The SAT Math section gives you 80 minutes for 58 questions, which means you need to average about 1.5 minutes per question. Most students struggle with pacing because they spend too long on difficult problems early on. A tutor can help you develop a strategy: tackle easier questions first to build momentum, flag harder ones to return to, and know when to make an educated guess rather than getting stuck. Practice tests are essential—they help you internalize the pace without the pressure of test day.

Start by taking a full-length practice test under realistic conditions, then review every question you missed or guessed on—not just to see the answer, but to understand why you got it wrong. Did you misunderstand the question? Forget a formula? Run out of time? Categorizing your mistakes reveals patterns. A tutor can analyze your practice test results to pinpoint whether you need work on heart of algebra, problem solving and data analysis, passport to advanced math, or additional topics like trigonometry.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or panicking when you encounter a difficult problem. Building confidence through repeated practice with similar question types and timing conditions is the most effective antidote. A tutor can also teach you grounding techniques—like taking a few deep breaths when you feel stuck, skipping a problem strategically rather than spiraling, and reminding yourself that you don't need to get every question right to earn a strong score. Knowing your plan going in reduces anxiety significantly.

Your first session focuses on assessment and planning. A tutor will review your practice test results (or administer one if you haven't taken a full test yet), discuss your target score and timeline, and identify your biggest challenges. Together, you'll create a customized study plan that prioritizes the topics where you'll see the biggest score gains. This personalized approach means you're not wasting time on concepts you already know—you're zeroing in on what actually matters for your goals.

Most students benefit from taking 4-6 full-length practice tests spread throughout their prep timeline, with at least one every 2-3 weeks. This gives you enough data to spot patterns in your mistakes without burning out. Between practice tests, focus on targeted drills for your weak areas rather than doing full tests constantly. A tutor can help you space these strategically and use each test as a learning tool—analyzing what went wrong and adjusting your study plan accordingly.

Most students benefit from 5-8 hours of focused preparation per week over 8-12 weeks, though this varies based on your starting score and target. If you're aiming for a significant improvement or starting from a lower baseline, you may need more time. Quality matters more than quantity—three focused hours with a tutor working on your specific weak areas beats six hours of random practice. A personalized study plan helps you use your time efficiently and stay on track toward your goal.

Look for tutors with strong math backgrounds and proven experience helping students improve their SAT scores. Ideally, they've taken the SAT themselves and understand the test format deeply—not just the math content. When you connect with a tutor through Varsity Tutors, they're vetted for subject expertise and teaching ability. During your first session, ask about their approach to test prep, how they identify weak areas, and how they balance teaching concepts with test strategy.