Your first session is about understanding where you stand. A tutor will likely review your practice test results, discuss which question types give you the most trouble, and assess whether your challenges are conceptual (not understanding the math) or strategic (running out of time, misreading questions). This diagnostic helps create a personalized plan tailored to your specific needs rather than generic test prep.

Pacing is one of the most common challenges students face, and it's very fixable with targeted practice. A tutor can teach you how to quickly identify easier vs. harder questions, which ones to tackle first, and when to skip and return to a problem—strategies that save crucial minutes. Working through practice sections with a timer, then analyzing where you lost time, helps you develop a rhythm that works for your speed and accuracy.

The best way is to take a full practice test under timed conditions, then review every question you missed or guessed on—not just to see the answer, but to understand why you got it wrong. A tutor can help you spot patterns (e.g., "I consistently miss quadratic equation problems" or "I rush through word problems") and prioritize which topics to study based on how often they appear on the test and how much they're dragging down your score.

Absolutely. Much of test anxiety comes from feeling unprepared or encountering unfamiliar question formats, both of which tutoring directly addresses. By practicing with real SAT questions, learning strategic approaches, and building a track record of solving problems correctly, you develop genuine confidence—not just reassurance, but the real kind that comes from knowing you can handle what the test throws at you.

Most students benefit from taking 3-5 full practice tests spaced throughout their study period, with the final one 1-2 weeks before test day. Each practice test serves a purpose: early ones help identify weak areas, middle ones let you practice strategies, and later ones build stamina and confidence. A tutor can help you use practice tests strategically—reviewing them to spot patterns rather than just taking them repeatedly.

Look for someone who has strong math knowledge and, ideally, specific experience teaching SAT content. They should understand the test's unique question formats and time constraints, not just general math tutoring. It's also important that they can explain concepts clearly and adapt their teaching style to how you learn—whether you need foundational math review or just strategy refinement.

A typical effective schedule involves 3-4 tutoring sessions per week for 8-12 weeks, combined with independent practice between sessions. Early weeks focus on diagnosing weak areas and building foundational skills; middle weeks emphasize practice and strategy; final weeks involve full practice tests and confidence building. A tutor can help you create a realistic schedule that fits your school and activities while giving you enough time to internalize new strategies.