The ACT Math section gives you 60 minutes for 60 questions, so pacing is critical. Expert tutors help you develop a strategy that works for your strengths—some students tackle easier questions first to build confidence, while others work through problems in order. The key is knowing when to skip a tough problem and come back to it, rather than losing time on one question. Tutors also teach you which problems typically take longer (geometry and trigonometry) so you can budget your time accordingly.

Taking a full practice test under timed conditions is the best way to pinpoint what's holding you back. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who analyze your practice test results to identify patterns—whether you're struggling with specific topics like trigonometry or algebra, or if the issue is pacing and test anxiety. Once you know your weak areas, tutoring becomes much more targeted and efficient, letting you focus on concepts that actually need work rather than reviewing material you already know.

Most students benefit from 3-4 practice sessions per week, with each session lasting 45-90 minutes depending on your schedule and timeline. If you're preparing over 8-12 weeks, this gives you time to learn new strategies, practice problems, and take full practice tests to track progress. Your tutor will help you create a realistic study schedule that fits around your school and extracurriculars in New Haven, and adjust the intensity based on your goals and starting score.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unsure of your approach to problems. Personalized tutoring builds confidence by helping you master the content, learn proven test-taking strategies, and practice under realistic timed conditions repeatedly. When you know exactly what to expect and have a solid strategy for each question type, anxiety naturally decreases. Tutors also teach you techniques like breaking complex problems into smaller steps and managing your mental state during the test.

Yes—the ACT Math section includes multiple-choice questions and some grid-in questions where you enter your answer directly. Most questions test pre-algebra, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, coordinate geometry, plane geometry, and trigonometry. Tutors help you recognize common question patterns and teach you the most efficient way to approach each type, so you're not wasting time figuring out what the question is asking. Understanding these formats also helps you avoid common traps that test makers use.

Look for tutors with strong math backgrounds—ideally someone who has scored well on the ACT themselves and has experience teaching test prep. They should understand not just math concepts, but ACT-specific strategies and question patterns. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who are experienced in helping students in New Haven improve their ACT Math scores and can tailor their teaching to your learning style and goals.

Your first session is typically a diagnostic and planning meeting. Your tutor will likely have you take a practice test or review your most recent ACT results to understand your current level, identify weak areas, and learn about your goals and timeline. From there, they'll create a personalized study plan that focuses on the concepts and strategies that will have the biggest impact on your score. This foundation ensures that every future session is targeted and productive.