That depends on your diagnostic test results and goals. The ACT has four main sections—English, Math, Reading, and Science—and each requires different strategies. With only four weeks, working with a tutor helps you prioritize: if Math is your biggest challenge, you might dedicate more time there, while using efficient strategies to maintain your stronger sections. A tutor can also help you identify which section improvements will have the biggest impact on your composite score, so you're spending time where it matters most.

Pacing is one of the most common ACT challenges—students often run out of time on the Reading or Science sections. Tutors teach you section-specific timing strategies, like how to quickly identify what a question is asking and when to skip difficult problems strategically. Through timed practice tests and targeted drills, you'll build the speed and accuracy needed to finish each section confidently. Your tutor will also help you understand your personal pacing patterns so you know exactly where to adjust during test day.

Ideally, you'll take 3-4 full-length practice tests during a 4-week program—roughly one per week—to track progress and get comfortable with the test format and timing. Between full tests, you'll do targeted practice on specific question types and sections. A tutor helps you review each practice test strategically, identifying patterns in your mistakes rather than just drilling more problems. This approach builds both skill and confidence without overwhelming you.

Your tutor will start with a diagnostic test or review of your recent ACT attempts to pinpoint exactly where you're losing points—whether it's specific question types, particular content (like trigonometry or grammar rules), or test-taking habits like rushing or second-guessing. From there, you'll do targeted practice on those weak areas while maintaining your strengths. This personalized approach is much more efficient than generic test prep, because you're focusing your limited four weeks on what actually impacts your score.

Absolutely. Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about the format, timing, or specific question types—all things a tutor can address directly. By practicing under timed conditions, reviewing your mistakes without judgment, and building a clear strategy for test day, you'll develop real confidence rather than just hoping for the best. Your tutor can also teach you practical stress-management techniques and help you approach difficult questions calmly and strategically, which makes a real difference on test day.

Your first session focuses on understanding where you're starting from and what you want to achieve. You'll review your previous ACT scores (if you have them) or take a diagnostic test, discuss your target score and college goals, and identify which sections need the most work. Your tutor will then outline a customized 4-week plan that prioritizes your biggest opportunities for improvement. This foundation ensures every session after that is focused and strategic.

Varsity Tutors connects you with experienced tutors who specialize in ACT prep and understand the specific challenges students face. When you get matched with a tutor, you'll work with someone who has deep knowledge of the test format, scoring, and the most effective strategies for improvement. Your tutor will tailor the 4-week program to your needs, track your progress on practice tests, and adjust the plan as you improve.