The ACT Math section gives you 60 minutes for 60 questions—about one minute per question. Many students struggle with timing because they spend too long on difficult problems early on. Effective strategies include: tackling easier questions first to build confidence, flagging hard problems and returning to them, and knowing when to make an educated guess rather than get stuck. A tutor can help you practice these strategies under timed conditions and identify which question types consistently slow you down.

ACT Math covers pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and functions. Most students find trigonometry and advanced algebra concepts most challenging, while others struggle with word problems that require translating real-world scenarios into equations. The best first step is taking a full-length practice test to identify which topics and question types trip you up. Varsity Tutors can connect you with tutors who specialize in ACT Math and can focus on your specific problem areas rather than reviewing material you already know.

Your first session typically focuses on assessment and planning. The tutor will review your current ACT Math score (or have you take a practice test), discuss your target score and timeline, and identify which topics need the most work. You'll also talk about your test-taking habits—like pacing issues, anxiety triggers, or specific question formats that confuse you. From there, the tutor creates a personalized study plan and you'll start working on your weakest areas with targeted practice and strategy coaching.

Practice tests are essential—they're the closest thing to the real test and help you identify weak areas, get comfortable with the format, and practice pacing under realistic time pressure. Most students benefit from taking one full practice test every 1-2 weeks during their prep period, then reviewing mistakes to understand what went wrong. A tutor can help you interpret your practice test results, prioritize which mistakes matter most, and adjust your study plan accordingly. This targeted approach is much more efficient than random practice.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unsure of your strategies. Working with a tutor builds genuine confidence through targeted skill-building and repeated practice under timed conditions. You'll learn specific strategies for managing stress during the test—like which problems to skip, how to pace yourself, and how to refocus when you feel stuck. As you practice more and see improvement, anxiety naturally decreases. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors experienced in helping students build both math skills and test-day confidence.

ACT Math questions test conceptual understanding and problem-solving speed in ways that differ from typical classroom tests. They often require multiple steps, involve real-world scenarios, or test whether you can recognize which concept applies. Many students know the math but struggle to quickly identify what's being asked or which approach to use. A tutor can teach you to recognize question patterns, decode complex wording, and develop mental shortcuts that save time. This test-specific strategy training is one of the biggest advantages of working with an ACT-focused tutor.

Most students benefit from 3-6 months of preparation, with the intensity depending on your starting score and target. A typical schedule includes meeting with a tutor 1-2 times per week for focused instruction, plus 3-5 hours of independent practice between sessions. This combination gives you expert guidance while building the repetition and retrieval practice that solidifies skills. Your tutor can adjust the frequency and intensity based on your progress and how much time you have before test day.