Your first session is about building rapport and understanding where you are. The tutor will assess your current math skills, identify specific challenges (like word problems or multi-step equations), and learn your learning style. Together, you'll create a personalized plan that aligns with your school's curriculum and addresses your goals, whether that's improving grades, mastering a tough concept, or test prep.

Expert tutors focus on helping you understand the 'why' behind math concepts, not just the 'how.' By working through problems together, asking guiding questions, and showing connections between ideas, tutors help you see patterns and build deeper understanding. This approach—moving from procedural to conceptual—makes it easier to tackle unfamiliar problems and builds genuine confidence in math.

Students often struggle with word problems (translating language into equations), multi-step equations, graphing, and geometry proofs. Many also experience math anxiety, which can block learning even when they understand the concepts. Tutors are skilled at breaking these challenges into manageable pieces, showing clear problem-solving strategies, and building confidence through practice and positive reinforcement.

Yes. Tutors working with Rochester students are familiar with Regents requirements across Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. They can help you understand the specific topics tested, practice with past exams, develop test-taking strategies, and address weak areas before exam day. Personalized prep is especially helpful for building the conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills Regents exams require.

Showing work is a critical skill—it helps you catch mistakes and demonstrates understanding to teachers. Tutors model clear, organized problem-solving steps and guide you through writing out your reasoning. Over time, this becomes a habit that improves both accuracy and your ability to explain math concepts, which is exactly what teachers and standardized tests are looking for.

Absolutely. Math anxiety is common and very treatable through patient, personalized instruction. Tutors create a low-pressure environment where you can ask questions freely, work at your own pace, and build confidence through small wins. As you understand concepts better and see yourself solving problems successfully, anxiety naturally decreases and your relationship with math improves.

Pricing varies based on the tutor's experience, your specific needs, and how frequently you meet. Varsity Tutors works with tutors at different price points to fit various budgets. We recommend discussing your goals and frequency during your initial conversation so we can connect you with tutors whose rates align with your needs.