The ACT has historically been more popular in Wisconsin and the Midwest, and many state schools built their admission standards around ACT scores. However, most colleges now accept both tests equally, so choose based on which format plays to your strengths. Many Madison students take both tests to see which one yields a better score—the SAT's evidence-based reading approach differs significantly from the ACT's faster-paced format.

Most students see improvements of 100-200 points with focused, personalized prep—especially when addressing specific weak areas like reading comprehension timing or multi-step math problems. The amount of improvement depends on your starting score, how much time you dedicate to practice, and which sections need the most work. Students who start prep early and work consistently tend to see the largest gains.

Most juniors benefit from starting SAT prep in the fall or early spring to take the test by spring of junior year, leaving time for a retake if needed. If you're already a senior, starting prep immediately gives you 2-3 months to improve before fall test dates. Starting earlier gives you more flexibility with test dates and reduces stress, especially if you're balancing multiple AP classes or school activities.

The 65-minute Reading section challenges many students because it requires both careful analysis and speed. Effective strategies include previewing questions before reading passages, focusing on evidence-based questions that require you to cite specific lines, and practicing with timed drills to build stamina. Personalized tutoring can help you identify which question types slow you down most—whether it's vocabulary in context, inference questions, or data interpretation from paired passages.

Multi-step math problems require you to break down complex problems into manageable pieces and check your work carefully. Strong approaches include writing out your steps clearly, testing your answer choices to see which one works, and practicing problems across different topics (algebra, advanced math, data analysis) so you recognize patterns. The calculator section (55 minutes, 38 questions) and no-calculator section (25 minutes, 20 questions) test different skills, so targeted practice on each helps you maximize your score.

Most students benefit from taking the SAT 1-2 times, with the second attempt giving you time to address specific weaknesses. Colleges typically see all your scores and use the highest one—retaking doesn't hurt your application and shows colleges you're committed to improvement. If you're aiming for competitive schools like UW-Madison (1330-1480 range), taking it twice gives you the best chance to hit your target score.

Your first session focuses on understanding where you stand and where you want to go. You'll likely take a diagnostic test or review your recent SAT scores to identify which sections and question types need the most work—whether that's reading comprehension, grammar and expression, or specific math topics. From there, your tutor will create a personalized plan that targets your weak areas and fits your timeline before your test date.