The biggest hurdles are pacing (running out of time on harder questions), misunderstanding what a question is actually asking, and gaps in foundational algebra or geometry concepts. Many students also struggle with the transition from calculator to no-calculator sections, or they spend too long on one difficult problem instead of moving on strategically. A tutor can help you develop a pacing strategy, recognize question patterns, and shore up any conceptual gaps holding you back.

Your first session focuses on understanding where you stand. You'll likely take a diagnostic test or review your recent practice tests to identify which topics and question types are causing the most trouble. From there, a tutor will work with you to create a personalized study plan that prioritizes your biggest gaps and fits your timeline before test day. This personalized approach means you're not wasting time on concepts you already know.

Practice tests are essential—they're how you build stamina, get comfortable with the test format, and identify patterns in your mistakes. Taking full-length, timed practice tests regularly (ideally every 1-2 weeks) shows you where you need to focus and helps you develop a realistic pacing strategy. A tutor can review your practice test results with you to spot trends you might miss on your own, like consistently struggling with specific question types or making careless errors under time pressure.

Confidence comes from preparation and familiarity. When you work with a tutor, you practice problems repeatedly, learn strategies that work for you, and build a track record of solving questions correctly—all of which reduce anxiety on test day. Tutors also help you develop mental strategies for staying calm under pressure, like knowing when to skip a hard problem and come back to it, or using specific techniques to double-check your work efficiently.

The SAT Math section has two parts: a 25-minute no-calculator section and a 55-minute calculator section. A smart strategy is to spend your first pass on easier questions you can solve quickly, then use remaining time on harder problems—not every question is worth the same amount of effort. A tutor can help you practice this approach so it becomes automatic, and teach you how to recognize which questions are likely to be easier or harder based on their position in the section and how they're worded.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in SAT Math and understand the specific challenges students face. When you get matched with a tutor, you'll work with someone who has proven expertise in test prep and can adapt their teaching style to how you learn best. The personalized 1-on-1 instruction means your tutor focuses entirely on your goals and weak areas, not a generic curriculum.

Most students benefit from 1-2 tutoring sessions per week combined with independent practice between sessions. If you're starting 3-4 months before test day, this gives you enough time to work through content, build skills, and take multiple practice tests. Your tutor can recommend a specific schedule based on your starting score, target score, and how much independent studying you're doing—the goal is consistent, focused practice rather than cramming.