The ACT Math section gives you 60 minutes for 60 questions, which means you have about one minute per question—but some problems require more time than others. Many students struggle with pacing because they either spend too long on difficult problems and run out of time, or rush through easier ones and make careless mistakes. A tutor can help you develop a personalized strategy: which questions to tackle first, how to spot when a problem is taking too long, and which types of questions you should skip and return to later.

The best way is to take a full practice test under timed conditions, then review it carefully to identify patterns in your wrong answers. Are you missing algebra problems, geometry questions, or specific question types like word problems? Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can analyze your practice test results and pinpoint exactly which concepts need work. Rather than reviewing all of ACT Math, you'll focus your study time on the areas that will actually move your score.

Your first session is about assessment and planning. A tutor will review your current ACT Math score (or a practice test), understand your goals, and identify which topics are causing the most trouble. You'll discuss your timeline for test day, your learning style, and what strategies have or haven't worked in the past. From there, you'll build a focused study plan that targets your specific weak areas rather than wasting time on concepts you already know.

Practice tests are essential—they're the most accurate way to measure progress and get comfortable with the real test format and timing. Taking full, timed practice tests regularly helps you identify weak areas, build pacing skills, and reduce test anxiety. A tutor can help you use practice tests strategically: reviewing your mistakes to understand why you missed each question, adjusting your approach based on patterns, and tracking improvement over time. Most students benefit from taking 3-5 full practice tests during their preparation.

Test anxiety often comes from feeling unprepared or unsure about how to approach problems. Working with a tutor builds confidence through targeted practice on your specific weak areas, learning reliable problem-solving strategies, and getting comfortable with the test format. As you practice and see improvement, anxiety naturally decreases. Tutors can also teach you practical strategies for staying calm during the test, like how to manage difficult problems without panicking and how to use your time wisely.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of focused preparation, with 3-5 hours per week of study time. If you're starting with a lower score or have significant weak areas, you might want 12-16 weeks. A tutor can help you create a realistic study schedule based on your current level, your target score, and how much time you can commit each week. Consistency matters more than cramming—steady, focused practice over several weeks produces better results than last-minute intensive studying.

Look for a tutor with strong ACT Math expertise who understands both the content and the test format itself. They should be able to explain concepts clearly, identify your specific weak areas quickly, and teach you strategies that work for how your brain processes math. Varsity Tutors connects you with experienced tutors for students in Austin who have a track record helping students improve their ACT Math scores. In your first session, you'll get a sense of whether the teaching style clicks with how you learn.