Timing is one of the biggest challenges students face—you have about 1 minute 25 seconds per question on average. Expert tutors help you develop a strategic approach: tackling easier questions first, knowing when to skip and return, and practicing with real time constraints. They'll also teach you which problem types tend to be faster for you personally, so you can optimize your test day approach.

Columbus students often struggle with algebra (especially multi-step equations and systems), word problems (translating English into math), and geometry/trigonometry concepts. Many also miss questions due to careless errors or misreading what's being asked rather than lacking the actual math skills. A tutor can pinpoint which category is holding you back and build targeted practice around those specific concepts.

Practice tests are essential—they're the best way to identify weak areas, get comfortable with the question format, and build test-day stamina. Ideally, you'll take full-length practice tests under timed conditions, then review every single problem you missed or guessed on. Tutors use practice test results to guide your study plan and track your progress over time, ensuring you're improving in the right areas.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or uncertain about your approach. Working with a tutor builds genuine confidence through repeated practice, mastery of specific skills, and learning proven test-taking strategies. You'll also develop a calm mindset by practicing under timed conditions regularly, so test day feels familiar rather than overwhelming.

Yes—the SAT Math section includes multiple choice, student-produced response (grid-in), and increasingly, questions requiring you to understand graphs and data. Each format has its own tricks: multiple choice lets you check answers by substitution, while grid-in questions require careful attention to decimal placement and rounding. Tutors teach you the specific strategies for each format so you're not wasting time on the test figuring out how to approach a question.

Most students benefit from 3-4 months of consistent preparation, studying 5-8 hours per week. If you're starting with a lower score or aiming for a top school, 4-6 months is ideal. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can create a personalized study plan based on your target score, current level, and timeline—so you're not over- or under-preparing.

Your first session focuses on assessment and planning. The tutor will likely review your practice test results (or administer a diagnostic), discuss your target score and timeline, and identify your biggest challenge areas. From there, they'll create a customized study plan that prioritizes the topics and question types that will give you the biggest score boost, so your tutoring time is spent efficiently on what matters most.