The ACT Math section gives you 60 minutes for 60 questions, which means working fast matters. Expert tutors help you develop a strategic approach: spending 30-40 seconds on easier questions to build confidence, flagging harder ones to revisit, and practicing with real ACT tests under timed conditions. Many students waste time on one difficult problem when they could answer easier questions first and come back later. Learning to recognize question types quickly and knowing when to move on is a skill you can absolutely build with targeted practice and feedback.

The best way is to take a full practice test under timed conditions and carefully review which questions you miss or spend too much time on. Look for patterns—do you struggle more with algebra, geometry, word problems, or trigonometry? Once you identify your weak spots, a tutor can create a focused study plan that targets those specific skills rather than wasting time on material you already know. Most Riverside students find that 2-3 hours per week of targeted practice on problem areas, combined with full-length practice tests every 2 weeks, produces solid improvement.

They're challenging in different ways. ACT Math rewards quick problem-solving and strong foundational skills in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry—you need to know formulas and techniques. The Reading section tests comprehension and reasoning about passages you've never seen. Many students find Math more straightforward because there's a right answer and specific strategies work consistently, while Reading feels more subjective. The good news is both sections respond really well to focused practice and smart test-taking strategies that a tutor can teach you.

Test anxiety often comes from feeling unprepared or panicking when you hit a hard question. The best antidote is building genuine confidence through practice—taking multiple full-length tests helps you learn that you can work through tough problems without freezing. Tutors also teach practical strategies like deep breathing between questions, moving past difficult problems instead of dwelling on them, and using the answer choices strategically to narrow down options. Many students find that having a clear game plan (easier questions first, flag and return, use scratch paper effectively) takes the pressure off and keeps anxiety manageable.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of consistent preparation, dedicating 5-7 hours per week to ACT Math specifically. That breaks down to roughly 2-3 focused study sessions weekly, with at least one full-length practice test every 10-14 days. If you're starting well before your test date, you can spread this out more comfortably. Working with a tutor typically accelerates your progress because personalized instruction targets your exact weak points instead of you spending time on everything. Starting 3-4 months before your test date gives you plenty of runway to build skills and confidence.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in ACT Math preparation and understand the test's specific strategies and timing demands. When you reach out, you'll be matched with a tutor based on your goals, starting score, test date, and learning style. The best ACT Math tutors are experienced with the test format, know which topics trip up students most, and can teach both content and test-taking strategy. Getting personalized 1-on-1 instruction means your tutor focuses entirely on your weak areas and adjusts pacing based on your progress.