Score improvement depends on your starting point and how consistently you prepare, but most students see meaningful gains with focused tutoring—typically 50-150 points over 2-3 months of regular practice. The key is identifying your specific weak areas (whether that's reading comprehension pacing, math problem-solving, or verbal reasoning) and targeting those through strategic practice and test-taking strategies.

Reading comprehension is often the most challenging section for students because it requires both speed and accuracy—you need to understand dense passages quickly while answering questions that test inference and detail recognition. However, the hardest section varies by student; some struggle more with the verbal reasoning section's vocabulary and analogies, while others find the math pacing stressful. A tutor can diagnose your specific challenges through practice tests and focus your prep accordingly.

Most students benefit from taking 4-6 full-length practice tests spaced throughout their prep period, with at least one every 2-3 weeks. This gives you enough data to identify patterns in your mistakes and track improvement, while also building familiarity with the test format and timing. Between full tests, targeted practice on individual sections or question types helps reinforce weak areas without overwhelming yourself.

Pacing is critical—the Upper Level gives you about 30 seconds per question, so practice working at a sustainable speed where you're accurate, not rushing. Many students benefit from a "two-pass" strategy: answer all the questions you're confident about first, then return to harder ones. A tutor can help you identify which question types to prioritize and develop a personalized pacing plan based on your strengths.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unfamiliar with the format, so consistent practice with full-length tests under timed conditions builds confidence and reduces stress on test day. Developing a pre-test routine (sleep, breakfast, breathing exercises) and learning to skip difficult questions without panic are also powerful strategies. Tutors can help you practice staying calm under pressure and develop mental strategies for managing anxiety during the actual exam.

The writing section includes a 25-minute essay that's scored separately from the multiple-choice sections and sent to schools as a writing sample—it's not included in your overall score. Focus on writing a clear, organized essay with a strong thesis, supporting examples, and good grammar rather than trying to be overly creative. Tutors can help you develop a reliable essay structure and practice writing under timed pressure so you're comfortable on test day.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic practice test or assessment to identify your current strengths and weaknesses across all sections, followed by a discussion of your target score and timeline. From there, Varsity Tutors connects you with a tutor who creates a personalized prep plan focused on your specific challenges—whether that's building vocabulary, improving reading speed, or mastering math concepts. This tailored approach ensures you're spending your study time where it matters most.