Word problems require you to translate real-world language into mathematical equations—a skill that doesn't always come naturally. Many students know the math but get stuck identifying what operation to use or which information is relevant. Tutors help you develop a systematic approach: identifying what you're solving for, organizing given information, and selecting the right strategy.

With personalized instruction, you'll work through problems at your own pace, learning to spot common patterns (like when to use ratios versus percentages) and building the confidence to handle unfamiliar wording. This targeted practice, combined with feedback on your reasoning process, helps transform word problems from anxiety-inducing to manageable.

The TEAS Math section gives you 54 minutes to complete 36 questions—roughly 1.5 minutes per question. That tight timeframe means you need both accuracy and efficiency, which is challenging when you're second-guessing your approach or recalculating answers.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who help you develop efficient problem-solving strategies and build automaticity with core concepts so you're not wasting mental energy on foundational skills. Through timed practice sessions and strategic problem-solving techniques, you'll learn which questions to tackle first, when to estimate versus calculate exactly, and how to manage test anxiety that often slows you down.

Most students struggle with fractions and percentages, ratio and proportion problems, and multi-step word problems that require translating clinical scenarios into equations. Algebra—especially solving for unknowns in real-world contexts—is another frequent challenge. Additionally, many test-takers underestimate the importance of understanding data interpretation and measurement conversions, which appear regularly on the exam.

For students in Los Angeles preparing for TEAS, personalized tutoring focuses on identifying your specific gaps rather than generic review. Whether you need to strengthen foundational fraction skills or practice application problems, tutors tailor instruction to build both conceptual understanding and test-taking confidence in the areas where you need it most.

Most healthcare program applicants benefit from 4-8 weeks of focused TEAS Math preparation, though your timeline depends on your starting point and target score. If you're applying soon or feel significantly underprepared in math, starting earlier gives you more flexibility to work through concepts thoroughly without cramming.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who assess your current level and create a realistic study plan based on your goals and timeline. Whether you have three months or three weeks before your exam, personalized instruction helps you prioritize the highest-impact topics and practice efficiently so you're not spending time on skills you've already mastered.

Yes, you're allowed to use a basic calculator on most TEAS Math questions, but not all test centers permit the same tools—some provide on-screen calculators while others allow personal calculators. It's important to know your test center's specific policy ahead of time.

More importantly, relying too heavily on a calculator can actually slow you down and lead to mistakes if you miskey numbers. Tutors help you develop number sense and mental math strategies so you know when a calculator is genuinely helpful versus when doing the calculation by hand is faster. This balanced approach means you'll use the calculator strategically rather than defensively, improving both your speed and accuracy on test day.

Varsity Tutors matches you with expert tutors who specialize in TEAS preparation. You share your goals, current challenge areas, and availability, and we connect you with a tutor who fits your needs. The process is straightforward—most students can start meeting with a tutor within days.

Your first session typically includes a skills assessment to identify your strengths and gaps, followed by a personalized study plan focused on the areas where you'll gain the most points. From there, you'll work through targeted instruction, practice problems, and full-length timed sections with feedback to build the confidence and competence you need for test day.