The biggest challenges are typically pacing (60 questions in 60 minutes leaves little room for error) and recognizing question formats quickly. Many students also struggle with algebra and trigonometry concepts, or lose points due to careless errors when working fast. A tutor can help you develop strategies to manage time effectively, practice under timed conditions, and build confidence in the question types that trip you up most.

Your first session focuses on understanding your current skill level and test-taking habits. Expect to review your recent practice test results, discuss which topics feel strongest and weakest, and talk about your timeline and score goals. From there, a tutor can create a personalized study plan that targets your specific needs—whether that's foundational concept review, advanced problem-solving, or pure test strategy.

Practice tests are essential—they're the best way to identify weak areas, build test stamina, and get comfortable with the pacing and format. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions helps you discover whether you're struggling with specific math topics or just rushing through problems. A tutor can review your practice test results with you, pinpoint patterns in your mistakes, and adjust your study plan accordingly.

Pacing is one of the most learnable skills on the ACT. Effective strategies include: spending 30-45 seconds on easier problems and flagging harder ones to revisit, recognizing question patterns so you solve faster, and knowing when to guess strategically rather than get stuck. A tutor can teach you these techniques, help you practice with a timer, and build your confidence so you're not rushing due to anxiety.

Look for tutors with strong math backgrounds and specific ACT prep experience—they should understand the test format, common pitfalls, and effective strategies beyond just knowing the content. Ideally, they've worked with multiple students on ACT prep and can show you their approach to test-taking strategy, not just math tutoring. Varsity Tutors connects you with experienced tutors for students in Knoxville who specialize in ACT Math and understand what it takes to improve your score.

Most students benefit from 4-12 weeks of focused prep, depending on their starting score and target. If you're aiming for a significant improvement, 8-12 weeks with 3-5 hours of study per week (including tutoring and practice tests) is realistic. Starting earlier gives you time to identify weak areas, learn new strategies, and build confidence through repeated practice.

Yes—a lot of test anxiety comes from feeling unprepared or uncertain about what to expect. Working through practice tests with a tutor, learning proven test-taking strategies, and building familiarity with question types all reduce anxiety significantly. When you know you've practiced thoroughly and have a solid plan for tackling the section, you'll feel more confident walking into test day.