A 4-week ACT prep class typically focuses on one or two sections per week, combining strategy instruction with timed practice tests. Week 1 might cover English and Math fundamentals, Week 2 dives deeper into those sections, Week 3 tackles Reading and Science, and Week 4 emphasizes full-length practice tests and weak-area review. This compressed timeline works best when you commit to daily practice between sessions and come prepared to focus on your specific challenges.

Timing struggles usually stem from either spending too long on difficult questions or not having a strategy for question selection. Expert tutors help you develop section-specific pacing plans—for example, spending 8-9 minutes per passage in Reading or learning to skip and return to harder Math problems. Practicing with actual ACT timing repeatedly during your 4-week prep helps train your brain to work at the right pace without sacrificing accuracy.

Reading and Science are typically the most challenging sections for students because they require both speed and comprehension—you have limited time to process dense material. Math struggles often come from careless errors or gaps in specific topics rather than overall difficulty. During a 4-week prep program, tutors assess your performance on practice tests to pinpoint whether you need strategy adjustments, content review, or both.

Test anxiety often decreases dramatically when you feel prepared and confident in your strategies. A 4-week prep class builds confidence through repeated exposure to real ACT questions, timed practice tests, and proven test-taking techniques. Knowing exactly what to expect, having a plan for each section, and seeing your own score improvements create a sense of control that naturally reduces stress on test day.

Most students benefit from taking 3-4 full-length practice tests during a 4-week prep program—typically one per week, plus section-specific practice in between. Each practice test should be taken under real testing conditions (timed, in one sitting) and thoroughly reviewed to identify patterns in your mistakes. This approach gives you enough data to spot your weak areas while leaving time for targeted improvement before test day.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in ACT prep and understand the specific challenges students face. When you get matched with a tutor, look for someone with strong ACT scores themselves, experience helping students improve in your weakest sections, and a teaching style that fits how you learn best. Many tutors offer a first session to see if the fit is right before committing to your full 4-week program.

The first step is usually taking a full-length diagnostic practice test, which reveals patterns in where you're losing points—whether it's specific question types, content gaps, or timing issues. Tutors then analyze your test to distinguish between careless errors (fixable with strategy) and knowledge gaps (requiring content review). This diagnostic approach ensures your 4-week prep focuses on the areas that will actually move your score.