Score improvements depend on your starting point and effort level, but students typically see gains of 100-200 points on the SAT (out of 1600) or 2-4 points on the ACT (out of 36) with focused preparation. The national average SAT score is around 1050, and the ACT average is about 21—if you're starting below these benchmarks, there's often more room for improvement. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can assess your baseline and create a realistic timeline based on your specific weak areas.

The ACT moves faster overall—you have less time per question—while the SAT allows more thinking time but requires deeper analysis. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction helps you develop section-specific pacing strategies: learning to skim efficiently on the ACT reading section versus carefully annotating on the SAT. Your tutor can use practice tests to identify where you lose time and teach you techniques like strategic guessing and question prioritization for each test format.

Most students benefit from taking a full practice test every 1-2 weeks during active preparation, with lighter practice in the weeks before test day. Early on, practice tests help identify your weak areas; later, they build stamina and test-taking confidence. Tutors typically recommend reviewing each practice test thoroughly—understanding why you missed questions matters more than the score itself. This spaced practice approach strengthens long-term retention and helps you recognize question patterns across both tests.

Reading is often the most challenging section for students on both the ACT and SAT, though the skills needed differ slightly. The SAT reading requires careful textual analysis and vocabulary in context, while the ACT reading rewards speed and pattern recognition. Personalized tutoring targets your specific reading challenges—whether it's vocabulary, inference questions, or time management—and teaches strategies tailored to each test's format. Many students see the biggest score gains by focusing intensive practice on their weakest areas.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unfamiliar with the test format, both of which personalized instruction directly addresses. Your tutor helps build confidence through repeated exposure to real test conditions, teaching breathing techniques and mental strategies for staying calm under pressure. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions desensitizes you to the testing environment, so test day feels like just another practice session rather than a high-stakes event.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have deep knowledge of both the ACT and SAT formats and proven success helping students improve their scores. When you get matched, your tutor learns about your goals, starting scores, and learning style to create a personalized study plan. You'll work together to identify which test aligns better with your strengths and develop targeted strategies for your weak areas.

Your first session focuses on assessment and planning rather than diving straight into content. Your tutor will review your practice test scores (or administer one if you haven't taken any), discuss your target schools and score goals, and identify which sections need the most work. Together, you'll outline a realistic study schedule and determine whether you should focus primarily on one test or genuinely prepare for both. This foundation ensures every future session builds toward your specific goals.