Question 1

What's the advantage of combining ACT and SAT prep in one class?

Accepted Answer

Both tests measure similar skills but have different formats, pacing, and question styles. Combined prep helps you understand your strengths across both exams and choose the test that plays to your abilities. Many students find they perform better on one test than the other—taking a combined approach lets you discover which one gives you the highest score before committing to test day.

Question 2

What kind of score improvements can I realistically expect?

Accepted Answer

Score gains depend on your starting point and how consistently you engage with practice. Students typically see meaningful improvements (50-200 points on the SAT or 2-5 points on the ACT) over 8-12 weeks of focused prep, especially when working with personalized instruction to target weak areas. The key is identifying exactly which sections need work and practicing strategically—random studying rarely moves the needle.

Question 3

How do tutors help with timing and pacing issues?

Accepted Answer

Timing is one of the biggest challenges students face on standardized tests. Tutors teach you strategic approaches for each section—like which questions to tackle first, when to skip and return, and how to manage your pace without sacrificing accuracy. Through timed practice tests and targeted drills, you'll build the muscle memory to work efficiently under pressure.

Question 4

Can tutors focus on my weakest section?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Whether you struggle with reading comprehension, math concepts, grammar, or science reasoning, personalized 1-on-1 instruction lets tutors zero in on exactly what's holding you back. They'll diagnose whether it's a knowledge gap, a strategy issue, or a timing problem—then build a focused plan to address it.

Question 5

How important are practice tests, and how often should I take them?

Accepted Answer

Practice tests are essential—they're the closest thing to real test conditions and reveal exactly where you're losing points. Most students benefit from taking a full practice test every 1-2 weeks during prep, then reviewing it thoroughly with a tutor to understand mistakes. This cycle of practice, review, and targeted skill-building is what drives real score improvement.

Question 6

How can tutoring help with test anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or uncertain about question formats. Personalized tutoring builds confidence through mastery—as you practice strategies, see score improvements, and understand the test inside and out, anxiety naturally decreases. Tutors also teach you practical techniques like pacing strategies and mental approaches that help you stay calm and focused on test day.

Question 7

What happens in my first session?

Accepted Answer

Your first session is about assessment and planning. A tutor will likely have you take a diagnostic test or review your recent scores to identify your strengths and biggest opportunities for improvement. From there, they'll create a personalized study plan tailored to your goals, timeline, and learning style—so every session after that is focused and efficient.

Question 8

Are there tutors in Austin who understand local school curricula?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Varsity Tutors connects Austin students with tutors who understand the local education landscape across our 24 school districts. Whether you attend a public, charter, or private school in the Austin area, tutors can align their prep approach with what you're learning in class and help you balance ACT/SAT prep with your current coursework.

Award-Winning ACT and SAT All-In-One Classes Tutors
serving Austin, TX

Who needs tutoring?

FEATURED BY

TUTORS FROM