The SAT Math section gives you 80 minutes to complete 58 questions—roughly 80 seconds per question on average. Many students struggle with timing because they spend too long on difficult problems early on, leaving less time for easier questions they could answer quickly. An expert tutor can help you develop a personalized pacing strategy, teach you when to skip and return to problems, and practice time-management techniques so you're comfortable with the format on test day.

The best way is to take a full practice test under timed conditions and carefully review which question types and topics tripped you up—algebra, advanced math, problem-solving, geometry, or trigonometry. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can analyze your practice test results, identify patterns in your mistakes, and create a targeted study plan. This diagnostic approach is much more efficient than reviewing the entire curriculum, especially for students in San Francisco's competitive academic environment.

The SAT Math section includes both a calculator-permitted portion (38 minutes, 38 questions) and a no-calculator portion (20 minutes, 20 questions). The no-calculator section tests your conceptual understanding and mental math skills, while the calculator section often involves more complex computations. Many students find the no-calculator section stressful because it requires confident problem-solving without a safety net. A tutor can help you build number sense, strengthen your algebra fundamentals, and practice no-calculator strategies so you approach both sections with confidence.

Most students benefit from 3-4 months of consistent preparation, spending 8-10 hours per week on focused SAT Math study. If you're starting from a lower baseline score or aiming for a top score, you may need more time. The ideal schedule combines practice tests (which should be taken monthly), targeted drills on weak areas (2-3 times per week), and review sessions with a tutor. An expert tutor can customize your study plan based on your timeline and goals, ensuring you're using your time efficiently.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unfamiliar with the format. Building genuine confidence through repeated practice with real SAT questions and timed conditions is the most effective antidote. Additionally, learning specific coping strategies—like taking deep breaths between questions, skipping tough problems strategically, and using your scratch paper to organize your thinking—can help you stay calm under pressure. Working with a tutor gives you someone who understands your anxiety patterns and can help you develop personalized confidence-building techniques before test day.

Practice tests are essential because they help you get comfortable with the test format, build pacing strategies, and identify your exact weak areas under realistic timed conditions. Each official SAT practice test reveals patterns in your mistakes—whether you're rushing and making careless errors, struggling with certain concepts, or running out of time. Regular practice testing combined with targeted tutoring on problem areas leads to the most significant score improvements. A tutor can help you interpret your practice test results and adjust your study plan based on what you learn.