Score improvement depends on your starting point and study consistency, but students typically see gains of 50-100+ points per section with focused preparation. The key is identifying your specific weak areas—whether that's pacing on the math section, vocabulary in verbal reasoning, or essay organization—and targeting those through practice and strategy refinement. Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of consistent preparation before test day.

Many Jacksonville students struggle most with the verbal reasoning section, which tests vocabulary and logic through analogies and sentence completions—skills that require both broad knowledge and strategic thinking. The math section also challenges students because it requires not just accuracy but speed under timed conditions. A tutor can help you develop section-specific strategies: building vocabulary systematically for verbal, and practicing time management and problem-solving approaches for math.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment—often a practice test or targeted questions—to identify your strengths and gaps across all sections. This helps a tutor understand your baseline score, learning style, and which areas need the most attention. From there, you'll develop a personalized study plan with specific strategies and a timeline tailored to your test date.

Practice tests are essential—they help you get comfortable with the test format, build stamina for the full exam, and identify patterns in your mistakes. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions every 2-3 weeks allows you to track progress and adjust your study strategy. Between full tests, targeted practice on specific question types helps reinforce skills without overwhelming yourself.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or rushed, which is why solid practice and familiarity with the test format are your best defenses. A tutor can teach you pacing strategies for each section—like knowing how many questions you can afford to skip or guess on—and help you practice staying calm under pressure. Many students also benefit from learning specific techniques like deep breathing or positive self-talk to manage anxiety on test day.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of focused preparation, though this varies based on your starting score and target goals. If you're starting from a lower baseline or aiming for a highly competitive score, you may want to begin earlier. Varsity Tutors can help you create a realistic timeline based on your specific needs and test date, ensuring you have enough time to practice, receive feedback, and refine your approach.

The writing section requires you to write a compelling essay in 25 minutes, so practice is critical. Focus on developing a clear structure—a strong opening, 2-3 supporting ideas, and a conclusion—rather than trying to write perfectly. A tutor can help you brainstorm quickly, organize your thoughts efficiently, and practice editing under time pressure, so you're confident tackling any prompt on test day.