Score improvements depend on your starting point and current strengths, but students typically see gains of 2-4 composite points with focused preparation. If you have specific weak sections, targeted practice in those areas often yields larger improvements. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can diagnose your biggest opportunities and create a personalized study plan to maximize your progress in the time available.

Start by taking a full practice test to identify which sections—English, Math, Reading, or Science—are holding back your composite score. Most students benefit from prioritizing their lowest-scoring section first, then strengthening areas where small improvements can boost their overall score. A tutor can help you allocate your study time strategically, ensuring you're not spending equal time on sections where you're already strong.

Pacing is one of the biggest challenges students face on test day, and it's highly learnable. Tutors teach you section-specific strategies—like which questions to tackle first, how long to spend on each problem, and when to skip and return—so you can maximize your score within the time limits. Practice tests are essential here; tutors use them to identify where you're losing time and help you develop strategies that work for your test-taking style.

The ACT Reading section tests both comprehension and speed—you have about 8-9 minutes per passage, which feels rushed for many students. Common struggles include getting lost in dense passages, overthinking answer choices, and running out of time. Tutors teach active reading techniques, question prediction strategies, and how to quickly identify what each question is really asking, helping you build confidence and accuracy without sacrificing speed.

Aim for 4-6 full-length practice tests spread across your 4 weeks—roughly one per week, with additional section-specific practice in between. This gives you enough data to spot patterns in your mistakes and track improvement over time. After each test, spend time reviewing every question you missed to understand why, not just what the correct answer is. This deliberate practice approach is far more effective than simply taking test after test.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or uncertain about strategies, so structured practice and clear game plans help build genuine confidence. Tutors teach you techniques like controlled breathing, positive self-talk, and how to stay focused when you encounter a tough question. Repeated practice tests in a low-stakes environment help desensitize you to the pressure, so test day feels more familiar and manageable.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have proven expertise in ACT prep and understand your specific goals. You'll discuss your current score, target score, and schedule preferences, and we'll match you with someone whose teaching style fits your learning needs. Most students start with a diagnostic session to identify weak areas, then work through a customized 4-week plan focused on your biggest opportunities for improvement.