The ACT Math section gives you 60 minutes for 60 questions, which means you have only one minute per question on average—but some problems require more time than others. Many students struggle with pacing because they either rush through easier questions and make careless mistakes, or spend too much time on difficult ones and run out of time. A tutor can help you develop a strategic approach: knowing which question types to tackle first, when to skip and come back, and how to recognize patterns that let you solve problems faster.

The best way is to take a full-length practice test under timed conditions and analyze your wrong answers by topic—algebra, geometry, trigonometry, functions, and data analysis each appear regularly on the ACT. When you review, look for patterns: Are you missing certain question types? Making careless errors? Not understanding the concept? Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can review your practice tests, identify your specific weak areas, and create a focused study plan so you're not wasting time on topics you already know.

Test anxiety often comes from feeling unprepared or unsure of your strategy, so building confidence through practice is the best antidote. Tutors help by having you take multiple practice tests in realistic conditions, teaching you breathing and pacing techniques to stay calm, and helping you develop a pre-test routine that works for you. The more familiar the format and question types feel, the less anxious you'll be on test day—and that mental clarity directly impacts your score.

Most students benefit from 3-4 months of consistent preparation, dedicating 5-8 hours per week to ACT Math specifically. This typically includes taking full-length practice tests every 1-2 weeks, reviewing mistakes, and targeting weak areas in between. If you're working with a tutor, sessions are usually 1-2 hours per week, with the rest of the time spent on independent practice and homework—tutors help you make that practice time count by keeping you focused on high-impact concepts.

ACT Math includes five main content areas: Pre-Algebra and Elementary Algebra (about 15-20% of questions), Intermediate Algebra and Coordinate Geometry (about 20-25%), Plane Geometry (about 20-25%), Trigonometry (about 5-10%), and Functions/Data Analysis (about 15-20%). Most questions are straightforward multiple-choice, but some require you to set up equations, interpret graphs, or use formulas. Understanding the structure and what each question type is testing helps you approach problems more strategically and avoid common traps.

Your first session is typically diagnostic and planning-focused. A tutor will review your current ACT Math score (or have you take a practice test), discuss your target score and timeline, and identify your strongest and weakest areas. You'll talk about your test anxiety level, pacing challenges, and study habits, then create a customized roadmap for the weeks ahead. This foundation ensures your tutoring is focused on what actually matters for your score.

Look for tutors with strong math backgrounds (ideally with teaching or tutoring experience), proven success helping students improve their ACT scores, and familiarity with the specific content and format of the ACT Math section. It's also important that your tutor understands test-taking strategy, not just math concepts—they should be able to explain why certain approaches work and help you develop timing strategies. Varsity Tutors connects you with experienced tutors in Concord who specialize in ACT Math and can tailor their approach to your learning style.