Your first session focuses on assessment and planning. A tutor will review your practice test scores, discuss your target score, and identify which math topics and question types give you the most trouble. From there, you'll create a personalized study plan that prioritizes your biggest opportunities for improvement before test day.

Time management is one of the biggest challenges students face on SAT Math. Tutors help you develop strategies like identifying which questions to tackle first, knowing when to skip and come back, and practicing under timed conditions to build speed without sacrificing accuracy. With consistent practice, you'll develop a rhythm that lets you work confidently through all 58 questions in 80 minutes.

The SAT Math section includes both a 38-minute calculator portion (about 38 questions) and a 20-minute no-calculator portion (about 20 questions). The no-calculator section tests your conceptual understanding and mental math skills, while the calculator section often involves more complex computations. A tutor can help you decide when to use your calculator strategically and build confidence solving problems without one.

The best way is to take a full practice test under timed conditions and review your results by topic—algebra, advanced math, problem-solving, geometry, and trigonometry. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who analyze your practice tests to pinpoint patterns in your mistakes, whether they're conceptual gaps or careless errors. This targeted approach means you spend your study time on what actually moves your score.

Most students benefit from taking 4-6 full practice tests spaced throughout their preparation period. The first test establishes your baseline, the middle tests help you track progress and refine strategies, and the final tests simulate test-day conditions. Your tutor can recommend which official SAT practice tests to use and help you review each one to extract maximum learning.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about the material or unfamiliar question formats. Working with a tutor builds confidence by demystifying the test—you'll see every question type repeatedly, understand the patterns behind SAT Math problems, and practice under timed conditions until it feels familiar. This preparation transforms anxiety into confidence as you approach test day knowing you've practiced thoroughly.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of focused preparation, though this varies based on your starting score and target. If you're aiming for a significant jump, starting earlier gives you time to build foundational skills and take multiple practice tests. A tutor can create a realistic timeline based on your current level and help you stay on track with consistent weekly sessions.