Many students struggle to complete all 58 questions in 80 minutes, often rushing through the harder problems and making careless mistakes. A tutor can teach you which question types to tackle first, how to quickly identify when a problem is taking too long, and strategic approaches like plugging in answer choices or working backwards. Practice with timed sections helps build the pacing skills you need so test day doesn't feel overwhelming.

Taking a full practice test under timed conditions is the best starting point—it reveals which question types and concepts are costing you points. Common trouble areas include algebra and systems of equations, advanced functions, geometry, and data analysis. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who analyze your practice test results and past work to create a customized study plan, so you spend time where it matters most instead of reviewing topics you've already mastered.

Most students benefit from taking 3-5 full practice tests under authentic timed conditions spaced throughout their prep timeline. The first one establishes your baseline, the middle ones help you track progress and test strategies, and the final one builds confidence. Between full tests, working on targeted problem sets for specific topics is more efficient than constantly retaking entire exams. A tutor can recommend which practice tests to use and help you analyze what went wrong on questions you missed.

Test anxiety often comes from feeling unprepared or encountering unfamiliar question formats. Working with a tutor desensitizes you to test-like problems through repeated practice and exposure—the more familiar the format feels, the calmer you'll be. Tutors also teach concrete strategies like taking deep breaths when you hit a hard problem, skipping it strategically, and coming back to it later. Knowing you have a plan and understand the material goes a long way toward reducing anxiety on test day.

Not necessarily. The calculator section allows calculators, but some problems are actually faster and more accurate to solve by hand or mentally. A tutor can help you develop judgment about when a calculator speeds you up versus when it slows you down. They'll also teach you how to use your calculator efficiently—knowing which functions to use and how to catch common input errors. Many students waste time on the calculator section simply because they haven't practiced being strategic about when to use it.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of consistent preparation, meeting with a tutor 1-2 times per week while doing independent practice in between. If you're starting significantly below your target score or need to build foundational skills, 3-4 months gives you room to work through material thoroughly. The best timeline depends on your starting score, target score, and test date. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who help you create a realistic prep schedule based on your specific situation and goals.