge of the SAT, including its content, question patterns, and test-taking strategies. Many have personal high scores, teaching experience, or specialized test prep backgrounds. When you connect with a tutor, you'll know their qualifications and can discuss their experience helping students in areas where you need the most support.

Ideally, start in early June if you're testing in August or September, giving yourself 8-12 weeks of focused preparation. If your test date is later in the fall, starting in mid-June or July still provides solid prep time. The sooner you begin, the more time you have to identify weak areas, practice strategically, and build the confidence that comes from consistent improvement.