The biggest hurdles are usually pacing through dense reading passages and distinguishing between similar answer choices on grammar questions. Many students struggle to manage time across reading comprehension and writing/language sections, or they miss the nuanced differences in meaning that distinguish correct answers. Working through these challenges with targeted practice and strategy refinement helps students build confidence and accuracy.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who personalize instruction based on your specific needs—whether that's building vocabulary, improving reading speed, or mastering grammar rules. Your tutor will assess your current level, identify weak areas through practice tests, and develop a study plan that targets those gaps with proven strategies. Sessions typically include strategy instruction, practice with real SAT questions, and feedback on your approach.

Most students benefit from 3-6 months of consistent preparation, though this varies based on your starting score and target score. Students preparing for Rochester's 102 schools often work with tutors 1-2 times per week alongside independent practice. A tutor can help you create a realistic timeline based on your goals and current performance on practice tests.

That depends on your diagnostic results—a practice test will reveal which section is pulling down your score. Many students find reading comprehension more challenging because it requires managing time across longer passages and making inference-based judgments. Others struggle more with the grammar and syntax focus of the Writing & Language section. A tutor can analyze your performance patterns and prioritize the section where you'll see the biggest score gains.

Practice tests are essential—they reveal your strengths, weaknesses, and pacing issues in a realistic testing environment. Taking full-length practice tests every 2-3 weeks helps you track progress and get comfortable with the question formats and timing constraints. Your tutor can review your practice test results to pinpoint patterns (like consistently missing certain question types) and adjust your study focus accordingly.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unfamiliar with question formats—both things that targeted tutoring addresses directly. Practicing with real SAT questions, building a repertoire of strategies, and taking multiple practice tests in timed conditions all build confidence and reduce anxiety on test day. Your tutor can also teach stress-management techniques and help you develop a mindset that treats mistakes as learning opportunities.

Your first session focuses on understanding where you're starting from and what your goals are. Your tutor will likely review your practice test results (or administer a diagnostic), discuss which sections feel most challenging, and learn about your timeline and target score. From there, you'll develop a personalized study plan that tackles your specific weak areas with the strategies and practice most likely to move your score.