Score improvement depends on your starting point and how consistently you engage with the material. Students who start with a composite score around 20-24 often see gains of 3-5 points, while those starting higher may improve by 2-3 points. The key is identifying which sections need the most work—many students find that focused practice on their weakest area yields the biggest improvements within this timeframe.

Pacing is a critical skill for the ACT, and a structured 8-week class dedicates time to building speed without sacrificing accuracy. You'll practice timed sections early on to understand your baseline, then use strategies like skimming techniques for Reading and efficient problem-solving for Math to improve your pace. By week 8, full-length timed practice tests help you apply these strategies under real test conditions.

Many students struggle most with the Reading section due to time pressure and the Science section due to unfamiliar question formats. An 8-week prep class allocates focused time to each section's unique challenges—for Reading, you'll learn active reading strategies and question prioritization; for Science, you'll practice interpreting graphs and tables without needing deep subject knowledge. Your tutor can also adjust the schedule based on your specific weak areas.

Most 8-week prep programs include 3-4 full-length practice tests, typically spaced throughout the course to track progress and identify patterns in your mistakes. Between full tests, you'll work on timed sections and targeted drills for specific question types. This combination helps you build stamina for the actual 3-hour test while giving you data to focus your final weeks of study on your biggest opportunities for improvement.

Confidence comes from familiarity, and an 8-week class builds that through repeated exposure to real ACT questions and formats. You'll learn calming strategies for managing time pressure, practice staying focused during full-length tests, and develop a personalized approach to each section that plays to your strengths. By test day, you'll have taken multiple practice tests under timed conditions, which significantly reduces anxiety and builds trust in your preparation.

Varsity Tutors connects students in Worcester with expert tutors who specialize in ACT prep and understand the test's nuances. When you get matched with a tutor, they'll assess your starting level, create a customized 8-week plan targeting your specific weak areas, and adjust pacing based on your progress. You can learn more about connecting with a tutor by reaching out to Varsity Tutors directly.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment—either a full-length practice test or targeted section quizzes—to identify your strengths and areas for improvement. Your tutor will review your results, discuss your target score and test date, and outline a personalized 8-week study plan. This foundation ensures the rest of your prep is focused on what matters most for your score improvement.