The first session is about understanding where you are and where you want to go. A tutor will assess your current skills, identify specific gaps (whether it's solving equations, graphing, or word problems), and learn about your learning style. This helps create a personalized plan focused on your biggest challenges. You'll leave with clarity on what to work on and a clear path forward.

Showing work isn't just about getting credit—it helps you catch your own mistakes and develop problem-solving strategies you can use on any problem. A tutor will model how to organize steps clearly, ask you to explain your reasoning out loud, and help you see patterns in how problems are solved. Over time, this builds habits that make you a stronger, more independent problem-solver.

Yes. With 250 schools across Memphis using different approaches and materials, tutors are experienced working with various curricula—whether your school uses traditional textbooks, online platforms, or project-based learning. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who understand your specific curriculum and can align their instruction with what you're learning in class, making tutoring reinforcement rather than starting from scratch.

Absolutely. Math anxiety often comes from past struggles or feeling lost in class—and 1-on-1 instruction directly addresses both. Working with a tutor in a low-pressure environment lets you ask questions without judgment, build confidence through small wins, and develop a growth mindset about math. As you understand concepts better and see your progress, anxiety naturally decreases.

For word problems, a tutor helps you develop a strategy: read carefully, identify what you know and what you're looking for, then translate into math. For graphing, tutors connect it to the bigger picture—showing how equations, tables, and graphs all represent the same relationship. By working through multiple examples and discussing the 'why' behind each step, students see patterns and gain the flexibility to tackle new problems independently.

Many students see noticeable improvements in understanding and confidence within 3-4 weeks of consistent tutoring, especially when they're working on specific, targeted skills. Grade improvements often follow as conceptual understanding strengthens. The timeline depends on where you're starting and how frequently you meet, but regular 1-on-1 instruction accelerates progress because tutors adapt in real-time to your learning needs.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have strong backgrounds in mathematics—many are teachers, engineers, or math specialists with years of experience. They understand algebra deeply and know how to explain it in ways that make sense to different learners. Each tutor is vetted and matched based on your specific needs and learning style, ensuring a productive fit from day one.