Most students struggle with pacing because the SAT Math section requires both accuracy and speed—you have about 1.4 minutes per question on average. The challenge isn't just knowing how to solve problems; it's recognizing which approach will get you to the answer fastest. A tutor can teach you strategic shortcuts, help you identify which questions to tackle first, and build your confidence through timed practice so you're not rushing or second-guessing yourself on test day.

The best way is to take a full practice test under timed conditions and review which questions you missed or found most difficult. Look for patterns—do you struggle more with algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or word problems? Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can analyze your practice test results, pinpoint your specific weak areas, and prioritize which topics will give you the biggest score boost based on the question types that appear most frequently on the SAT.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty—not knowing if you'll recognize the problem type or have time to finish. Working with a tutor builds confidence through repeated exposure to different question formats, timed practice sessions, and proven problem-solving strategies that become automatic. When you've practiced similar questions dozens of times and have a clear approach for each type, you walk into test day feeling prepared rather than panicked.

Most students benefit from taking a full practice test every 2-3 weeks during active preparation, which gives you time to learn concepts and strategies in between. Early on, focus on accuracy over speed; as you improve, shift to timed practice. A tutor can help you use practice tests strategically—reviewing mistakes to identify patterns, adjusting your study plan based on results, and building stamina for the full exam.

Most students benefit from 8-16 weeks of consistent preparation, depending on their starting score and target score. If you're aiming for a 100+ point improvement, plan for at least 10-12 weeks of regular study. A tutor can help you create a realistic study schedule that fits your life, prioritize which topics to tackle first based on your diagnostic results, and keep you accountable so you stay on track toward your goal.

The SAT Math section includes multiple-choice questions, student-produced response (grid-in) questions, and multi-step word problems covering algebra, advanced math, problem-solving, data analysis, geometry, and trigonometry. Each format requires slightly different strategies—for example, multiple-choice lets you check answers by plugging them in, while grid-in questions require you to be precise with your answer format. A tutor can teach you the specific approach for each question type and give you plenty of practice so you're comfortable with all of them on test day.

Your first session is about understanding where you stand and what you need. Varsity Tutors connects you with a tutor who will likely review your diagnostic test results (or have you take a practice test), discuss your target score and timeline, and identify your biggest challenges. From there, your tutor will create a personalized study plan focused on the concepts and strategies that will have the biggest impact on your score.