Score improvement depends on your starting point and how much you practice outside of class. Students typically see 50-150 point improvements with focused prep, though some improve more or less depending on their baseline. The key is consistent practice between sessions—working through practice tests, reviewing mistakes, and targeting your specific weak areas. Your tutor can help you set realistic goals based on your current score and test date.

Pacing is one of the most critical SAT skills, and it's built into every week of prep. You'll learn how to allocate time across different question types, identify which questions to tackle first, and recognize when to skip and come back. Practice tests are essential—you'll take full-length, timed tests regularly to build speed and stamina, then review your pacing decisions with your tutor to find what works best for you.

That's completely normal, and an 8-week class is designed to be flexible. Your tutor will identify which sections and question types give you the most trouble, then spend more time on those areas while maintaining your strengths. For example, if Reading is your weak spot, you might focus on vocabulary in context, inference questions, and passage strategy, while keeping Math practice to maintenance-level work.

Most 8-week programs include 4-6 full-length practice tests, typically taken every 1-2 weeks. These are spaced out to give you time to learn new strategies between tests and measure your progress. Beyond official practice tests, you'll also work through hundreds of individual questions organized by type and difficulty. Your tutor will review each practice test with you to identify patterns in your mistakes and adjust your study plan accordingly.

Familiarity breeds confidence. By taking multiple full-length practice tests under timed conditions, you'll know exactly what to expect on test day—no surprises. Your tutor will also teach you test-taking strategies that give you a sense of control, help you recognize when you're overthinking, and build mental stamina. Understanding the test format deeply and practicing consistently is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety and walk into the testing center feeling prepared.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors in Dallas who specialize in SAT prep. You can match with a tutor who fits your schedule and learning style, whether you prefer to work early mornings, evenings, or weekends. Your tutor will personalize the 8-week curriculum to your strengths and weaknesses, so you're not just following a generic plan—you're getting instruction tailored to your specific goals.

Your first session is all about assessment and planning. You'll likely take a diagnostic test or review a recent SAT score to establish your baseline, then discuss your target score and test date. Your tutor will identify your strongest and weakest sections, talk through any test anxiety or concerns, and outline the 8-week study plan. This foundation ensures that every session after is focused on what matters most for your score.