Score improvement depends on your starting point and effort level, but most students see meaningful gains with focused, structured prep. Students who engage actively with the material, complete practice problems, and take full-length practice tests typically improve 2-4 points on the composite score. The key is identifying which sections need the most work and dedicating time to targeted practice in those areas.

Timing is one of the biggest obstacles students face on test day. An effective 8-week prep class teaches you specific strategies for each section—like skimming techniques for Reading, efficient problem-solving methods for Math, and how to manage the Science section's dense passages. You'll practice these strategies repeatedly on timed drills and full-length tests so they become automatic, reducing anxiety and improving accuracy under pressure.

That's completely normal, and a personalized 8-week prep approach can accommodate different strengths. Tutors can spend more time on your challenging sections while maintaining skills in areas where you're already strong. For example, if Math is your weakness but Reading is solid, you might dedicate more class time to Math strategies and practice, while using Reading sessions for advanced techniques and confidence building.

Most students benefit from taking 4-6 full-length practice tests over eight weeks—typically one every 1-2 weeks. This gives you enough data to track progress and identify patterns in your mistakes without overwhelming yourself. Between tests, you'll focus on targeted skill-building and drilling specific question types. Taking practice tests under timed, test-like conditions is one of the most effective ways to prepare because it builds stamina and reveals exactly where to focus your study effort.

Yes—test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about what to expect and lack of confidence in your abilities. By working through the actual test format, practicing under timed conditions, and mastering test-taking strategies, you build genuine confidence. An 8-week class also teaches breathing and mental management techniques, and by test day, the material and format feel familiar rather than intimidating, which significantly reduces anxiety for most students.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors for students in Las Vegas who specialize in ACT prep and understand the format, timing, and strategies that work. You can discuss your current score, target score, and specific section challenges to get matched with a tutor whose expertise aligns with your needs. Many tutors have helped numerous students improve their scores and can share strategies that have worked for others in similar situations.

Your first session typically starts with a diagnostic assessment—either a full practice test or a review of your previous scores—to identify your strengths and weaknesses across all four sections. You and your tutor will discuss your target score, timeline, and any specific concerns (like timing on Math or managing the Reading section). From there, you'll create a personalized 8-week study plan that prioritizes the areas where you'll see the most improvement.