Your first session focuses on understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and test goals. Your tutor will likely review a practice test or discuss which topics feel most challenging—whether that's algebra, geometry, data analysis, or test pacing. From there, you'll develop a customized study plan that targets your specific needs and fits your timeline before test day.

Pacing is one of the most common challenges SAT Math students face, especially on the harder problems. A tutor can teach you strategic approaches like identifying which problems to tackle first, when to skip and return, and how to manage the 75-minute time limit effectively. Regular timed practice tests help you build speed without sacrificing accuracy, and your tutor will help you find the right balance for your skill level.

Tutors typically start by reviewing your practice test results to spot patterns—whether you're struggling with specific topics like quadratics or trigonometry, or whether the issue is timing and careless mistakes. They may also work through problems with you to understand your thought process and identify conceptual gaps versus test strategy issues. This diagnostic approach ensures your study time focuses on what actually needs improvement.

Most students benefit from taking 4-6 full practice tests under timed conditions in the weeks leading up to test day. This builds stamina, helps you identify remaining weak areas, and reduces test anxiety through familiarity. Your tutor can recommend a practice schedule based on how much time you have and your current score, ensuring you're practicing strategically rather than just grinding through tests.

Absolutely. Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or uncertain about problem-solving strategies, both of which tutoring directly addresses. As you master content and develop confidence with timed practice, anxiety naturally decreases. Your tutor can also teach you specific techniques like managing your pacing, staying focused, and building mental resilience during the actual test.

Look for tutors with strong math backgrounds, proven SAT success, and experience teaching test-taking strategies—not just math concepts. Ideally, they've helped multiple students improve their scores and understand the nuances of SAT Math question formats and timing. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in SAT prep and can demonstrate their track record with students.

Most students see solid progress with 2-3 tutoring sessions per week combined with independent practice between sessions. If you're starting 12+ weeks before test day, 1-2 sessions weekly may be sufficient; closer to test day, you might increase to 3-4 sessions. Your tutor will help you build a realistic schedule that balances tutoring, practice tests, and review based on your starting score and target improvement.