Score improvement depends on your starting point, effort, and the areas you focus on. Students typically see meaningful gains of 2-4 points on the ACT or 100-200 points on the SAT (out of 1600) with focused, personalized instruction and consistent practice. The most significant improvements often come from identifying and addressing specific weak areas—like reading comprehension strategies or math problem-solving approaches—rather than trying to improve everything at once.

Expert tutors start by diagnosing which specific sections are holding you back—whether it's time management on the reading section, conceptual gaps in algebra, or test-anxiety affecting performance. They then tailor instruction to your needs, using targeted strategies like active reading techniques for comprehension, error-pattern analysis for math, or pacing drills to build confidence. This personalized approach is far more effective than generic test prep, since it focuses your effort where it matters most.

Practice tests serve two critical purposes: they help you understand the test format and build stamina for the full 3-hour exam, and they reveal your specific weak areas so tutoring can be targeted. Most students benefit from taking a full practice test every 2-3 weeks during active preparation, with tutors reviewing results to identify patterns in mistakes. This data-driven approach helps you focus on what actually needs improvement rather than studying blindly.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with the test format or lack of confidence in your abilities. Personalized instruction builds both through repeated exposure to real test questions, timed practice, and proven strategies like deep breathing and positive self-talk. As you see your scores improve through targeted practice, your confidence naturally grows—and that confidence carries into test day.

The best way to find out is to take a full practice test for each under timed conditions and compare your scores. The ACT emphasizes speed and straightforward questions, while the SAT rewards deeper reasoning and includes more complex word problems. Many students naturally perform better on one; tutors can help you analyze your practice test results, identify which test plays to your strengths, and decide whether to focus on one or prepare for both to maximize your college options.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of focused preparation, though this varies based on your starting score and target goals. If you're aiming for a significant improvement or applying to highly competitive schools, starting 3-4 months before your test date allows time for thorough skill-building and multiple practice tests. Tutors can help you create a realistic timeline based on your current level and goals, ensuring you're not cramming or studying longer than necessary.

Your first session focuses on assessment and planning. Tutors will review your practice test results (or administer one if you haven't taken a full test yet), identify your strongest and weakest areas, discuss your target score and college goals, and create a personalized study plan. This foundation ensures that every session after that is focused on your specific needs rather than generic test prep.