Score improvement depends on your starting point, current strengths, and how consistently you engage with practice materials. Students typically see meaningful gains by focusing on their weakest sections and mastering test-specific strategies—many improve by 2-4 composite points or more. The key is identifying weak areas early and dedicating focused practice time between sessions to reinforce what you're learning.

Timing is one of the biggest challenges on the ACT, especially in the Reading and Math sections. Expert tutors teach strategic approaches like knowing which questions to tackle first, when to skip and return, and how to manage your pace section-by-section. Practice tests are essential—they help you build speed while maintaining accuracy and identify which question types slow you down the most.

An 8-week prep class can be customized to focus more heavily on your weaker sections while maintaining skills in areas where you're already strong. For example, if Math is your challenge but English is solid, your prep can allocate more time to Math strategies and practice. Identifying these gaps early through diagnostic testing allows you to use your 8 weeks most efficiently.

Most students benefit from taking 3-4 full-length practice tests during 8-week prep—typically one every 2 weeks—to track progress and get comfortable with the test format and timing. Between full tests, you'll work on section-specific drills and targeted practice for weak areas. Each practice test should be reviewed thoroughly to understand mistakes and refine your approach.

Familiarity breeds confidence—the more you practice with real ACT question formats and timing, the less intimidating test day becomes. Expert instructors teach stress-management techniques, help you identify which sections trigger anxiety, and build your confidence through incremental wins on practice problems. By test day, you'll have seen every question type multiple times, which significantly reduces anxiety.

For students in Kansas City targeting an ACT test date, starting 8 weeks before is ideal for focused, intensive preparation. If you're testing in the fall, beginning prep in summer allows you to build skills without competing with school demands. If you're testing in spring, starting in winter works well. The key is choosing a start date that gives you 8 uninterrupted weeks to practice and absorb strategies.

Varsity Tutors connects you with experienced ACT tutors in the Kansas City area who understand the test's nuances and can tailor instruction to your specific needs. When matching with a tutor, look for someone with a strong track record of score improvements and experience teaching test-taking strategies. Your first session should include a diagnostic assessment to identify your strengths and create a personalized 8-week plan.