The biggest obstacles are pacing under pressure, misunderstanding question formats, and gaps in foundational algebra and geometry skills. Many students also struggle with the transition from calculator to no-calculator sections, or with multi-step word problems that require strategic thinking. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who diagnose exactly where you're losing points and build targeted strategies to address those gaps.

Your first session focuses on assessment and strategy planning. A tutor will review your practice test scores, identify patterns in your mistakes, and discuss your timeline and goals. From there, you'll develop a personalized study plan that targets your weaknesses while reinforcing your strengths—whether that's drilling specific problem types, building speed, or managing test anxiety.

Practice tests are essential—they're the most accurate way to measure progress and simulate real test conditions. Taking full-length practice tests every 1-2 weeks helps you identify timing issues, question-type patterns, and areas where you need more review. Between full tests, targeted practice on specific topics (like quadratic equations or geometry) helps reinforce skills before you apply them under timed conditions.

Timing improves through a combination of speed drills, strategic question ordering, and practice under real test conditions. Many students waste time on difficult problems early on; a tutor can teach you to identify which questions to tackle first, which to skip strategically, and how to allocate your 80 minutes effectively. With consistent practice, you'll develop the instincts to move through easier problems quickly and spend more time on harder ones.

Look for tutors with strong math backgrounds, proven SAT prep experience, and a track record of helping students improve scores. They should understand the specific SAT Math format, be familiar with common student mistakes, and know how to teach both content and test-taking strategy. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors for students in Reno who have demonstrated expertise in SAT preparation and can adapt their approach to your learning style.

Most students benefit from 3-5 hours of focused study per week, combined with tutoring sessions. This typically includes one or two tutoring sessions (1-2 hours total), plus independent practice on problem sets and full-length tests. The exact schedule depends on your starting score and target—students aiming for significant improvement may need more intensive preparation, while those fine-tuning their skills might need less.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unsure of your approach. Personalized tutoring builds confidence by helping you master content, develop reliable problem-solving strategies, and practice under timed conditions repeatedly. When you know you've prepared thoroughly and have a clear plan for tackling different question types, anxiety naturally decreases, allowing you to perform closer to your actual ability on test day.