The ACT Math section gives you 60 minutes for 60 questions, so you have roughly one minute per question on average. However, not all questions take the same time—the first 20-30 are typically easier and worth spending 30-45 seconds on, while later questions may need 1.5-2 minutes. The strategic approach is to move quickly through questions you're confident about, mark anything uncertain, and return to harder problems if time allows.

Many Detroit students benefit from practicing with a timer to build this rhythm before test day. A tutor can help you identify which question types consistently slow you down and develop shortcuts or elimination strategies specific to those problems, so you're not wasting time on approaches that don't work for you.

The best way is to take a full-length practice test under timed conditions and review it carefully—not just to see your score, but to categorize which questions you missed. Were they algebra problems? Geometry? Word problems? Trigonometry? Most students find they struggle with 2-3 specific topic areas rather than math broadly, and targeting those areas is far more efficient than reviewing everything.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who specialize in ACT Math and can analyze your practice test results to pinpoint your exact gaps. They'll help you understand whether you're missing problems due to conceptual confusion, careless mistakes, or simply running out of time—because the solution is different for each issue.

Most students benefit from taking 3-5 full-length practice tests spaced throughout their study period, ideally under true testing conditions (quiet environment, full 3+ hours, timed sections). The first practice test establishes your baseline and helps identify weak areas. Middle tests let you track progress and refine your strategy. Final tests build confidence and help you develop a pre-test routine that works for you.

Between full practice tests, focus on targeted practice with individual problem sets and timed subsections. This balanced approach lets you see the big picture while still drilling specific skills. A tutor can help you schedule this practice strategically so you're building momentum toward test day rather than cramming.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or encountering unexpected question formats. Combat this by practicing with official ACT materials and taking full-length practice tests regularly—familiarity builds confidence. Develop a pre-test routine (specific warm-up problems, breathing techniques, positive self-talk) and stick with it so test day feels familiar rather than overwhelming.

During the actual test, remember that skipping a difficult question and returning to it later is a legitimate strategy, not a failure. Many students sabotage themselves by fixating on one hard problem and running out of time for easier points they could earn elsewhere. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction helps you practice this mindset shift and develop coping strategies that work specifically for you.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of focused preparation, whether studying independently or with a tutor. This timeline allows time to assess your starting point, target weak areas, build skills, practice extensively, and refine test-taking strategy. If you're starting from a lower baseline (score below 20), you might benefit from a longer 12-16 week timeline to build foundational skills without feeling rushed.

Consistency matters more than intensity—studying 5-8 hours per week over 12 weeks typically produces better results than cramming 40 hours in two weeks. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can create a realistic study schedule based on your current level, timeline, and goals, keeping you accountable and adjusting the plan as you progress.

Word problems require two skills: translating English into mathematical equations and then solving the math. Many students can do the math but struggle with the translation step, or they misread what the question is actually asking. Additionally, ACT word problems often include extra information designed to distract you, so identifying the relevant details is a learnable skill.

The solution is practicing word problems systematically and learning to underline key information, define variables clearly, and check that your final answer actually answers the question asked. A tutor can teach you specific strategies for different word problem types (rate/distance, percentage, sequences, etc.) and help you build confidence in this area, which is often a major score-booster for Detroit students preparing for the ACT.