Pacing is one of the biggest challenges students face on ACT Math, since you have just 60 minutes for 60 questions. Expert tutors help you develop a strategic approach: skipping harder problems initially, using calculator-friendly shortcuts, and practicing time-management drills with actual ACT problems. Working through full-length practice tests under timed conditions is essential—it trains your brain to recognize question types quickly and allocate time wisely.

The best way is to take a full-length practice ACT and analyze your wrong answers by topic—algebra, functions, geometry, trigonometry, and data analysis. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can review your practice test results, identify patterns in your mistakes, and create a personalized study plan that prioritizes your weakest areas. This targeted approach is much more efficient than reviewing topics you already understand well.

Yes—a big part of test anxiety comes from feeling unprepared or unsure about question formats. When you work with a tutor on ACT-specific strategies and practice with real test problems repeatedly, your confidence builds naturally. Tutors also teach breathing and mental techniques to stay calm under pressure, and exposure to timed practice tests helps desensitize you to the testing environment itself.

The ACT allows calculators for all 60 math questions, but using one for every problem actually slows you down. Expert tutors teach you which problems benefit from calculator use (complex computations, checking answers) and which you should solve by hand to save time. Learning when to use and when to skip the calculator is a crucial skill that can significantly improve your pacing and accuracy.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment—either reviewing a recent practice test or taking a timed ACT Math section—to identify your strengths and gaps. The tutor will discuss your target score, timeline, and learning style, then create a personalized roadmap for your preparation. This foundation ensures every session after that is focused on what actually moves your score.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of consistent preparation, with 3-5 hours of study per week including tutoring sessions and independent practice. If you're starting further out or aiming for a top score, a longer timeline allows for deeper mastery and more practice tests. Your tutor will help you build a realistic schedule based on your starting score and target, accounting for your other commitments.

Practice tests are essential—they're the most accurate predictor of your actual ACT performance and reveal exactly where you struggle under timed conditions. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who use real ACT practice materials and help you analyze each test to identify patterns in your mistakes. Taking full-length practice tests every 2-3 weeks, combined with targeted tutoring on weak areas, is one of the most effective preparation strategies.