ACT Math gives you 60 minutes for 60 questions, which means pacing is critical. Expert tutors help you develop a strategy that matches your strengths—some students tackle easier questions first to build confidence, while others work through problems in order. You'll also learn to recognize which questions typically take longer and practice techniques like plugging in answer choices or working backwards to save time on harder problems.

The best way is to take a full practice test under timed conditions and analyze your results by topic—you'll quickly see whether you're struggling with algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or something else. Tutors can dive deeper into your mistakes to determine if it's a conceptual gap or a careless error, then build a personalized study plan. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who specialize in ACT Math and can pinpoint exactly where to focus your effort.

Most students benefit from taking 3-5 full practice tests spaced throughout their preparation, with at least one under strict timed conditions close to test day. Between full tests, focus on targeted practice with specific question types and topics where you're weaker. A tutor can help you use practice tests strategically—not just to measure progress, but to identify patterns in your mistakes and refine your approach.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unsure of your strategy, both of which tutoring directly addresses. By building genuine competence in the topics that worry you most and practicing under timed conditions repeatedly, you'll develop confidence that carries into test day. Tutors also teach stress-management techniques and help you develop a realistic game plan for the test, which reduces the mental overwhelm many students experience.

ACT Math questions test the same concepts you learn in school, but they often require you to apply knowledge in less straightforward ways. You might need to set up your own equations, work with unfamiliar contexts, or combine multiple concepts in one problem. Expert tutors teach you to recognize common question patterns and the specific strategies that work best for each type, so you can approach test questions with confidence rather than confusion.

If you're aiming for a competitive score, most students benefit from 4-6 weeks of focused preparation, with 3-5 hours per week of study time. Your timeline depends on your starting score and target score—students starting further behind may need 8-12 weeks. A tutor can help you create a realistic schedule that fits your school and extracurricular commitments, and adjust it based on your progress through practice tests.

Your first session focuses on understanding where you stand and what you need. You'll likely take a practice test or review past results, discuss your target score, and talk about which topics feel most challenging. From there, a tutor can outline a personalized plan that addresses your specific gaps and fits your timeline, so you're not wasting time on material you already know.