Most 4-week programs follow a structured progression: Week 1 focuses on diagnostic testing and identifying your weak sections, Week 2-3 dive into targeted skill-building and strategy practice for each section (English, Math, Reading, Science), and Week 4 emphasizes full practice tests under timed conditions and test-day confidence building.

For students in San Francisco with varying schedules, tutors typically recommend 5-8 hours of total study per week, split between guided instruction and independent practice. This might be 2-3 tutoring sessions plus self-directed work on practice problems and full tests.

Pacing is one of the most common challenges students face, particularly on the Reading and Science sections where time pressure is intense. The solution involves learning strategic approaches—like scanning for specific information rather than reading every word—and practicing with a timer consistently. Many students find success by working through passages strategically based on question types rather than in order.

A tutoring approach focused on pacing drills helps you internalize these strategies so they become automatic on test day. Rather than trying to read faster, you'll learn to read smarter, which actually reduces anxiety and improves accuracy.

The English section typically shows the fastest improvement because grammar rules can be drilled and mastered relatively quickly—many students see 2-3 point jumps in just a few weeks. Math gains depend on your starting point; if you're weak in specific topics (like logarithms or trigonometry), focusing there yields quick wins. Reading and Science improve more gradually since they require both strategy and deeper comprehension skills.

The best approach is starting with a diagnostic test to identify your personal weak spots. Some students might ace English but struggle with Science reasoning, while others need math fundamentals work. Your tutoring should focus on your specific gaps, not a one-size-fits-all curriculum.

Aim for at least 4-5 full, timed practice tests across your 4 weeks—ideally one per week plus 1-2 at the beginning and end. Full tests are crucial because they help you practice pacing, build stamina, and identify patterns in what you're getting wrong. Partial practice on individual sections is valuable, but nothing replaces the full 3-hour test experience.

Timing matters too. Take at least one or two tests at the same time your actual test date is scheduled, so your brain adjusts to performing at peak energy during that specific time of day.

Test anxiety often peaks during heavy prep, so it's important to balance intensity with self-care. Building confidence through consistent practice—especially through full timed tests—is the most effective anxiety management tool. When you know you can complete each section within the time limit, anxiety naturally decreases.

Tutors who specialize in test prep can also teach specific anxiety management techniques like controlled breathing and positive self-talk, and help you develop a test-day routine that feels grounding. For students in San Francisco, creating a structured prep schedule with clear milestones actually reduces anxiety because you can see your progress objectively rather than just feeling stressed.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in ACT prep and can work with your specific 4-week timeline. When you match with a tutor, look for someone with a strong track record in test prep, familiarity with time-crunched study schedules, and the ability to diagnose and address your particular weak sections quickly.

The right tutoring partnership should include a clear diagnostic assessment in week one, targeted instruction based on your scores and goals, regular practice test reviews, and honest feedback about realistic score improvement. Your tutor should also be flexible with scheduling to accommodate your other commitments while keeping prep intensity consistent.