Your first session focuses on understanding your current strengths and challenges. A tutor will likely review your recent practice test results, discuss which math topics feel most difficult, and assess your pacing and test-taking approach. This diagnostic helps create a personalized study plan tailored to your goals and timeline before test day.

Pacing challenges often come from spending too long on difficult problems or second-guessing correct answers. A tutor can teach you strategic approaches like tackling easier problems first to build confidence and secure points, then returning to harder problems with remaining time. Practice tests with timed conditions are essential—they help you develop a realistic sense of how to allocate your 80 minutes across 58 questions.

Students often struggle with algebra and linear equations, word problems that require translating English into math, and geometry/trigonometry concepts. Many also find the calculator section deceptively tricky—they assume a calculator will help but actually need strong conceptual understanding. Understanding the specific question formats and what each problem is really asking (not just the math) makes a huge difference in accuracy.

Practice tests are crucial—they're the best way to identify your weak areas, build test stamina, and get comfortable with timing and question formats. Taking full, timed practice tests regularly (ideally every 1-2 weeks) shows you exactly where to focus your study efforts. A tutor can review your practice test results with you to spot patterns in your mistakes and adjust your study plan accordingly.

Confidence comes from preparation and familiarity. When you've practiced problems repeatedly, understood the concepts, and timed yourself many times, test day feels less intimidating. Tutors also teach stress-management strategies like taking deep breaths between problems, skipping and returning to difficult questions, and maintaining perspective—one tough problem doesn't derail your entire test.

Look for tutors with strong math backgrounds, proven success helping students improve SAT scores, and familiarity with the current SAT format and question types. Experience teaching test-taking strategy—not just math—is equally important. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who understand both the content and the test itself, so you're learning math in the context of how it's actually tested.

Most students benefit from 2-4 months of consistent preparation, though this varies based on your starting score and target goal. If you're aiming for significant improvement (100+ points), starting earlier gives you time to master concepts and take multiple practice tests. Working with a tutor helps you make efficient use of your study time so you're not cramming—consistent, focused practice over weeks beats last-minute intensive study.