Award-Winning ACT Math Tutors
serving Des Moines, IA
ACT Math
Tutors in Des Moines
Private 1-on-1 tutoring, weekly live classes for academic support, test prep & enrichment, practice tests and diagnostics, and more to elevate grades and test scores.
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I'm Lizz, a middle school math teacher working in Chicago Public Schools. I love to see students go from describing themselves as "not a math person" to feeling like they meet exciting challenges in math and other parts of their lives. Even though I love working in the classroom, I feel like tutoring allows me to make more of an impact and connect with students.
The ACT Math section covers a wide spread from pre-algebra through trigonometry, but the real challenge is pacing — 60 questions in 60 minutes leaves no room for getting stuck. Dana, who earned a 36 composite, teaches students to triage problems by difficulty and use strategic shortcuts on coordinate geometry and systems of equations. Her approach turns the time constraint from a source of panic into a manageable rhythm.
Most ACT Math questions below #40 test concepts students already know — the points get lost to pacing mistakes and misread setups, not missing knowledge. Asta, who scored a 35 ACT composite, coaches students to identify exactly what each problem is asking before touching their calculator, a habit that cleans up the careless errors that quietly drag scores down. Her 5.0 rating speaks to how well that disciplined, read-first approach clicks during timed practice.
Scoring high on ACT Math means handling 60 questions in 60 minutes, which leaves no room for getting stuck on coordinate geometry or probability problems. Anna earned a perfect 36 ACT composite and teaches a triage strategy — identifying which questions to solve immediately, which to set up and return to, and which to skip strategically. That pacing discipline is often the difference between a 30 and a 34+.
I am in my second year at MIT studying mathematics, and I am currently doing a research project in Spectral Graph Theory. I have been a tutor since my junior year in high school, and I enjoy teaching all levels of math; everything from pre-algebra through calculus and linear algebra! I focus primarily on making sure that the definitions and processes given in class make intuitive sense, so that math can begin to feel like second nature.
I'm a recent college graduate with degrees in Biological Sciences and Russian from Ohio University. During my time there, I tutored students in a variety of subjects, including biology, chemistry, and Spanish. In addition, I worked as both a peer advisor and teaching assistant, which gives me insight into the learning strategies and study skills that students need to succeed. As a tutor, I like to focus on doing actual problems with students because it is the most effective way to immediately identify their strengths and weaknesses and to address them. In my free time, I like to lift weights, read books, and spend time with my friends.
Research in astrophysics and optical engineering means Dennis spends his days doing math that's orders of magnitude harder than anything on the ACT — so the algebra, trigonometry, and coordinate geometry across all 60 questions feel like second nature to him. He teaches students to read each problem for what it's actually asking, cutting through the extra wording that turns a simple calculation into a time sink. His 36 ACT composite and 4.7 rating back up the approach.
Most ACT Math questions reward quick recognition over deep calculation — knowing instantly whether a problem is testing coordinate geometry, function behavior, or a ratio setup. Logan's 36 ACT composite came from exactly that kind of systematic categorization, and he teaches students to classify each of the 60 questions within seconds so they spend their time solving, not figuring out what's being asked. Rated 5.0 by students.
Scoring high on ACT Math isn't about knowing advanced topics — it's about moving through algebra, coordinate geometry, and trigonometry questions with speed and confidence. Alyssa earned a 35 ACT composite and brings a systematic approach to identifying what each problem is really testing, so students stop second-guessing and start finishing sections with time to spare.
Chemical engineering at Michigan means Edward solves problems daily where algebra, trig, and unit conversions aren't textbook exercises — they're how you size a heat exchanger or model fluid flow. That applied math instinct, paired with a 36 ACT composite, lets him show students the fastest way to decode each of the 60 questions rather than grinding through every calculation from scratch. Rated 4.8 by students.
David's computer science training built the kind of systematic problem-solving instinct that pays off on ACT Math — he treats each question as a logic puzzle, identifying the shortest path to the answer before touching his calculator. That approach, combined with his own 36 ACT composite, means he can teach students to recognize when a geometry or trig problem is really just an algebra problem in disguise. Rated 5.0 by students.
I am a recent magna cum laude graduate of Duke University and a full-time educator in North Carolina. I have a passion for helping young people figure things out and have experience writing professionally.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Score improvement depends on your starting point and commitment level, but most students see meaningful gains within 8-12 weeks of consistent practice. Students who work with a tutor typically improve faster because they can identify and target their specific weak areas—whether that's algebra, geometry, or test-taking strategy—rather than studying broadly. The ACT Math section rewards both accuracy and speed, so a tutor can help you find the right balance for your skill level.
The ACT Math section gives you 60 minutes for 60 questions, so ideally you want to spend about one minute per question—but the questions get harder as you go. A smart strategy is to move quickly through the easier problems you're confident about, then spend extra time on harder ones, and skip any that feel like time-wasters to revisit at the end. A tutor can help you practice this pacing strategy on real ACT problems so it becomes automatic on test day, reducing the panic that often leads to careless mistakes.
The biggest challenges are usually pacing (running out of time), misreading questions, and gaps in algebra or geometry fundamentals. Many students also struggle with word problems because they require translating English into math equations, which takes practice. For students in Des Moines preparing for the ACT, working with a tutor on practice tests helps you see your personal patterns—whether you're rushing, misunderstanding concepts, or just need better test-taking tactics—so you can focus your study time where it matters most.
Most students benefit from taking 3-5 full practice tests under timed conditions in the weeks leading up to test day. The first one shows you your baseline and weak areas; the middle ones let you practice strategies and build confidence; and the final ones simulate actual test conditions. A tutor can review your practice test results with you to identify patterns—like which question types trip you up or where you lose time—so you're not just taking tests, you're learning from them.
Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unfamiliar with the question formats, so consistent practice with real ACT problems is one of the best confidence builders. Knowing that you've seen similar problems before and have a strategy for tackling them reduces panic on test day. A tutor can also teach you time-management and mental strategies—like which problems to skip, how to check your work efficiently, and how to stay calm when you hit a hard question—so you feel in control rather than rushed.
Your first session is all about assessment and planning. A tutor will likely review your previous ACT scores or have you take a diagnostic practice test to understand your current level, identify your strongest and weakest topics, and learn about your test date and goals. From there, they'll create a personalized study plan focused on your specific needs—whether that's building foundational algebra skills, mastering geometry, or sharpening your test-taking speed and accuracy.
Look for a tutor who has strong math knowledge, ideally with experience teaching or tutoring test prep, and who understands the ACT's specific format and question types. It's also valuable if they've taken the ACT themselves or have a track record of helping students improve their scores. When you connect with Varsity Tutors, we match you with experienced tutors who understand both the math content and the test-taking strategies that help students succeed on the ACT.
Most students preparing for the ACT benefit from meeting with a tutor 1-2 times per week for 6-12 weeks before their test date, depending on their starting score and goals. Between sessions, you'll do practice problems and take full practice tests on your own, which your tutor reviews with you to track progress. The key is consistency—regular tutoring plus independent practice is much more effective than cramming, and it helps you build real confidence in your math skills.
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