Score improvement depends on your starting point and study effort, but most students see meaningful gains with focused preparation. If you're scoring in the lower ranges (140-150), improvements of 10-20 points are common with consistent practice. Students already scoring above 160 may see smaller gains since the highest scores require near-perfect performance. Working with a tutor helps identify your specific weak areas and accelerates improvement through targeted strategies.

You have about 90 seconds per question on the Quantitative section, which requires both speed and accuracy—a difficult balance. Many students either rush through problems and make careless errors or spend too long on difficult questions and run out of time. Learning which questions to prioritize, when to skip strategically, and how to work efficiently with the on-screen calculator are key skills that tutors help you develop.

Students often struggle with word problems that require translating English into mathematical equations, geometry questions that demand visualization skills, and data interpretation questions involving graphs and tables. Many also find quantitative comparisons tricky since they require comparing two quantities without calculating exact values. Additionally, test anxiety can impact performance on this section since math under pressure feels different than homework practice.

Practice tests are essential—they help you identify weak areas, build test-taking stamina, and get comfortable with the format and timing constraints. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions reveals whether your struggles are conceptual (you don't understand the math) or strategic (you understand it but run out of time). Most test-prep experts recommend taking at least 3-4 full practice tests during your preparation period to track progress and refine your approach.

A tutor pinpoints exactly where you're losing points—whether it's specific math concepts, test-taking strategy, or time management—and creates a customized study plan. They teach you efficient problem-solving techniques, help you understand question formats you find confusing, and build your confidence through targeted practice. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors for students in Madison who can work at your pace and focus on the areas that will have the biggest impact on your score.

Most test-takers benefit from 4-8 weeks of focused preparation, though your timeline depends on your starting score and target score. If you're aiming for a significant improvement or targeting a top program, 8-12 weeks allows time for deeper concept mastery and multiple practice tests. Working with a tutor can help you study more efficiently, potentially shortening your timeline while improving your results.

Your first session typically involves an assessment to understand your current level, identify your strongest and weakest areas, and discuss your target score and timeline. The tutor will likely review one or two practice problems to see your problem-solving approach and where you tend to make mistakes. From there, they'll create a personalized study plan and explain how you'll work together to build both your math skills and test-taking confidence.