Students often struggle with the transition from procedural to conceptual thinking—especially when tackling proofs, complex multi-step problems, and applications that require connecting multiple mathematical ideas. Word problems and interpreting what a question is really asking can be particularly challenging. Many students also experience math anxiety when facing unfamiliar problem types, which can make it harder to recognize patterns and apply strategies they've already learned.

Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to identify exactly where your understanding breaks down—whether it's a specific concept, your problem-solving approach, or test-taking strategy. Tutors can slow down on difficult topics, help you see connections between ideas, and teach you how to show your work in ways that earn full credit on IB exams. This targeted support builds confidence and helps you move from memorizing steps to truly understanding the mathematics.

Your first session will focus on understanding where you are right now—what concepts feel solid, where you're struggling, and what your specific goals are (whether that's improving exam scores, mastering a particular unit, or building overall confidence). The tutor will likely work through a few problems with you to see your problem-solving process and identify patterns in how you approach challenges. This assessment helps create a personalized plan tailored to your needs.

Proofs require a different mindset than computational problems—you need to think about logical structure and justification, not just get an answer. Tutors can teach you strategies for approaching proofs (like working backward from what you want to prove or identifying key theorems to apply), help you practice writing clear, rigorous arguments, and give you feedback on your reasoning. Over time, this builds the mathematical maturity that makes proofs feel less intimidating and more like puzzle-solving.

Word problems require you to translate real-world situations into mathematical language—a skill that's separate from just knowing how to solve equations. Many students rush through reading or don't identify what information is actually relevant. Tutors can teach you a systematic approach: breaking down the problem, identifying what you're solving for, sketching diagrams when helpful, and checking whether your answer makes sense in context. With practice, you'll start seeing the mathematical structure in word problems more naturally.

Look for tutors who have strong experience with the IB curriculum specifically—they should understand the course structure, exam format, and what IB examiners are looking for. Ideally, they've helped other students prepare for IB exams or have taught IB mathematics. Beyond credentials, a good tutor can explain concepts clearly, adapt their teaching style to how you learn best, and help you build confidence alongside skills.

Yes, Varsity Tutors connects students in Provo with expert tutors who specialize in IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches. With 33 schools across 4 school districts in the Provo area, there's strong demand for IB support, and tutors are available to work with you at times and in ways that fit your schedule. You can get matched with a tutor who understands both the IB curriculum and what Provo students need to succeed.