The SAT Math section gives you 80 minutes for 58 questions, so pacing is crucial. Most students benefit from spending about 45 seconds on easier questions and 1-2 minutes on harder ones, then returning to skipped problems if time allows. A smart approach is to do a quick first pass, marking problems by difficulty level, then tackle medium-difficulty questions before attempting the hardest ones. Working with a tutor helps you practice this pacing strategy repeatedly and build the confidence to skip a tough problem without anxiety—knowing when to move on is as important as solving correctly.

While every student is different, Detroit-area students most often struggle with algebra (especially systems of equations and quadratic applications), ratios and proportional reasoning, and interpreting data from graphs and charts. Many students also miss questions on geometry and trigonometry because these topics receive less emphasis in some high school curricula. The good news is that these aren't unsolvable gaps—they're skill-based and respond well to targeted practice. A tutor can quickly diagnose which specific topics are tripping you up and create a focused study plan rather than having you waste time on areas you've already mastered.

Aim for one full practice test every 1-2 weeks, depending on how much time you have before test day. Early in your prep (8+ weeks out), a test every two weeks lets you identify weak areas without overwhelming yourself. As you get closer to test day, increase to weekly full tests so you can practice pacing and build endurance for the full 80 minutes. Between full tests, spend time on targeted drills for specific topics—these are just as valuable and less time-consuming. Your tutor can review your practice test results to spot patterns in errors and adjust your study focus accordingly.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or out of control. Working through dozens of practice problems and full tests under timed conditions builds genuine confidence—you're not just hoping you'll know the answer, you've actually solved similar problems before. Simple strategies help too: take three deep breaths at the start, skip difficult problems rather than spiraling on them, and remember that even a few missed questions won't destroy your score (you can miss 15-20 questions and still score 700+). Many students find that having a tutor walk them through their mistakes builds trust in their problem-solving abilities, which translates directly to lower anxiety on test day.

About two-thirds of SAT Math questions allow calculators, but using one isn't always faster or better. Some students waste time entering complex expressions when mental math or quick pencil work is quicker. The smartest approach is to use your calculator strategically: for messy arithmetic, checking your work, and confirming answers, but do most problem-solving with pencil and paper first. During tutoring, you'll practice knowing when a calculator helps versus when it slows you down. This distinction matters because the no-calculator section (about 20 minutes) tests your comfort with core algebra and arithmetic—skills you must have regardless of tools.

Begin by taking a full diagnostic practice test under timed conditions to establish your baseline score and identify exactly where you're losing points. Don't guess on what your weak areas might be—data reveals truth. Once you know whether you're struggling with specific topics, foundational skills, timing, or careless errors, you can build a focused study plan. For Detroit-area students with a 20.7:1 student-teacher ratio on average, getting personalized instruction tailored to your specific gaps is often more effective than generic test prep courses. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who can work one-on-one with you to target exactly what you need, whether that's concept review, strategy practice, or confidence building.