Pacing is one of the biggest challenges on the ACT since you have about 8-9 minutes per passage in Reading and roughly 1 minute per Math question. Expert tutors help you develop section-specific strategies—like identifying which passages to tackle first, when to skip and return to difficult questions, and how to manage your time on the Science section. Practice tests are essential; you'll work through multiple full-length tests during your 4-week prep to build timing confidence and find your optimal rhythm.

Absolutely. A 4-week prep program is flexible enough to emphasize the sections where you need the most help. If Math and Reading are your challenges, you can dedicate more study time there while maintaining your stronger sections. Tutors can assess your diagnostic test results to identify exactly which question types and content areas are costing you points, then build a targeted study plan around those gaps.

Familiarity breeds confidence. By taking multiple full-length practice tests under timed conditions during your 4-week prep, you'll become comfortable with the test format, question styles, and your own pacing. Tutors also teach you mental strategies for managing anxiety on test day—like how to handle difficult questions without panicking and techniques for staying focused through all four sections. Knowing you've practiced extensively is one of the best confidence builders available.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic full-length practice test to establish your baseline score and identify your specific strengths and weaknesses across all sections. After reviewing your results, your tutor will create a customized 4-week study plan that prioritizes the areas where you'll gain the most points. This personalized approach ensures your prep time is spent efficiently on what matters most for your score improvement.

Most 4-week programs include 4-6 full-length practice tests—typically one at the start (diagnostic), 2-3 during the middle weeks, and a final one near the end to measure progress. Between tests, you'll focus on targeted drills for specific question types and content areas where you're struggling. This combination of full-length practice and focused skill-building is what drives real score improvement in a compressed timeline.

Varsity Tutors matches you with expert tutors who specialize in ACT prep and understand the test inside and out. You'll get personalized 1-on-1 instruction tailored to your schedule and learning style, with flexible meeting options. Your tutor will work with you throughout your 4-week program to ensure you're making progress and adjusting strategies as needed.

The Science section isn't really about science knowledge—it's about reading data tables, graphs, and experimental descriptions quickly and accurately. Many students struggle with pacing here because they overthink the science content. During prep, tutors teach you to identify question types (data representation, research summaries, conflicting viewpoints) and develop a strategy for each. With practice, you'll learn which details matter and which you can skip, significantly improving both speed and accuracy.