Many students struggle with word problems that require translating real-world situations into mathematical equations, as well as multi-step problems that demand careful organization and attention to detail. Time management is another major challenge—the TEAS Math section requires working through problems quickly and accurately. Additionally, students often find themselves rusty on foundational skills like fractions, decimals, and percentages, which form the basis for more complex problems on the test.

Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to identify your specific weak areas—whether that's computational skills, conceptual understanding, or test-taking strategy—and focus on what will have the biggest impact on your score. Tutors can teach you problem-solving strategies tailored to TEAS-style questions, help you build confidence with areas that cause anxiety, and provide targeted practice with realistic test scenarios. This focused approach is far more efficient than generic test prep, helping you make meaningful progress in less time.

Your first session is an opportunity for a tutor to understand your current math skills, identify knowledge gaps, and learn about your goals and timeline for the TEAS exam. You'll likely work through a few sample problems together so the tutor can see how you approach math—whether you're strong with computation but struggle with word problems, or vice versa. From there, you'll develop a personalized plan focused on the areas where you'll see the most improvement.

Word problems require translating English into mathematical language, which is a skill that improves with practice and strategy. Expert tutors teach proven techniques like identifying what information is relevant, breaking multi-step problems into smaller parts, and checking your work by verifying your answer makes sense in the context of the original problem. With guided practice and feedback, you'll develop confidence in tackling unfamiliar scenarios and build the pattern recognition skills that make word problems feel less intimidating.

The timeline depends on your starting point and how much time you can dedicate to studying. Students who work with a tutor 1-2 times per week often see meaningful improvement within 4-8 weeks, though some students benefit from longer preparation if they have significant gaps in foundational skills. Consistency matters more than duration—regular sessions combined with practice between appointments help reinforce concepts and build the automaticity you need for test day.

Absolutely. Math anxiety is common, and personalized tutoring helps by breaking down intimidating concepts into manageable pieces and giving you success experiences along the way. When you work through problems with a tutor who explains the 'why' behind each step, math becomes less mysterious and more logical. Building competence directly reduces anxiety—as you solve more problems correctly and understand the underlying patterns, your confidence naturally grows.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors for students in Grand Rapids who specialize in TEAS Math preparation. You can share your goals, timeline, and any specific areas where you need help, and we'll match you with a tutor whose expertise and teaching style fit your needs. The process is straightforward—you'll get connected quickly so you can start preparing for your exam without delay.