The ACT Math section gives you 60 minutes for 60 questions, so pacing is critical. Most students benefit from spending 30-40 seconds on easier questions and saving harder ones for last, rather than getting stuck and running out of time. A tutor can help you practice this pacing strategy with real ACT questions, teach you to recognize question types quickly, and build confidence so you're not second-guessing yourself under pressure.

The best way is to take a full-length practice test under timed conditions, then review your results by topic—algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and other skill areas. This shows you exactly where you're making mistakes. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can analyze your practice test results, identify patterns in your errors, and create a personalized study plan that focuses on your actual weak spots rather than wasting time on topics you already know.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or uncertain about question formats. Working with a tutor helps you build genuine confidence by practicing with real ACT questions repeatedly, learning proven problem-solving strategies, and getting comfortable with the test's pace and style. Over time, familiarity reduces anxiety—you'll know what to expect and have a clear approach for each question type.

Most students benefit from taking 3-5 full-length practice tests spread across their study period, with at least one under strict timed conditions. This helps you identify weak areas, practice pacing, and get comfortable with the test format. Between practice tests, focus on targeted work on specific topics with a tutor. This combination of full tests and focused skill-building is more effective than taking many practice tests without addressing the underlying gaps.

Yes—ACT Math focuses more on straightforward problem-solving with less emphasis on data interpretation, while SAT Math includes more complex word problems and data analysis. The ACT also covers more trigonometry. Both tests measure similar skills, but the question formats and pacing are different. If you're taking the ACT, it's important to practice with actual ACT questions rather than SAT prep materials so you're ready for the specific style and content you'll see on test day.

Your first session is typically a diagnostic conversation where a tutor learns about your current score, goals, and specific challenges. They may have you work through a few sample ACT Math questions to understand your problem-solving approach and where you tend to struggle. From there, you'll develop a personalized study plan with a timeline, target score, and focus areas. This foundation ensures your tutoring is tailored to your needs, not generic test prep.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of consistent preparation, though this varies based on your starting score and target. If you're aiming for a significant improvement, starting earlier gives you time to build foundational skills and take multiple practice tests. A tutor can help you create a realistic timeline based on your specific situation, breaking your preparation into manageable weekly goals so you're not cramming at the last minute.