Your first session focuses on understanding where you stand and what you need to work on. A tutor will likely review your practice test results, discuss which topics feel challenging (algebra, geometry, data analysis, etc.), and assess your test-taking habits and pacing. From there, they'll create a personalized plan tailored to your goals and timeline.

Most students benefit from 3-6 months of consistent preparation, though this varies based on your starting score and target. If you're aiming for significant improvement, starting earlier gives you time to build foundational skills, take multiple practice tests, and refine your approach. A tutor can help you create a realistic timeline based on a diagnostic test and your specific weak areas.

The biggest struggles for St. Louis students typically include pacing (running out of time on harder problems), understanding what a question is actually asking, and gaps in algebra or geometry fundamentals. Many students also struggle with the test's emphasis on problem-solving and reasoning over pure computation. A tutor can help you develop strategies to work faster, identify question patterns, and shore up any foundational gaps.

Practice tests are essential—they show you exactly what you're getting wrong and help you build stamina for the full test. Taking full, timed practice tests every 2-3 weeks lets you track progress and get comfortable with the test's format and pacing. Between full tests, targeted practice on specific topics (like quadratic equations or geometry) helps you build skills efficiently.

Look for tutors with strong SAT Math scores themselves, experience teaching test prep, and familiarity with the current SAT format and question types. They should be able to explain concepts clearly, help you understand *why* you're making mistakes, and adapt their teaching to your learning style. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have proven track records helping students improve their SAT Math scores.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unsure of your approach—both things tutoring directly addresses. As you build confidence through targeted practice and see your scores improve, anxiety naturally decreases. A tutor can also teach you specific strategies like pacing techniques and mental reset tricks to stay calm during the actual test.

Taking a full practice test under timed conditions is the best way to see which topics trip you up most—whether it's algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or data analysis. After reviewing your results, look for patterns: Are you missing certain question types? Running out of time? Making careless errors? A tutor can help you analyze your practice tests in depth and create a focused study plan that targets your specific gaps rather than reviewing everything.