Pacing is one of the biggest challenges students face, since you have about 1.4 minutes per question. A tutor can help you identify which question types slow you down most and teach you strategic shortcuts for different problem categories. Practice under timed conditions is essential—working through full practice tests helps you build speed while maintaining accuracy, rather than rushing and making careless mistakes.

The best way is to take a full practice test under timed conditions, then analyze your results by topic area—algebra, advanced math, problem-solving, geometry, trigonometry, and data analysis. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can review your practice tests, identify patterns in your mistakes, and create a targeted study plan that prioritizes your biggest gaps. This personalized approach is much more efficient than trying to study everything equally.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with question formats or lack of confidence in your problem-solving skills. Working with a tutor builds both competence and confidence through repeated exposure to different problem types and proven strategies. As you practice and see improvement, anxiety naturally decreases—you're no longer facing unknown territory, but rather familiar challenges you've trained for.

The SAT includes multiple-choice questions, student-produced responses (grid-ins), and questions that require you to work through multi-step problems. Each format has its own strategy—for example, multiple-choice lets you use elimination and backsolving, while grid-ins require careful attention to how you enter your answer. A tutor can teach you format-specific approaches and help you practice recognizing which strategy works best for each problem type.

Most students benefit from 3-5 hours of focused preparation per week over 8-12 weeks before test day. The exact timeline depends on your starting score and target score, but consistency matters more than cramming. A tutor can help you create a realistic study schedule that fits your school and extracurricular commitments, ensuring you're making steady progress without burning out.

Practice tests serve two critical purposes: they help you get comfortable with the test format and timing, and they provide data about exactly where you're making mistakes. Taking practice tests under real timed conditions reveals whether you're struggling with specific math concepts or just rushing through problems. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who use your practice test results to guide targeted instruction on the topics that will have the biggest impact on your score.

Look for tutors with strong math backgrounds, direct experience teaching SAT prep, and a track record of helping students improve their scores. It's also important that your tutor understands your learning style and can explain concepts in ways that click for you. Varsity Tutors matches you with expert tutors who specialize in SAT Math and can provide personalized instruction tailored to your specific needs and goals.