The ACT Math section gives you 60 minutes for 60 questions, so pacing is critical. Most students benefit from spending 30-40 seconds per question on easier problems and saving harder ones for the end, rather than getting stuck and running out of time. A tutor can help you practice this pacing strategy during mock tests and teach you how to quickly identify which problems to tackle first based on difficulty level.

Many students struggle with timing, misunderstanding question wording, or having gaps in foundational algebra and geometry concepts. Others know the material but second-guess themselves or don't recognize when a problem is testing a specific concept. Personalized tutoring helps you identify which of these issues affects you most and develop targeted strategies to overcome them through practice and confidence building.

The best way is to take a full-length practice test under timed conditions and carefully review every problem you missed or guessed on. Look for patterns—do you struggle more with word problems, geometry, or specific algebra topics? A tutor can analyze your practice test results in detail, pinpoint exactly which concepts and question types are causing problems, and create a focused study plan to address them.

Test anxiety often comes from feeling unprepared or uncertain about pacing. Practicing with timed mock tests builds confidence and makes the real test feel familiar. A tutor can also teach you calming strategies like deep breathing, help you develop a pre-test routine, and work with you to build mastery of the content so you feel more secure going in. The more prepared you are, the less anxious you'll feel.

Most students benefit from 3-4 months of preparation, studying 5-7 hours per week. A typical week might include one full practice test, targeted drills on weak areas, and review of mistakes. Your tutor can help you build a realistic schedule based on your current score, target score, and test date, and adjust it as you progress to focus more time where you need it most.

Your first session typically includes taking a diagnostic practice test or reviewing your recent scores to understand your strengths and weaknesses. Your tutor will ask about your target score, test date, and any specific topics that frustrate you, then create a personalized plan tailored to your needs. This foundation helps you make the most of every session moving forward.

Look for tutors with strong math backgrounds, proven experience teaching ACT Math, and a track record of helping students improve their scores. Ideally, they should understand both the content and the test format, be able to explain concepts clearly, and have strategies for managing timing and test anxiety. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors in Salt Lake City who specialize in ACT Math and can work with your schedule and learning style.