Timing is one of the biggest challenges students face—you have about 1.4 minutes per question on average. Expert tutors help you develop a strategy: knowing which questions to tackle first, which to skip and return to, and how to avoid getting stuck on hard problems. Practice tests are essential here; they help you build speed without sacrificing accuracy, and they reveal patterns in where you're losing time.

For students in Oklahoma City, the most common challenges include algebra (solving equations, systems of equations), word problems (translating English to math), and geometry/trigonometry concepts. Many students also struggle with the no-calculator section and understanding what a question is actually asking. A tutor can pinpoint your specific gaps and create a focused study plan rather than having you waste time on topics you already know.

Your first session typically involves taking a diagnostic test or reviewing your past practice tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses. The tutor will ask about your target score, timeline, and which math concepts feel most confusing. From there, you'll create a personalized study plan that focuses on high-impact areas and builds in regular practice tests to track progress.

Practice tests are critical—they're the best way to build stamina, identify weak areas, and get comfortable with the test format and pacing. You should take full-length practice tests every 1-2 weeks, then review every single question you missed to understand why. Tutors use your practice test results to guide what you study next, making your prep time much more efficient than random problem-solving.

Test anxiety often comes from feeling unprepared or panicking when you hit a hard question. Working with a tutor builds confidence through targeted practice and proven strategies: learning to skip tough questions without stress, using scratch paper effectively, and taking timed practice tests so test day feels familiar. Many students find that seeing real improvement in their scores is the best anxiety reducer.

Most students benefit from 3-5 hours of focused study per week over 8-12 weeks, though this varies based on your starting score and target. Quality matters more than quantity—an hour with a tutor identifying your weak spots and practicing strategically beats five hours of random problem-solving. Your tutor will help you create a realistic schedule that fits your school commitments and other test prep.

Look for tutors with strong math backgrounds and specific SAT experience—they should understand the test format, question types, and common student mistakes. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have proven success helping students improve their SAT Math scores. A great tutor not only knows the content but can explain concepts clearly and adapt to your learning style.