Both tests are equally accepted by Ohio universities—most schools are test-optional or accept either score. However, the ACT has historically been more popular in the Midwest, and many Ohio high schools offer free ACT testing days, making it more accessible. We recommend Columbus students consider taking both tests (many do) to see which format plays to your strengths: the SAT emphasizes reading comprehension and data analysis, while the ACT focuses on speed and covers science reasoning. Whichever test you perform better on is the one to focus your prep on.

Most students see 100-200 point improvements with focused, personalized prep—especially when addressing specific weak areas like time management on the Reading section or multi-step math problems. The amount of improvement depends on your starting score and how much you practice: students who start around 1000 often see larger gains than those already scoring 1400+. Working with a tutor helps you identify which sections offer the biggest opportunity for improvement and develop strategies tailored to how you learn.

Most Columbus juniors benefit from starting SAT prep in the fall or winter, giving 4-6 months before spring testing—enough time to learn strategies, practice, and retake if needed. If you're already a senior, starting immediately still allows 2-3 months of solid prep before March/May test dates. The key is starting early enough to avoid cramming and to allow time for a retake if your first score doesn't meet your college targets.

Time management on the 65-minute Reading section is one of the most common challenges Columbus students face. The section requires you to read passages carefully and answer 52 questions, which means you need efficient strategies—like previewing questions before reading, identifying evidence in the text quickly, and knowing when to move on. A tutor can teach you pacing techniques specific to your reading speed and help you practice evidence-based answer selection, which is the core skill the SAT tests.

SAT Math tests both calculator and no-calculator sections, with a heavy emphasis on data analysis, graphs, and multi-step problem-solving. Many Columbus students struggle with translating real-world scenarios into equations or interpreting complex graphs quickly. Targeted practice with a tutor on these specific question types—combined with strategies for checking your work and managing the 80 total minutes across both sections—typically yields the biggest score improvements.

Most colleges see all your SAT scores, though many use your highest score or allow you to choose which scores to submit. If your first score is below your target (say, you scored 1150 but need 1300 for your top choice), a retake after focused prep is worth it—many students improve 100+ points on their second attempt. We'd recommend no more than 2-3 attempts, as diminishing returns set in and colleges may question why you're testing repeatedly. The key is using your first test as a diagnostic to identify exactly what to improve.

Your first session focuses on understanding where you stand and where you want to go. A tutor will likely review your practice test results (or have you take a diagnostic), identify which sections are holding you back—whether it's Reading pacing, Math concepts, or Writing grammar—and create a personalized prep plan. This diagnostic approach means your tutoring targets your specific weaknesses rather than generic test prep, making your study time much more efficient.