Every mark counts. Our SAT tuition focuses on small, strategic wins that add up to big score jumps.
What is the SAT?
The SAT is a standardised entrance exam used by US universities and some international institutions to assess readiness for undergraduate study. It doesn’t test how much you’ve memorised — it measures how well you can think under pressure.
Test format
The SAT is divided into two main sections:
- Evidence-Based Reading & Writing – comprehension of challenging texts, grammar, and analytical writing.
- Maths – algebra, problem-solving, data analysis, and advanced topics like trigonometry.
Both sections are multiple-choice, with one optional written essay (some universities may still request it).
Why it matters
The SAT is often considered alongside school transcripts, extracurricular achievements, and essays. A strong score can:
- Secure a competitive edge at selective universities
- Strengthen applications for scholarships
- Offer international students a common benchmark
The Digital SAT
From 2023 onwards, the SAT has moved to a fully digital format worldwide.
As an accredited examination centre, Lionheart can also arrange for students to sit their SATs with us directly, removing the stress of finding a testing venue and ensuring continuity between preparation and the real exam.
Find out more
Our Key Services
How we help students prepare for the SAT
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Assessment & learning plan
Every student begins with a diagnostic that shows us how they think, not just what they know. This allows us to design a targeted plan that concentrates effort where it produces the greatest score gains — no wasted hours, no guesswork.
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Maths mastery
We deepen conceptual understanding and sharpen exam technique simultaneously. Students learn reliable methods for multi-step algebra, data problems, and adaptive-section twists, building both accuracy and speed.
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Reading with precision
The SAT rewards disciplined reading. We teach students to break down complex passages, filter out distractors, and anchor every answer in evidence — turning a section many fear into one they can control.
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Writing & grammar
Our tutors refine the fundamentals: grammar, clarity, logic, and flow. Students learn to edit quickly and accurately, recognise patterns in question types, and build instincts that stand up under timed pressure.
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Timed practice
Using digital-format mocks and adaptive drills, students rehearse the exact testing environment. They build pacing, focus, and stamina — and learn how to avoid the costly errors that most students make on exam day.
Where our students go
Lionheart students have won places at leading US universities — from Ivy League colleges to world-renowned liberal arts institutions.
Your SAT questions answered
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What’s the difference between the SAT I and SAT II?
In the past, students could sit both the SAT I (Reasoning Test) and SAT II (Subject Tests). The SAT II was discontinued in 2021, so today’s applicants only need to focus on the SAT, which is now fully digital. This streamlined exam is designed to test critical thinking, problem solving, and academic readiness — not rote memorisation.
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What’s new about the Digital SAT?
The SAT is now computer-based, adaptive, and shorter than the old paper format (about 2 hours instead of 3). Students face fewer but more targeted questions, with difficulty adapting in real time based on their answers. Results are delivered faster, giving applicants more time to plan their admissions strategy.
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When should my child start preparing for the SAT?
Most students begin focused preparation in Year 12 (or Grade 11 in the US system), leaving time to build familiarity with the exam format and to schedule retakes if needed. At Lionheart, we recommend a diagnostic early on to map strengths and weaknesses before designing a bespoke programme.
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How high does my SAT score need to be?
Each university sets its own expectations. Ivy League and highly selective US universities typically expect scores in the 1500+ range, while other strong schools may be competitive with 1300–1400. We help students set realistic score goals that align with their target universities.
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Which test do top US universities prefer — the SAT or ACT?
Top US universities view the SAT and ACT equally. Both have been part of admissions for decades and are now universally accepted, even at the Ivy League and other highly selective institutions.
The SAT has two main multiple-choice sections — Maths and Critical Reading & Writing — each scored from 200–800, for a total of 400–1600. The ACT covers English, Maths, Reading, and Science, each scored 1–36, with an average composite score.
While the tests differ slightly in style — the SAT emphasises reasoning, the ACT feels more curriculum-based — universities don’t favour one over the other. The best choice depends on your child’s strengths. At Lionheart, we help families use concordance tables, review percentile profiles, and run diagnostics to determine the most strategic path.
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Can Lionheart help international students with SAT prep?
Yes. We work with students across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. All tuition is available online, as well as in-person. Our accredited exam centre makes us an ideal partner for international applicants seeking seamless preparation and testing support.
