Score improvement varies based on your starting point and engagement level, but most students see meaningful gains with focused preparation. Students who start around the national average (21) often improve 2-4 points, while those with stronger foundational skills may see larger jumps. The key is consistent practice, identifying your specific weak areas early, and applying test-taking strategies that work for your learning style.

Pacing is one of the biggest challenges students face on test day. An effective 8-week prep class teaches you to recognize which question types you can answer quickly versus those requiring more thought, so you can allocate time strategically. You'll practice timed sections repeatedly to build speed without sacrificing accuracy, and learn when to skip a difficult question and return to it later.

This is extremely common—many students excel in Math but struggle with Reading, or vice versa. A personalized 8-week prep approach lets you spend more time on your weaker sections while maintaining your strengths. Your tutor can identify exactly which question types trip you up (like inference questions in Reading or word problems in Math) and focus practice there, so you're not wasting time on skills you've already mastered.

Most students benefit from taking 4-6 full-length practice tests over 8 weeks—roughly one every 1-2 weeks. The first test establishes your baseline, middle tests help you track progress and identify patterns in your mistakes, and final tests build test-day confidence. Between full tests, you'll do targeted practice on specific sections and question types to reinforce skills and strategies.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about what to expect. An 8-week prep class removes that uncertainty by familiarizing you with the exact format, timing, and question types you'll face on test day. As you practice and see your scores improve, confidence naturally builds. Your tutor can also teach you specific stress-management techniques and help you develop a positive mindset about the test.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors experienced in ACT prep who understand the specific challenges students face. When you reach out, you'll be matched with a tutor whose teaching style and schedule fit your needs. Many tutors offer flexible scheduling to work around school and extracurricular commitments, which is especially helpful during an intensive 8-week prep period.

Ideally, start your 8-week prep about 2-3 months before your target test date, which gives you time to complete the program and potentially take the test again if needed. If you're aiming for a specific college application deadline, work backward from that date to plan your prep timeline. Starting earlier also reduces stress and gives you flexibility if you need to extend your prep slightly.