A focused 4-week plan usually dedicates 1-2 weeks to diagnostic testing and identifying weak areas, then 2-3 weeks to targeted practice on those specific sections. You'll take full practice tests every 7-10 days to track progress and adjust strategy. Most students benefit from 5-8 hours of prep per week, split between guided instruction and independent practice with timed drills.

Reading and math pacing are the most common challenges for students preparing for the ACT. The reading section requires processing dense passages quickly, while math tests both speed and accuracy across multiple topics. Science reasoning trips up many students because it's less familiar than high school science classes. A personalized tutor can identify which section is holding back your score and build a strategy to tackle it.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about timing or question formats. Working through full-length practice tests under timed conditions helps normalize the experience and builds confidence. Tutors can teach pacing strategies specific to each section—like which questions to tackle first and when to move on—so you feel in control during the actual test. Breathing techniques and mental preparation are also part of effective test-day readiness.

Taking 3-5 full-length practice tests during a 4-week prep window gives you solid data on your performance and helps you adjust your strategy. The first test establishes your baseline, the next 2-3 let you practice your new strategies, and the final one confirms you're ready. Between full tests, focus on timed drills for your weakest sections rather than taking partial tests.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who specialize in ACT prep and understand the specific challenges students face. During the matching process, we consider your target score, which sections need the most work, and your learning style. Your tutor will create a personalized 4-week plan that focuses on your weak areas and teaches you the strategies that work best for your strengths.

Your first session starts with a diagnostic—either a full practice test or a focused assessment of your strongest and weakest sections. Your tutor will review your results with you, identify patterns in your mistakes, and discuss your target score and test date. By the end of the session, you'll have a clear 4-week action plan and understand exactly which skills to prioritize.

The ACT Reading section tests comprehension speed and detail recall. Effective strategies include previewing questions before reading, identifying the main idea quickly, and marking key details as you read. Some students benefit from reading the questions first to know what to look for; others do better reading the passage first. Your tutor will help you find the approach that maximizes your accuracy within the time limit.