Score improvement depends on your starting point and how consistently you engage with the material. Students typically see 2-4 point improvements with focused prep, though some see more if they identify and address specific weak areas. The key is combining expert instruction with regular practice tests and targeted review—8 weeks gives you a realistic timeline to build both knowledge and test-taking confidence.

Timing is one of the biggest challenges on the ACT, especially in the Reading and Science sections. A strong prep class teaches you strategic approaches—like skimming techniques for Reading, knowing when to skip difficult Math problems, and managing the Science section's dense passages. You'll practice these strategies repeatedly with timed drills so they become automatic on test day.

Absolutely. The English section rewards grammar knowledge and proofreading skills; Math requires problem-solving strategies and knowing when to use calculators; Reading demands efficient comprehension and question prediction; and Science focuses on data interpretation rather than science knowledge. An effective 8-week prep class teaches you section-specific strategies so you're not taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

Most students benefit from taking 4-6 full practice tests over 8 weeks—roughly one every 1-2 weeks. This gives you time to learn strategies early, practice them mid-prep, and take full-length tests toward the end to simulate test day conditions. Between practice tests, you'll focus on reviewing mistakes and drilling specific question types where you struggled.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with the format and uncertainty about your abilities. An 8-week prep class builds confidence through repeated exposure to real ACT questions, timed practice, and understanding exactly what to expect. As you see your practice scores improve and master test-specific strategies, anxiety naturally decreases because you know you're prepared.

Varsity Tutors connects Buffalo students with experienced ACT prep tutors who understand the test format, common pitfalls, and proven strategies. When you get matched with a tutor, they'll assess your current level, identify your weakest sections, and create a personalized study plan that fits into your 8-week timeline. You can discuss your schedule and learning style to find the right fit.

That's completely normal—most students have uneven strengths across the four sections. An 8-week prep class lets you allocate more time to your weaker areas while maintaining your strengths. Your tutor can help you prioritize: for example, if Math is your weakness, you might spend 40% of your prep time there, while spending less time on sections where you're already scoring well.