Yes, an 8-week prep class covers English, Math, Reading, and Science—the four core sections of the ACT. However, the pace is intensive, so the program prioritizes the most impactful strategies and focuses heavily on your personal weak areas. You'll learn test-specific tactics like time management for the Reading section, problem-solving shortcuts for Math, and how to approach Science passages efficiently. Personalized instruction allows tutors to spend more time on sections where you need the most support.

Most 8-week programs include 4-6 full-length practice tests spaced throughout the course, with the first diagnostic test helping identify your specific strengths and weaknesses. Between full tests, you'll work through section-specific practice problems and mini-tests focused on challenging question types. Taking multiple full tests under timed conditions is crucial for building test stamina and getting comfortable with the actual format. Your tutor will review each practice test with you to identify patterns in your mistakes and adjust your study strategy accordingly.

Time management is a critical focus in 8-week prep because the ACT moves fast—you have just 2 hours and 55 minutes to complete 215 questions. Your tutor will teach you section-specific pacing strategies, like how to quickly identify easier vs. harder questions so you maximize points. You'll practice working at the required pace through timed drills and full-length tests, building the speed and accuracy needed to finish each section without sacrificing correctness. Many students discover their ideal strategy isn't to do every problem—sometimes strategic skipping and returning to questions is the smarter approach.

The ACT Reading section challenges students because you have just 8.75 minutes per passage to understand the text and answer 10 questions accurately. Effective strategies include active reading techniques (annotating key details), previewing questions before reading, and learning to identify the most commonly tested question types. Your tutor will teach you how to spot main idea questions, inference questions, and detail questions—and which ones to prioritize. Many students improve significantly on Reading by practicing consistent strategies on dozens of passages, which helps you develop the pattern recognition needed to work faster and more accurately.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors in San Diego who specialize in ACT prep and understand the specific needs of students preparing for the test. The matching process considers your schedule, learning style, and target score to ensure you work with someone who's the right fit. Tutors will create a personalized study plan based on your diagnostic test results, focusing your 8 weeks on the areas where you'll see the biggest score improvements. You can start with an initial consultation to discuss your goals and get matched with the right tutor for your needs.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with the test format and uncertainty about whether you can handle the pace and difficulty. An 8-week prep program builds confidence through repeated exposure—taking multiple full-length practice tests under timed conditions makes the real test feel familiar and less intimidating. Your tutor will also teach you specific test-taking strategies that give you concrete tools to feel more in control during the exam. As you see your scores improve on practice tests, your confidence naturally grows. Many students report that the biggest confidence boost comes from understanding exactly what to expect and knowing they've practiced extensively for that specific challenge.