The SAT Math section gives you 80 minutes for 58 questions, which works out to about 1.5 minutes per question on average. A smart strategy is to tackle easier questions first (they're typically grouped by difficulty), answer what you know confidently, then return to harder problems with whatever time remains.

Many students waste time getting stuck on one problem. Instead, mark difficult questions and move on—you can always come back. Tutors often recommend practicing with the actual test timer so you build a feel for pacing and avoid the shock of running out of time on test day.

The best way is to take a full practice test under timed conditions and carefully review every question you missed or found shaky. Look for patterns—did you miss mostly algebra questions? Geometry? Word problems? That's your roadmap. The College Board organizes SAT Math into four main areas: algebra, advanced math, problem-solving and data analysis, and geometry/trigonometry.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who can review your practice tests with you, pinpoint exactly where you're losing points, and build a targeted study plan around those gaps rather than wasting time on topics you've already mastered.

Taking at least 3-4 full-length practice tests is a solid baseline—and they should be the official College Board tests, since those most accurately reflect the real test's difficulty and format. Space them out over your study period so you can apply what you learn from one test to the next rather than cramming them all at once.

Beyond full tests, targeted practice on specific topics (like a set of 20 algebra problems, then another set on geometry) is equally important. The combination of full-test practice for pacing and confidence, plus focused practice on weak areas, tends to drive the most improvement.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or encountering unfamiliar question formats. The antidote is exposure—practicing with real SAT questions under timed conditions takes away the surprise factor. When you've seen similar problems dozens of times, test day feels less threatening.

On test day itself, simple techniques help: take a few deep breaths before you start, skip problems that trigger anxiety and come back to them, and remember that missing a few questions is normal and doesn't derail your score. Tutors can also coach you on mental strategies and help you build genuine confidence by proving to yourself that you can solve these problems.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of focused preparation, though this varies based on your starting level and target score. If you're aiming for a modest improvement and starting close to your goal, 6-8 weeks may suffice. If you're targeting a significant jump (like improving from 500 to 650), 12-16 weeks gives you more time to build conceptual understanding and practice extensively.

The quality of study matters more than quantity—two focused hours per week with a tutor, plus regular independent practice, typically outperforms sporadic cramming. For Boston students juggling school, extracurriculars, and other commitments, personalized tutoring helps you use your limited study time efficiently.

Not necessarily. About 45% of SAT Math questions allow calculator use (the calculator section), while 25% are no-calculator. Even in the calculator section, using a calculator on every problem can slow you down or introduce errors. The best approach is to estimate first to see if an answer makes sense, then calculate only when needed for precision.

Expert tutors recommend building strong mental math and number sense alongside calculator skills. This means knowing when to calculate, when to estimate, and when to use shortcuts—like recognizing patterns or using algebra instead of plugging in numbers. Practicing this balance during your test prep makes you faster and more accurate on test day.