The ACT Math section gives you 60 minutes for 60 questions, so pacing is critical. Expert tutors help you develop a strategic approach: spending less time on straightforward problems, recognizing which questions to skip and return to, and practicing with real ACT timing constraints. Many students improve their score simply by learning to allocate their time wisely rather than rushing through every problem.

The best way is to take a full practice ACT Math section and review it carefully to see which question types and topics caused you trouble. A tutor can analyze your practice test results to pinpoint patterns—maybe you struggle with trigonometry, coordinate geometry, or word problems—and create a targeted study plan. This diagnostic approach saves time by focusing your effort where it matters most.

ACT Math questions test conceptual understanding and problem-solving speed in ways that differ from typical classroom tests. You'll encounter multi-step word problems, questions that require you to combine multiple skills, and answer choices designed to catch common mistakes. Tutors help you learn to recognize these patterns and develop strategies specific to how the ACT tests each topic.

Most students benefit from 4-8 weeks of focused preparation, with 3-5 hours of practice per week. This includes full practice sections under timed conditions, targeted drills on weak areas, and review of mistakes. A tutor helps you structure this practice efficiently so you're not just doing problems—you're learning from each one and building confidence before test day.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unsure of your strategy. Working with a tutor builds confidence through repeated practice with real ACT problems, so you know exactly what to expect. Learning specific test-taking techniques—like how to quickly eliminate wrong answers and manage your time—also reduces anxiety because you have a concrete plan for test day.

Ideally, start 2-3 months before your test date to allow time for diagnostic practice, targeted skill-building, and confidence-building with full practice sections. If you're testing sooner, you can still make meaningful improvements by focusing intensely on your weakest topics. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can create a customized timeline based on your current skills and test date.

Yes—Varsity Tutors connects Columbia students with expert tutors who specialize in ACT Math preparation and know the specific challenges students face. Whether you attend one of Columbia's 102 schools or are preparing independently, you can get matched with a tutor who understands the ACT format and can help you reach your target score with personalized 1-on-1 instruction.