The ACT Math section gives you 60 minutes for 60 questions, so pacing is critical. Expert tutors typically recommend spending 30-45 seconds on easier questions and flagging harder ones to revisit if time allows. Learning to quickly identify which problems you can solve confidently versus which need more work helps you maximize your score rather than getting stuck on one difficult question.

Many students struggle with pacing, careless errors on simpler problems, and understanding what certain question formats are asking. Trigonometry and coordinate geometry also trip up a lot of test-takers. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can diagnose your specific weak spots through practice tests and targeted review, so you're not wasting time on topics you already know.

Practice tests are essential—they help you get comfortable with the format, build stamina for 60 minutes of problem-solving, and identify patterns in the types of questions you miss. Taking full practice tests under timed conditions, then reviewing every wrong answer with a tutor, is one of the most effective ways to improve. Most students benefit from 4-6 full practice tests during their preparation.

A lot of test anxiety comes from feeling unprepared or uncertain about your approach. Working with a tutor builds genuine confidence by helping you master problem-solving strategies, understand why answers are correct, and practice under realistic test conditions. When you know you've thoroughly prepared, the anxiety naturally decreases.

Your first session typically focuses on understanding your current level, learning goals, and any specific challenges you're facing. The tutor may have you work through a few sample problems to identify patterns in your mistakes, then discuss a personalized study plan. This diagnostic approach ensures your tutoring is targeted to what you actually need to improve.

ACT Math covers algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and some precalculus concepts. The test emphasizes problem-solving and reasoning rather than just computation. Most questions focus on algebra (about 40%), followed by geometry and trigonometry (about 30%), and other topics like statistics and functions (about 30%). Knowing which topics appear most frequently helps you prioritize your study time.

Look for tutors with strong math backgrounds, proven experience preparing students for standardized tests, and a track record of score improvement. Ideally, they should understand the specific format and timing of the ACT, be able to explain concepts clearly, and adapt their teaching to your learning style. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have demonstrated expertise in ACT Math preparation.