For a 4-week intensive course, expect to spend 5-7 hours per week on independent practice and review outside of tutoring sessions. This includes completing practice problems, reviewing mistakes, and taking full-length practice tests. Consistent daily study (even 30-45 minutes) is more effective than cramming, and spacing your practice across the week helps reinforce what you learn in sessions.

Reading & Science typically require the most time to improve because they depend heavily on comprehension speed and critical thinking skills that develop gradually. Math and English can often show faster gains through targeted strategy work and practice with specific question types. In a 4-week timeline, focus on mastering the question formats and timing strategies for all sections, then dedicate extra practice to whichever section feels weakest.

Pacing problems usually stem from either spending too long on difficult questions or not having a clear strategy for each section. Tutors help you develop section-specific timing plans—for example, allocating specific minutes per question and learning when to skip and return. Practice tests are essential for building timing confidence; you'll take several full-length tests during the 4-week course to refine your pace under real testing conditions.

Test anxiety often improves significantly through repeated practice with full-length tests, which builds familiarity and confidence with the format and timing. Your tutor will also teach you specific strategies like breathing techniques, positive self-talk, and how to manage your mental energy across the 3-hour test. Knowing you've practiced extensively under timed conditions is one of the best confidence builders for test day.

The best way is to take a full-length practice ACT under timed conditions before your course starts—this diagnostic test reveals your strengths and weaknesses across all four sections (English, Math, Reading, Science). Your tutor will analyze your results to identify patterns, like whether you're missing questions due to careless errors, timing issues, or concept gaps. This targeted analysis ensures your 4-week prep focuses on areas that will have the biggest impact on your score.

Most students benefit from taking 3-4 full-length practice tests during a 4-week course—typically one at the beginning (diagnostic), one or two mid-course, and one near the end. Each test should be taken under real testing conditions (timed, minimal breaks) so you can practice pacing and build stamina. Between tests, focus on reviewing mistakes and drilling specific question types that gave you trouble.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in ACT prep and understand the specific challenges Buffalo students face. The process starts with a consultation to discuss your current score, target score, and availability, then you'll be matched with a tutor experienced in 4-week intensive courses. Your tutor will create a personalized study plan, administer a diagnostic test, and guide you through focused practice and strategy development over the next four weeks.