The biggest hurdles are typically pacing (finishing all questions in time), understanding dense academic passages, and recognizing the specific patterns in question types. Many students also struggle with vocabulary in context and identifying subtle differences between answer choices. A tutor can help you develop strategies for each question type and build the reading stamina needed for the full section.

While they're scored as one section, they require different strategies. Reading demands strong comprehension and inference skills, while Writing focuses on grammar, syntax, and rhetorical skills. Most tutors work on both, but they'll prioritize based on your diagnostic scores—if you're stronger in one area, you can dedicate more time to improving the other.

A solid study plan typically includes a full practice test every 1-2 weeks, with targeted drills on specific question types in between. This gives you a realistic sense of your pacing and helps identify patterns in your mistakes. Your tutor can review your practice test results with you to pinpoint exactly where you're losing points and adjust your study strategy accordingly.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of focused preparation, though this varies based on your starting score and target goal. If you're aiming for a significant improvement, starting earlier gives you more time for practice and skill-building. Varsity Tutors can connect you with a tutor who can create a personalized timeline based on your specific needs and test date.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about strategies or pacing. Working with a tutor helps build confidence by ensuring you understand every question type and have a solid game plan. Practicing with real SAT questions under timed conditions also reduces anxiety—the more familiar the format feels, the calmer you'll be on test day.

Your first session typically starts with a diagnostic assessment to understand your strengths, weaknesses, and test-taking habits. The tutor will review your practice test results (if you have any), discuss your target score, and create a personalized study plan. This foundation helps ensure every future session is focused on the areas where you'll see the most improvement.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in SAT Verbal preparation and understand the specific challenges of the test. When you get matched with a tutor, they'll have a track record helping students improve their scores and will tailor their approach to your learning style. You can discuss availability, teaching approach, and goals to ensure it's the right fit.