Score improvement depends on your starting point and how much you engage with the material. Students who are already scoring in the 24-28 range often see gains of 2-4 points, while those starting lower may see larger jumps with focused effort. The key is identifying your specific weak areas—whether that's pacing on the Math section, vocabulary in Reading, or understanding Science passage types—and drilling those skills consistently throughout the 4 weeks.

While every student is different, common challenges include the Reading section's time pressure (35 minutes for 4 passages), the Math section's variety of topics and pacing, and the Science section's unfamiliar passage formats. Many students also underestimate the English section's grammar rules. A 4-week prep class helps you identify which section is holding you back and gives you targeted strategies to address it, rather than trying to improve everything at once.

Most effective 4-week programs include 3-4 full-length practice tests—typically one at the start to establish your baseline, one or two midway through to track progress, and one near the end to simulate test day. Between full tests, you'll focus on section-specific drills and timed exercises. The goal is to get comfortable with the test format and pacing, not just rack up test attempts; quality review of your mistakes matters more than quantity.

Familiarity and strategy reduce anxiety significantly. During 4 weeks, you'll learn pacing techniques, time-management strategies, and how to approach each question type systematically—all of which build confidence. Taking multiple timed practice tests in a structured environment also helps you get comfortable with the test experience itself. Knowing you have a solid plan for each section makes test day feel much less overwhelming.

Each ACT section has different timing demands: English gives you 45 minutes for 75 questions, Math allows 60 minutes for 60 questions, Reading has just 35 minutes for 4 passages, and Science has 35 minutes for 6-7 passages. A 4-week prep class teaches you section-specific pacing strategies—like which questions to tackle first, when to skip and return, and how to manage the Reading and Science sections' tight time limits. Practice tests help you internalize these strategies until they become automatic.

No—4-week prep works for students at any level, though the approach differs. If you're starting below a 20, you may benefit from longer prep to build foundational skills, but focused 4-week classes can still help you target specific weak areas. If you're already scoring 24+, intensive 4-week prep is ideal for pushing into the 28-32 range. Either way, the key is honest assessment of where you stand and what needs improvement most.

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 test-taking experience, familiarity with the current ACT format, and the ability to explain concepts clearly under time pressure. A good ACT tutor will also help you develop a personalized study plan based on your baseline score and target goals, not just teach generic test strategies.