Pacing is one of the biggest challenges students face, since you have about 1.4 minutes per question. Tutors help you develop strategies like identifying which questions to tackle first, knowing when to skip and return later, and practicing with real time constraints. Learning to recognize question types quickly and match them to your strongest problem-solving approaches makes a huge difference in completing the section without rushing.

The best way is to take a full practice test under timed conditions, then review every question you missed or guessed on to identify patterns. Are you struggling with algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or word problems? Once you pinpoint your weak areas, personalized tutoring lets you drill those specific topics intensively rather than reviewing material you already know. This targeted approach saves time and accelerates improvement.

Your first session focuses on assessment and planning. Tutors will review your current SAT Math performance, discuss your goals and timeline, and identify your strongest and weakest areas. From there, you'll develop a personalized study plan that targets your specific challenges while building on what you already do well. This foundation ensures every session after that is focused and productive.

Practice tests are essential—they're the closest thing to the real test and help you identify gaps, build stamina, and get comfortable with timing and question formats. Most students benefit from taking 3-5 full practice tests throughout their prep, with tutors helping you analyze what went wrong and why. Regular practice testing combined with targeted review of mistakes is one of the most effective ways to improve your score.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about whether you can solve problems under pressure. Personalized tutoring builds confidence by helping you master difficult concepts, practice extensively with real questions, and develop mental strategies for staying calm. When you've solved hundreds of similar problems with a tutor's guidance, you approach test day with evidence that you can handle the material—which naturally reduces anxiety.

Most students benefit from 1-2 tutoring sessions per week combined with 3-5 hours of independent practice and review. Your ideal schedule depends on your starting score, target score, and test date. A tutor can help you create a realistic study plan that fits your schedule and maximizes improvement without overwhelming you—consistency matters more than cramming.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in SAT Math and understand the specific challenges Minneapolis students face. You'll work with someone experienced in test prep strategy, pacing techniques, and the exact question formats you'll encounter on test day. The matching process considers your learning style, schedule, and goals to ensure a great fit.