Your first session focuses on assessment and goal-setting. The tutor will review your practice test scores, identify patterns in the types of questions you're missing, and understand your timeline for test day. You'll also discuss your target score and any specific concerns—like timing issues or particular math topics that feel shaky. This foundation helps create a customized tutoring plan tailored to your needs.

Pacing is one of the most common challenges on SAT Math—you have 80 minutes for 58 questions. Expert tutors teach you strategies like identifying easier vs. harder questions, knowing when to skip and come back, and practicing with strict time limits to build speed without sacrificing accuracy. They'll also help you recognize which question types eat up your time and develop techniques to work through them more efficiently.

Practice tests are essential—they're the best way to identify weak areas, get comfortable with the test format, and build stamina for the full 3+ hour exam. Varsity Tutors recommends taking full-length practice tests every 1-2 weeks and reviewing them thoroughly with your tutor to understand why you missed questions. This data-driven approach ensures your tutoring sessions focus on the math concepts and strategies that will have the biggest impact on your score.

For Indianapolis students, the most frequent struggles include word problems (especially those requiring multi-step reasoning), geometry and trigonometry questions, and managing test anxiety under time pressure. Many students also struggle with the test's specific question formats—like grid-ins or questions with multiple correct answers—even when they know the underlying math. Expert tutors focus on both content mastery and strategic approaches to tackle these challenges head-on.

Absolutely. Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unfamiliar with question formats, both of which tutoring directly addresses. By building confidence through targeted practice, learning proven test-taking strategies, and simulating real test conditions, you'll feel more in control on test day. Tutors also teach techniques like pacing yourself to avoid panic and managing your mindset when you encounter a difficult question.

Look for tutors with strong math backgrounds, proven SAT prep experience, and a track record of helping students improve their scores. The best tutors understand not just the math content but also the SAT's specific format, timing demands, and question patterns. When you connect with Varsity Tutors, we match you with expert tutors who have demonstrated success in SAT Math preparation and can adapt their teaching to your learning style.

Most students benefit from 1-2 tutoring sessions per week combined with 5-7 hours of independent practice, depending on your target score and starting point. A typical 8-12 week preparation timeline allows time for skill-building, practice tests, and refinement. Your tutor will help you create a realistic schedule that fits your school commitments—especially important for Indianapolis students juggling coursework and extracurriculars.