The biggest hurdles are pacing (running out of time on the last 5-10 questions), misunderstanding what a question is asking, and gaps in foundational algebra or geometry concepts. Many students also struggle with the transition from calculator to no-calculator sections, or they know the math but second-guess themselves under pressure. A tutor can help you develop a personalized pacing strategy, practice efficient problem-solving, and build the confidence that comes from understanding exactly why each answer is correct.

Your first session is all about assessment and planning. A tutor will review your practice test results, discuss your target score and timeline, and identify which math topics need the most work. You'll likely take a diagnostic quiz or work through a few problems together so the tutor can see your problem-solving approach and pinpoint whether mistakes come from conceptual gaps, careless errors, or time management issues. From there, you'll build a focused study plan tailored to your needs.

Practice tests are essential—they're the best way to identify weak areas, get comfortable with the question format, and practice pacing under real test conditions. Most students benefit from taking a full practice test every 1-2 weeks, then reviewing mistakes with a tutor to understand what went wrong. Between full tests, focusing on targeted practice in your weakest areas is more efficient than random studying. A tutor can help you interpret your results and adjust your study plan based on patterns in your mistakes.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty—not knowing if you'll recognize question types or whether you have time to finish. Tutoring builds confidence through repetition and mastery; when you've solved dozens of similar problems and understand the underlying concepts, the test feels less intimidating. A tutor can also teach you specific strategies like process of elimination, checking your work efficiently, and managing your mental state during the exam. Many students find that knowing they have a plan and have practiced extensively is the biggest confidence booster.

Look for someone with proven SAT Math expertise—ideally someone who has scored well on the test themselves and has experience teaching the specific topics that challenge you. They should be familiar with current SAT format and question types, and able to explain concepts clearly rather than just giving you answers. It's also helpful if they can adapt their teaching style to how you learn best, whether that's visual explanations, working through practice problems, or discussing strategy. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have strong backgrounds in math and test prep experience.

A typical prep timeline is 8-12 weeks, meeting with a tutor 1-2 times per week while doing independent practice in between. If you're starting with a lower score or have significant gaps, you might benefit from more frequent sessions early on. The key is consistency—regular, focused study beats cramming. Your tutor can help you create a realistic schedule based on your current score, target score, and test date, and adjust the pace if you're making faster or slower progress than expected.

The no-calculator section tests your conceptual understanding and mental math skills, while the calculator section often involves more complex computations and data interpretation. Success on both requires understanding the math deeply—the calculator is a tool, not a crutch. A tutor can help you develop efficient strategies for each: building speed and accuracy without a calculator through practice, and learning when and how to use a calculator effectively (many students waste time with it). Practicing both sections separately, then together under timed conditions, is the best preparation.