Score improvement depends on your starting point and effort level, but most students see meaningful gains with focused preparation. Many students improve by 2-4 points with consistent practice and targeted instruction on their specific weak areas—whether that's comma rules, sentence combining, or rhetorical questions. The key is identifying which question types trip you up and building strategies to tackle them confidently.

With 75 questions in 45 minutes, you have roughly 36 seconds per question—but passages vary in difficulty. A smart strategy is to skim the passage first, then answer questions in order while referencing the text. Many students improve pacing by practicing full sections under timed conditions and learning to skip tough questions, then returning to them if time allows, rather than getting stuck early.

Students typically struggle with comma placement, pronoun-antecedent agreement, and rhetorical questions that ask about word choice or sentence purpose rather than grammar rules. Many also rush through passages and miss context clues that signal the correct answer. Working with a tutor to review your practice test errors reveals patterns—whether you're weak on mechanics, style, or strategy—so you can target real problem areas instead of studying everything.

Consistent practice beats cramming—aim for 2-3 focused sessions per week, each 45-60 minutes long, rather than marathon study days. This allows you to practice full sections under timed conditions, review mistakes thoroughly, and let learning settle before your next session. Most students preparing for the ACT benefit from 4-8 weeks of regular practice, though your timeline depends on your starting score and test date.

Look for someone with deep knowledge of ACT English question types, test-taking strategy, and the ability to diagnose your specific weak spots quickly. A good tutor explains the reasoning behind correct answers, not just rules, and helps you build confidence by showing patterns in what you're missing. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in ACT prep and can tailor instruction to your learning style and goals.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment—either a full practice section or review of your recent test results—to identify your strongest and weakest areas. The tutor will discuss your target score, timeline, and learning preferences, then create a personalized study plan. You'll leave with concrete strategies to start applying immediately, whether that's tackling a specific grammar rule or practicing a new approach to rhetorical questions.

While the ACT English section is the same nationwide, Philadelphia students benefit from tutors familiar with local school curricula and testing patterns. With 422 schools across 91 districts in the Philadelphia area, students come from different educational backgrounds—a tutor can bridge those gaps and align ACT prep with what you've already learned in English class. Varsity Tutors connects Philadelphia students with tutors who understand the local education landscape and can customize prep accordingly.