Most students struggle with pacing because they either rush through problems and make careless errors, or spend too long on difficult questions and run out of time. The key is learning to recognize question types quickly, knowing when to skip a hard problem and come back to it, and practicing with real SAT tests under timed conditions. A tutor can help you develop a personalized pacing strategy based on your strengths—for example, if you're strong in algebra but weak in geometry, you might allocate your time differently than another student would.

The best way is to take a full practice SAT Math section and review every single problem you missed or guessed on, noting the topic (algebra, functions, geometry, trigonometry, etc.). You'll quickly see patterns—maybe you consistently miss word problems, or you struggle with quadratic equations. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can analyze your practice test results and create a focused study plan that prioritizes your biggest gaps, so you're not wasting time on concepts you already know.

Your tutor will start by understanding your current level, goals, and timeline—whether you're taking the SAT in 6 weeks or 6 months makes a big difference in strategy. They'll likely have you work through a few SAT Math problems to see your approach, identify where you get stuck, and learn about any test anxiety or confidence issues. From there, they'll create a personalized plan that might include targeted skill-building, practice test review, or test-taking strategy work, depending on what you need most.

Test anxiety often comes from feeling unprepared or unsure of your approach, so tutoring builds confidence by giving you a clear strategy and lots of practice with real SAT problems. Your tutor can teach you specific techniques like how to manage your time so you're not rushing, how to skip difficult problems without panic, and how to use your scratch paper effectively. Many students also benefit from practicing under timed, test-like conditions with their tutor present, which reduces anxiety on test day because the format feels familiar.

Most students benefit from taking 3-5 full practice SATs spread throughout their study period, with at least one or two in the final 2-3 weeks before test day. The goal isn't to take as many as possible—it's to take them strategically, review your mistakes thoroughly, and adjust your study plan based on what you learn. Your tutor can help you space out practice tests, analyze your results to identify patterns, and focus your studying between tests on the areas where you're losing the most points.

Not necessarily—some problems are actually faster and more accurate to solve by hand, while others require a calculator. Part of SAT Math strategy is knowing which tool to use when, which takes practice. Your tutor can show you which problem types benefit from calculator use versus mental math or pencil-and-paper work, and help you practice both approaches so you develop good instincts during the real test.

Look for tutors with strong math backgrounds (ideally a degree in math or a related field) and proven experience teaching SAT prep—they should understand the test format, timing, and strategy, not just math concepts. It also helps if they've worked with students in Raleigh's school districts and understand the curriculum your school uses. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in SAT Math and can provide references from other students they've helped improve their scores.