Score improvement depends on your starting point, current strengths and weaknesses, and how actively you engage with the material. Most students see 2-4 point improvements with consistent effort, though some see more if they identify and fix specific problem areas.

The biggest gains typically come from:

• Learning section-specific strategies you weren't using before
• Improving pacing to avoid rushing through questions
• Identifying and drilling your weakest content areas
• Taking timed practice tests to build test-day stamina

Starting with a diagnostic practice test helps set realistic expectations based on where you're currently scoring and which sections need the most work.

While every student is different, the Reading and Science sections commonly challenge students because they require speed and precision simultaneously. The Reading section demands quick comprehension of dense passages, while Science tests your ability to analyze data and experiments under time pressure.

The Math section trips up many students not because of difficulty, but because of pacing—running out of time before reaching all 60 questions. The English section is often the most approachable since it tests grammar and punctuation rules that can be drilled efficiently.

A good prep class will include a diagnostic assessment early on to pinpoint which section is holding back your composite score, then dedicate focused practice time to that area.

Most 8-week prep programs include 4-6 full-length, timed practice tests spread throughout the course. Taking one every 1-2 weeks gives you enough data to track improvement without overwhelming your schedule.

Beyond formal practice tests, you should:

• Complete timed section drills 2-3 times per week
• Review and learn from every question you miss
• Adjust your strategy based on what the tests reveal

The real value isn't just the score—it's analyzing your mistakes to identify patterns (Are you rushing? Misunderstanding question formats? Missing a content gap?). Each practice test should inform what you focus on next.

Test anxiety is common, and practicing under realistic test conditions is the best way to reduce it. When you've taken multiple timed practice tests in a quiet environment, the actual test day feels less intimidating because you've already experienced the format and pacing.

Additional strategies include:

• Arriving early to familiarize yourself with the testing space
• Using breathing techniques during breaks to reset mentally
• Having a clear game plan for each section (which questions to tackle first, how to allocate time)
• Practicing positive self-talk—confidence builds as your practice scores improve

Your prep class should include coaching on these mental strategies, not just content review. Feeling prepared is the most powerful anxiety reducer.

Time management is one of the biggest challenges on the ACT. You have roughly 2-3 minutes per question depending on the section, which means you can't spend 10 minutes perfecting one answer.

Effective strategies include:

• English (75 minutes, 75 questions): Most students can complete this section; focus on accuracy over speed
• Math (60 minutes, 60 questions): Skip hard problems and come back if you have time—don't waste 5 minutes on one question
• Reading (35 minutes, 40 questions): Develop a passage strategy (skim vs. read carefully) and practice it repeatedly
• Science (35 minutes, 40 questions): Focus on finding answers in the data; don't rely on science knowledge alone

During prep, every practice test should be timed, and you should experiment with different strategies to find what works best for your brain.

An 8-week prep class provides structure, strategy instruction, and peer accountability—but students benefit even more from combining it with personalized 1-on-1 tutoring. A tutor can focus on your specific weak areas, adjust pacing to match your learning speed, and provide detailed feedback on practice test mistakes that a group setting might not address.

Personalized tutoring works especially well for:

• Drilling your lowest-scoring section intensively
• Clarifying content gaps that group instruction didn't fully resolve
• Refining test-taking strategies to fit your learning style
• Building confidence through one-on-one feedback

For students in Atlanta preparing for the ACT, combining group prep class structure with personalized tutoring often leads to the strongest results. Varsity Tutors can connect you with expert tutors who understand the ACT inside and out and can tailor their approach to your needs.