Your first session focuses on understanding where you stand. A tutor will review your practice test results, ask about your goals and timeline, and identify which math topics or test-taking skills need the most work. This diagnostic approach helps create a personalized study plan tailored to your needs, rather than a one-size-fits-all curriculum.

Many students struggle with pacing—running out of time on harder problems—or misunderstanding what a question is actually asking. Others have gaps in foundational algebra or geometry that make advanced problems feel impossible. A tutor can help you build speed through deliberate practice, teach you to recognize question patterns, and fill knowledge gaps so you approach every problem with confidence.

Most students benefit from 3-6 months of focused preparation, depending on their starting score and target. Consistent weekly tutoring sessions combined with regular practice tests help you track progress and adjust your strategy. Even students with strong math skills often need 2-3 months to master SAT-specific question formats and timing.

Practice tests reveal your actual pacing, which questions trip you up, and how test-day pressure affects your performance. Taking full tests under timed conditions is the closest thing to the real exam, and it helps you and your tutor identify whether your struggles are conceptual (you don't understand the math) or strategic (you understand it but run out of time). This distinction shapes your entire study plan.

Confidence comes from preparation and familiarity. When you work with a tutor to master difficult topics and practice hundreds of SAT-style problems, you walk into test day knowing you've seen similar questions before. Tutors also teach calming strategies like skipping hard problems strategically and managing your time, which reduces panic and helps you perform closer to your actual ability level.

Look for tutors with strong math backgrounds, proven SAT experience, and familiarity with the current test format. Ideally, they've helped multiple students improve their scores and can explain their teaching approach clearly. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors in Provo who specialize in SAT Math and understand both the content and the unique challenges of test-day performance.

Start by reviewing your practice test results—the College Board breaks down your performance by topic (algebra, advanced math, problem-solving, geometry, etc.). Prioritize the areas where you lost the most points or felt least confident. A tutor can then assess whether those struggles stem from conceptual gaps or just needing more practice with that question type, and build a targeted plan accordingly.