Score improvement depends on your starting point and how consistently you prepare. Most students who work with a tutor and commit to regular practice see meaningful gains—typically 50-100 points—within 3-4 months of focused study. The key is identifying your specific weak areas and targeting them with strategic practice, rather than just drilling problems randomly.

Your first session focuses on understanding your baseline skills and test-taking habits. A tutor will likely review your previous practice test scores (or administer a diagnostic if you haven't taken one), discuss which sections feel most challenging, and talk about your timeline and goals. This helps create a personalized study plan tailored to your needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Reading comprehension and verbal reasoning trip up many students because they require both speed and deep understanding—you can't just memorize answers. The math section challenges students who haven't seen certain concepts in a while, while the writing section intimidates students who aren't used to timed essay writing. A tutor can identify which sections are your personal bottlenecks and develop targeted strategies for each.

Pacing is one of the most practical skills a tutor teaches. They'll help you understand how much time to spend on each question type, when to skip and return to a question, and how to avoid getting stuck on hard problems. Practice tests under timed conditions are essential—tutors use these to identify where you're losing time and teach strategies like elimination techniques and educated guessing to keep you moving through the test efficiently.

Most students benefit from taking 4-6 full practice tests spread throughout their study period—ideally starting with a diagnostic to establish a baseline, then spacing them out every 2-3 weeks as you build skills. Each practice test should be taken under real testing conditions (timed, quiet, minimal breaks) so you get used to the actual experience. Between full tests, you'll focus on drilling specific question types and reviewing mistakes with your tutor.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or uncertain about what to expect. Working with a tutor builds confidence through mastery—as you practice problems and see yourself improving, anxiety naturally decreases. Tutors also teach specific stress-management techniques like deep breathing, positive self-talk, and how to approach the test strategically rather than emotionally, so you feel more in control on test day.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of preparation, meeting with a tutor 1-2 times per week plus doing independent practice between sessions. If you're starting from a lower baseline or aiming for a highly competitive score, you might extend to 4 months. The key is consistency—regular, focused study beats cramming, and your tutor will help you build a realistic schedule that fits your other commitments while keeping momentum going.