The ACT Math section gives you 60 minutes for 60 questions, so pacing is critical. Expert tutors help you develop a strategy that matches your skill level—like tackling easier problems first to build confidence, then returning to harder ones. They also teach you which problems to skip strategically and how to recognize when you're spending too much time on a single question. Practice with full-length tests under timed conditions is essential to building the automaticity you need.

Reno students typically struggle with the same core areas: pacing under pressure, identifying what a word problem is actually asking, and gaps in algebra or geometry fundamentals. Many students also underestimate the importance of understanding *why* an answer is correct rather than just getting the right number. With Reno's student-teacher ratio of 18.9:1, personalized 1-on-1 instruction can address these specific gaps much faster than classroom instruction alone.

The best way is to take a full-length practice test under timed conditions, then analyze your results by topic—algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and functions. Look for patterns: Are you missing certain types of problems consistently? Running out of time? Making careless errors? Tutors use this diagnostic approach to create a focused study plan rather than having you review everything. Many students are surprised to find their weak areas are much narrower than they thought.

Your first session is about understanding where you are and where you want to go. Tutors will review your practice test results, discuss your target score, and identify your specific strengths and weak areas. They'll also talk about your test date, current study habits, and any test anxiety you're experiencing. By the end, you'll have a clear picture of what to focus on and a realistic timeline for improvement.

Practice tests are essential—they're the only way to get comfortable with the real test's format, timing, and question types. Taking full-length practice tests every 2-3 weeks helps you track progress and identify emerging weak areas. Tutors use practice test results to guide your study plan and help you learn from mistakes. The difference between reviewing concepts in isolation and practicing them under timed, test-like conditions is huge.

Absolutely. A lot of test anxiety comes from feeling unprepared or unsure of your strategy. As you work with a tutor to build real mastery of problem types and develop a solid pacing strategy, your confidence naturally grows. Tutors also teach you practical techniques—like how to manage stress during the test, when to take a breath and move on, and how to use your scratch paper effectively. Knowing you've practiced thoroughly is one of the best antidotes to anxiety.

Look for tutors with strong ACT Math scores themselves, experience helping students improve their scores, and knowledge of effective test-taking strategies—not just math content. They should be able to explain *why* answers are correct and adapt their teaching to your learning style. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have proven track records helping students master ACT Math and can create a personalized study plan for your specific goals.