A 4-week ACT prep class typically combines targeted instruction on high-yield strategies, timed practice on specific question types, and personalized feedback on your weak spots. Your tutor will likely start by assessing which sections (English, Math, Reading, or Science) need the most work, then structure each week around mastering particular skills—like pacing strategies for the Reading section or approaching word problems efficiently in Math. You'll complete practice tests and drills between sessions to reinforce what you're learning.

Pacing is one of the most common ACT struggles, especially on the Reading and Science sections where time pressure is intense. A tutor can teach you section-specific strategies—like how to quickly identify what a passage is asking before diving into details, or which Science questions to tackle first based on difficulty. They'll also have you practice under timed conditions so you build speed without sacrificing accuracy, which is the real goal.

Absolutely—in fact, this is often the smartest approach for a 4-week timeline. If Math and Science are your trouble spots but you're already strong in English and Reading, your tutor will concentrate on those areas where you can make the biggest gains. This focused strategy lets you go deeper into problem-solving techniques and test-specific tricks rather than spreading yourself thin across all four sections.

Most students benefit from taking 2-3 full practice tests during a 4-week prep period—one at the start to establish a baseline, one midway through to track progress, and ideally one near the end to build test-day confidence. Between full tests, you'll focus on targeted drills for specific question types and sections. Your tutor will review your practice test results to pinpoint exactly which strategies aren't clicking yet.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with the format or fear of running out of time—both things a tutor can directly address. By practicing under realistic timed conditions repeatedly, you'll build confidence that you actually can handle the pace and question types. Your tutor can also teach you mental strategies like taking a few deep breaths between sections and focusing on one question at a time rather than worrying about the whole test.

Varsity Tutors connects Rochester students with experienced ACT tutors who understand the test inside and out and can tailor their approach to your specific needs. You can share your current score, which sections challenge you most, and your target improvement—then get matched with a tutor who has a track record helping students in similar situations. Many tutors offer flexibility with scheduling to fit your 4-week timeline.

Realistic improvement depends on your starting point and how focused your prep is. Students who are already scoring in the 24-28 range often see 2-4 point improvements by targeting specific weak areas, while those starting lower might see larger gains if they work intensively on foundational skills. The most important factor is consistent practice between sessions and willingness to apply your tutor's feedback—students who do this see the best results.