Your first session focuses on understanding where you stand and what you need. A tutor will likely review your recent practice test scores, discuss which question types feel most challenging, and assess whether your struggles are conceptual (not understanding the math) or strategic (understanding the math but running out of time). From there, they'll create a personalized plan tailored to your goals and timeline.

Pacing is one of the most common challenges on SAT Math, and tutors address it through deliberate practice with timed sections and full tests. A tutor can teach you which questions to tackle first, how to recognize when to skip and return to a problem, and techniques for solving problems efficiently without sacrificing accuracy. Over time, these strategies become automatic, so you're not thinking about the clock during the actual test.

The SAT Math section includes multiple-choice questions, student-produced responses (grid-ins), and questions embedded in real-world scenarios. Most students benefit from understanding the specific format of each question type and practicing them separately before tackling mixed sets. A tutor can identify which formats trip you up most—for example, some students struggle with grid-in questions because they're unfamiliar with the format, not because they can't do the math.

The most reliable way is to take a full practice test under timed conditions, then review every problem you missed or took too long on. Look for patterns: Are you missing algebra questions? Geometry? Word problems? A tutor can help you analyze these patterns more systematically and prioritize which topics to study first based on how frequently they appear on the test and how much time you have before test day.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unsure of your approach to problems. Tutoring builds confidence through repeated, successful practice with challenging material and proven strategies. When you've practiced hundreds of similar problems and know exactly what to do when you encounter a tricky question, the anxiety naturally decreases. A tutor can also help you develop mental strategies for staying calm and focused during the actual test.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of consistent preparation, though this varies based on your starting score and target score. If you're aiming for a significant improvement, starting earlier gives you time to master foundational concepts and practice extensively. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can assess your timeline and create a realistic study schedule that fits your situation, whether you have 2 months or 6 months before test day.

Look for tutors with strong SAT Math scores themselves, experience teaching test prep, and familiarity with the current SAT format. It's also valuable to work with someone who understands different learning styles and can explain concepts in multiple ways. When you connect with Varsity Tutors, we match you with tutors who have proven expertise in SAT Math and a track record of helping students improve their scores.