You have 35 minutes to complete 40 questions across 7 passages, which leaves only about 5 minutes per passage—but each passage requires careful reading and analysis. Many students spend too much time reading the passage thoroughly and then rush through the questions, or they jump to questions without understanding what they're being asked. The section also includes three different passage types (data representation, research summaries, and conflicting viewpoints), each requiring slightly different approaches. Tutors can teach you how to adapt your reading strategy based on passage type and show you which questions to prioritize so you maximize points in the time available.

ACT Science is actually about 70% reading comprehension and data interpretation, and only about 30% science content knowledge. You don't need to memorize formulas or know advanced concepts—the test provides all the information you need in the passages and figures. The real challenge is reading the data (graphs, tables, and charts) quickly, understanding what's being asked, and finding the answer in the provided information. If you're struggling with ACT Science, it's often because you're either misreading what the question asks, interpreting data incorrectly, or spending too much time trying to understand the science background instead of focusing on what the passage actually tells you.

A solid study plan typically includes: learning the three passage types and how to approach each one (1-2 weeks), practicing individual passages to build speed and accuracy (3-4 weeks), and taking full practice tests under timed conditions (final 2-3 weeks). Start by taking a full practice test to identify whether your weaknesses are in reading speed, data interpretation, specific science topics, or question comprehension. Then focus your practice on those problem areas rather than spending equal time on everything. Spacing out your practice over 6-8 weeks with at least 2-3 practice sessions per week is more effective than cramming, and using actual ACT practice materials ensures you're preparing with the real question formats.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have expertise in ACT Science and understand the specific challenges San Diego students face. When you get matched with a tutor, you can share your practice test results and tell them which passage types or question formats give you the most trouble. Experienced ACT Science tutors know how to diagnose whether you're struggling with pacing, reading comprehension, data interpretation, or science concepts—and they can design sessions focused on your specific weaknesses. They'll also help you build confidence by showing you that you're more capable than your current score reflects.

Conflicting viewpoints passages ask you to understand and compare two opposing scientific perspectives—without needing to know which one is actually correct. This requires careful reading to identify the key differences between the positions and understanding why scientists disagree. Many students get confused trying to determine which viewpoint is "right" instead of focusing on what each scientist claims and what evidence supports their position. Questions often ask you to identify assumptions, predict how a scientist would respond to new information, or recognize which evidence supports which viewpoint. Tutors can teach you how to take notes on conflicting viewpoints that highlight the differences clearly, so you can answer questions quickly without re-reading the passage.

Test anxiety on ACT Science often comes from time pressure—feeling like you're always rushing and never finishing. Building confidence through timed practice is one of the best solutions; when you've successfully completed dozens of practice passages under time pressure, the actual test feels less threatening. Tutors can also teach you breathing techniques and mental strategies to use when you feel anxiety building during the test, and they can help you develop a test-day routine (like starting with your strongest passage type) that puts you in control. Additionally, learning the test format so well that it feels familiar and predictable reduces the unknown factor that fuels anxiety.