Your first session focuses on understanding where you stand and what you need most. A tutor will likely review your practice test results, discuss your target score, and identify patterns in the types of problems you're missing—whether it's calculator-allowed questions, grid-in problems, or conceptual gaps. This diagnostic approach means your tutoring plan is tailored to your specific challenges rather than generic test prep.

The biggest hurdles are typically pacing (running out of time on harder problems), misunderstanding what questions are asking, and gaps in foundational algebra and geometry concepts. Many students also struggle with the transition between calculator and no-calculator sections, or they miss "trap" answers designed to catch common mistakes. A tutor can help you recognize these patterns in your own work and develop strategies to avoid them.

Effective pacing starts with knowing your strengths—spend less time on easy problems and save more time for harder ones where you're likely to gain points. Practice tests are essential here; they help you learn how fast you naturally work and where you tend to get stuck. A tutor can teach you strategic skipping, help you recognize which problem types you should tackle first, and build your confidence on harder questions so you don't waste time second-guessing yourself.

Practice tests are crucial—they're the most accurate way to predict your actual test day score and identify which concepts or question formats trip you up. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions helps you build stamina and reveals patterns in your mistakes that targeted tutoring can address. Most students benefit from taking 4-6 practice tests during their prep period, with a tutor helping you analyze what went wrong and why.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or uncertain about how to approach unfamiliar problems. Working with a tutor builds genuine confidence by ensuring you understand the concepts, recognize question patterns, and have proven strategies for tackling tough problems. Knowing you've practiced similar questions and have a plan for managing your time and emotions can significantly reduce anxiety on test day.

Look for someone with strong math knowledge who also understands the SAT specifically—how College Board designs questions, common traps, and what strategies actually work. Experience helping students improve their scores and the ability to explain concepts clearly are equally important. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have proven track records in SAT Math preparation and can adapt their teaching to your learning style.

Most students benefit from 2-4 tutoring sessions per week combined with independent practice between sessions—typically 5-10 hours of total prep time weekly over 8-12 weeks. The exact schedule depends on your starting score and target, but consistency matters more than cramming. A tutor can help you create a realistic study plan that fits your schedule and builds momentum toward test day.