Score improvement depends on your starting point and how much you practice. Students who are already scoring in the 24-28 range often see 2-4 point gains with focused prep, while those starting lower may see larger improvements with intensive work on foundational skills. The most important factor is identifying which sections drain your score—whether that's reading comprehension, math pacing, or test anxiety—and targeting those directly. A tutor can help you understand what's realistic based on your specific situation.

Reading comprehension typically takes the longest to improve because it requires both speed and deep understanding, while the English section often shows faster gains with focused grammar review. Math improvement depends on whether you're struggling with concept gaps or pacing—concept gaps need more time, while pacing issues can improve quickly with strategy work. Science is often underestimated; many students improve significantly once they learn that it's more about reading graphs and data than memorizing facts. A tutor can diagnose which section is your biggest bottleneck and create a targeted plan.

Most students benefit from taking 2-3 full practice tests during a 4-week intensive—one at the beginning to establish a baseline, one in the middle to track progress, and ideally one near the end to build test-day confidence. Between full tests, focused practice on individual sections and question types is more efficient than constant full-length exams. Practice tests are most valuable when you review them thoroughly with a tutor to understand why you missed questions, not just to see your score. This targeted review is what drives real improvement.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unsure of your strategy, so building genuine confidence through targeted practice and clear pacing plans is the best antidote. Tutors can teach you specific techniques like the two-pass strategy (answering easier questions first) and time management tricks that reduce panic on test day. Practicing under timed conditions helps normalize the pressure, while reviewing what you actually know—rather than focusing on what you don't—builds momentum. Many students find that having a clear, personalized game plan dramatically reduces anxiety.

Look for someone with strong ACT knowledge who understands test strategy, not just content—they should be able to explain why you're missing questions and help you develop section-specific pacing plans. Experience working with students in Omaha schools is helpful since they understand local testing trends and school schedules. The best fit is someone who can diagnose your specific weak areas quickly and create a focused plan rather than trying to cover everything. Varsity Tutors connects you with experienced tutors who specialize in ACT prep and can work within your 4-week timeline.

Your first session should focus on assessment and strategy planning. A tutor will review your practice test scores, understand your goals, and identify which sections are costing you the most points. They'll also assess whether your challenges are conceptual gaps, pacing issues, or test anxiety—this diagnosis shapes your entire 4-week plan. You'll leave with a clear roadmap for what to focus on and how to use your time most effectively.

A typical 4-week plan works well with 2-3 tutoring sessions per week (about 1-2 hours each) combined with 5-7 hours of focused independent practice. Tutoring sessions should be strategic—reviewing practice tests, learning new techniques, and clarifying concepts—while independent study is where you apply what you've learned through targeted practice. Your tutor will assign specific practice work between sessions and review it, so you're not studying in a vacuum. This balance keeps momentum going while making the most of your tutor's expertise.