Score improvement depends on your baseline and how intensively you prepare. Students who focus on their weakest sections and practice consistently often see gains of 2-4 points on the composite score, with larger improvements possible in individual sections. The key is identifying exactly where you're losing points—whether it's pacing on the Math section, comprehension strategies on Reading, or understanding grammar rules on English—and drilling those specific skills. A tutor can pinpoint your biggest opportunities and help you maximize every study session.

Most students benefit from 5-7 hours of focused study per week during a 4-week intensive, combined with tutoring sessions. This breaks down to roughly 1-2 hours daily, mixing practice tests, section drills, and strategy work. The intensity matters more than the total hours—quality practice with feedback is far more effective than passive review. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can structure your study plan and help you make every hour count.

Reading and Math are typically the most challenging sections for students, though for different reasons. Reading requires fast comprehension and the ability to locate specific details under time pressure, while Math demands quick problem-solving across algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. English is often more straightforward once you understand grammar rules, and Science rewards careful data interpretation. A tutor can diagnose which sections are dragging down your score and focus your prep on the areas where you'll gain the most points.

Pacing is one of the most common challenges on the ACT, and it's highly trainable. The strategy varies by section—on Reading, many students benefit from skimming questions first before reading passages, while on Math, learning to skip and return to harder problems saves crucial time. Practice tests are essential here; they help you identify which question types slow you down and where you should invest time versus move on. Expert tutors can teach you section-specific timing strategies and help you practice until they become automatic.

Taking 3-4 full practice tests during a 4-week prep course is ideal—roughly one per week. This gives you enough data to identify patterns in your mistakes and track improvement, while leaving time to review and drill weak areas between tests. Each practice test should be taken under real conditions (timed, no breaks) so you build stamina and test-day confidence. Between full tests, focus on targeted drills for your weakest sections rather than random practice.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty—not knowing what to expect or doubting your preparation. The best antidote is familiarity: taking multiple practice tests under timed conditions, learning the exact format and question types, and building confidence through targeted prep. Breathing techniques and positive self-talk help in the moment, but the real confidence comes from knowing you've practiced the right material. Tutors can help you build this confidence by working through challenging questions with you and showing you that you can solve problems under pressure.

Look for a tutor with strong ACT expertise, a track record of score improvements, and the ability to diagnose exactly where you're losing points. They should tailor prep to your specific weaknesses rather than generic test-taking tips, and be comfortable with intensive 4-week timelines. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in ACT prep and understand how to maximize improvement in a compressed timeframe. A good fit means someone who communicates clearly, keeps you accountable, and adjusts strategy based on your practice test results.