The ACT Math section has 60 questions in 60 minutes, which means you have about one minute per question. The challenge is that questions get progressively harder, so pacing isn't about rushing—it's about spending less time on easier questions and knowing when to skip strategically.

Expert tutors can teach you proven pacing techniques, like identifying which question types you can solve quickly versus which ones trip you up. They'll also help you practice the mental skills to stay calm when you hit a difficult problem, so you don't lose time spiraling on a single question. With the right strategy, most students can attempt every question without feeling rushed.

The biggest mistakes fall into three categories: careless errors on easier problems (misreading what the question asks, arithmetic mistakes), conceptual gaps on medium-difficulty problems (not knowing when to use certain formulas or methods), and freezing up on hard problems (giving up instead of trying a different approach).

Many students also struggle with the test's specific question format and wording—the ACT doesn't always ask problems the way a typical math class does. A tutor can help you recognize these patterns, build confidence in your problem-solving approach, and develop a checklist system to catch errors before you submit your answer.

Most students benefit from taking 4-6 full practice tests over the course of their ACT preparation. This gives you enough data to spot patterns in your mistakes without overdoing it to the point of burnout. The first practice test shows you where you stand; the middle tests help you track improvement and test different strategies; the final tests build confidence and simulate test day conditions.

Just as important as taking tests is reviewing them with expert guidance. Working with a tutor, you can analyze each missed question to understand the root cause—was it a careless mistake, a conceptual misunderstanding, or a strategy issue? This targeted review is what actually drives improvement.

About 60% of ACT Math questions focus on algebra and functions, while geometry and trigonometry make up roughly 40%. This means algebra is your bigger opportunity for improvement, but you can't ignore geometry entirely—getting those questions right can mean the difference between a 30 and a 32.

The right approach is to start by identifying which topics specifically give you trouble. Some students struggle with quadratic equations; others freeze on coordinate geometry. Tutors can use your practice test results to pinpoint your exact weak spots, so you're not wasting time reviewing topics you already know well. This personalized focus is what makes the difference for Queens students preparing for test day.

Test anxiety on ACT Math usually comes from one of two places: fear of time running out, or fear of encountering a question you don't know how to solve. The antidote to both is preparation and strategy. When you've practiced the same question types dozens of times, your brain can handle the pressure better. When you have a clear strategy for hard questions (like skipping and coming back), you feel more in control.

Expert tutors also teach breathing and mindset techniques that calm your nervous system during the test. Learning to recognize when you're spiraling on a problem and having permission to move on—rather than sitting there stressed—is a game-changer. With the right preparation and mental tools, you can walk into test day feeling confident rather than anxious.

Ideally, start 3-4 months before your test date if you want meaningful improvement. This gives you time to take a diagnostic practice test, work through your weak areas systematically, and take multiple full tests to track progress. If you're closer to your test date, even 6-8 weeks of focused tutoring can help you refine your strategy and boost your score.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who can work around your schedule and adjust the pace of preparation to fit your needs. Whether you're starting from scratch or polishing your score from a 30 to a 32, a personalized 1-on-1 approach for students in Queens means you get a plan that matches your timeline and goals.