The SAT Math section gives you 80 minutes to answer 58 questions, which averages about 1.5 minutes per question. A smart approach is to work through easier questions first to build confidence and secure those points, then return to harder problems. Skip questions that stump you immediately rather than burning time—you can revisit them later.

Many students struggle with pacing because they either rush through problem-solving or get stuck on one difficult question. Tutors can help you practice timed sections, develop personalized pacing strategies, and build the confidence to know when to move on.

For students in Washington, DC, the most frequently challenging topics include word problems involving rates and ratios, coordinate geometry and slope concepts, quadratic equations, and data interpretation from graphs and tables. Many students also struggle with the more complex algebra questions that require multiple steps to solve.

Beyond content, test-specific challenges like understanding what a question is actually asking or recognizing which formula to apply are equally common. Getting matched with a tutor lets you tackle these pain points directly through practice with actual SAT questions and customized explanations.

Aim for one full-length practice test every 1-2 weeks during active SAT prep, with smaller diagnostic tests more frequently. Early in your study timeline, a diagnostic test helps identify your baseline and weakest topics. As you progress, full-length tests build your stamina and help you apply strategies under realistic time pressure.

The most valuable practice happens between tests—reviewing every question you missed or guessed on, understanding why you got it wrong, and practicing similar problem types. Tutors can guide this review process to ensure you're learning from mistakes rather than just accumulating test scores.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or losing confidence mid-test. Building solid fundamentals through consistent practice reduces anxiety because you know you can handle the questions. Developing a pre-test routine—deep breathing, positive self-talk, and reviewing your strategy—also helps calm nerves on test day.

During the test itself, if you feel anxious, pause for 30 seconds, take a few deep breaths, and refocus on the current question. Skip a tough problem and return to it later—this maintains momentum and prevents panic. Tutors can help you build confidence by working through challenging questions repeatedly so they feel familiar on test day.

All SAT Math content is equally important on the official test, so you can't skip topics. That said, focusing first on algebra and problem-solving—which account for about 50% of SAT Math questions—gives you the biggest score boost early on. Then move to advanced math, problem-solving and data analysis, and geometry in order.

The best approach is a diagnostic test to identify your personal weaknesses, then tackle those first. With 71 school districts across the DC area serving over 91,000 students, SAT preparation timelines and strategies may vary by your school's calendar and offerings. A tutor can tailor your prep to fit your specific situation and timeline.

The ideal time depends on your target test date and current performance. If you're taking the SAT within 3-4 months, start now. If you have more time, beginning 4-6 months out allows for a less pressured pace and better retention. Students aiming for top scores (700+) often benefit from starting even earlier.

You don't need to wait until you've tried studying alone—many students get matched with tutors early to build a solid foundation and avoid developing bad habits. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert SAT Math tutors for students in Washington, DC who can assess where you are and create a customized prep plan regardless of when you're taking the test.