The ACT Math section gives you 60 minutes for 60 questions, so you have about one minute per question on average. A smart approach is to work through easier problems first to build confidence and secure those points, then tackle harder ones with remaining time. Many students benefit from learning to quickly identify which questions to skip and come back to, rather than getting stuck on one difficult problem. A tutor can help you practice this pacing strategy on real ACT problems so it becomes automatic on test day.

The best way is to take a full practice ACT Math section and carefully review which question types you missed—not just the final answer, but why you got it wrong. ACT Math covers algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and data analysis, and most students have stronger areas and weaker ones. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can analyze your practice test results to pinpoint exactly where you're losing points, then build a study plan that prioritizes those topics so you're not wasting time on material you already know.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or panicking when you encounter a difficult question. The best antidote is building genuine confidence through repeated practice with real ACT problems and timed practice tests. Tutors can also teach you concrete strategies like taking deep breaths, skipping tough questions without dwelling on them, and focusing on what you can control. Many students find that doing several full practice tests under timed conditions significantly reduces anxiety on test day because the format feels familiar.

Most students benefit from 4-8 weeks of consistent preparation, spending 30-60 minutes on ACT Math 3-4 times per week. If you're aiming for a significant score improvement or have substantial gaps in foundational skills, you might need longer. The quality of study matters more than quantity—focused practice on your weak areas is more effective than randomly working through problems. A tutor can help you create a realistic timeline based on your current level and target score, then adjust the plan as you progress.

Practice tests serve two critical purposes: they help you identify weak areas and they train you for the actual test-taking experience, including time pressure and question formats. Taking full, timed practice tests is far more valuable than doing random problem sets because it mirrors real test conditions and reveals your pacing issues. After each practice test, reviewing your mistakes is essential—understanding not just the correct answer but why you chose wrong is what drives improvement. Tutors typically use practice test results to guide their instruction and track your progress toward your target score.

Your first session is typically diagnostic and goal-setting focused. Varsity Tutors connects you with a tutor who will assess your current ACT Math level, discuss your target score and timeline, and identify which topics are causing you the most trouble. You might take a practice test or review previous test results together. From there, the tutor will outline a personalized study plan that focuses on your specific needs rather than generic test prep, so your time is spent efficiently on what actually matters for your score.

Look for tutors with strong math backgrounds and proven experience helping students improve ACT scores. Ideally, they should understand the unique challenges of the ACT Math section—not just high school math—and be able to explain concepts clearly and teach test-taking strategies. When you connect with Varsity Tutors, you're matched with tutors who have demonstrated expertise in ACT preparation and can provide personalized instruction tailored to your learning style and goals. Many students find that a tutor's ability to identify why they're missing questions matters more than raw math knowledge.