Four weeks works best if you've already taken a practice test and know which sections need the most work. This timeframe is ideal for targeted improvement rather than starting from scratch—it allows you to focus on specific strategies, question formats, and pacing challenges without feeling overwhelmed. If you're preparing for your first attempt with no baseline, a longer timeline is typically more effective, but a 4-week intensive can still boost scores if you're already somewhat familiar with the test.

Reading and Science are commonly challenging for students because they require both content knowledge and fast pacing—you have limited time to work through passages and complex questions. Math struggles often stem from timing rather than understanding, while English rewards quick pattern recognition. A personalized 4-week program can diagnose your specific weak spots through practice tests and focus your study time where it matters most, whether that's reading comprehension strategies, science data interpretation, or math problem-solving speed.

Taking 2-3 full practice tests during a 4-week program is ideal—one at the start to establish your baseline, one midway to track progress, and one near the end to build test-day confidence. Between full tests, focusing on timed section drills and targeted question sets is more efficient than taking multiple complete tests. Practice tests reveal pacing patterns and question types that trip you up, which is exactly what a 4-week program should address through strategic review.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unsure about pacing, both of which a focused 4-week program addresses directly. Building familiarity with question formats, practicing timed sections, and developing a pre-test routine all reduce anxiety on test day. Tutors can also teach breathing techniques and mental strategies to stay calm during the exam, plus help you recognize which questions to skip versus tackle—confidence in your approach is one of the best anxiety reducers.

Your first session typically includes taking a full practice test or reviewing your most recent score to identify strengths and gaps across all four sections. From there, a tutor can create a targeted study plan for your 4 weeks, prioritizing the sections and question types where you'll see the biggest score improvements. You'll also discuss your test date, goal score, and any specific challenges like pacing or anxiety so the program is customized to your needs.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who specialize in ACT prep and understand the specific strategies that work best in a compressed 4-week timeframe. When you reach out, you can share your current score, goal score, and any sections you're most concerned about—this helps ensure you're matched with someone experienced in your exact needs. Expert tutors in the Tulsa area can work with you on a schedule that fits your life while keeping you on track for test day.

A typical 4-week schedule balances full practice tests with targeted section drills—aim for 5-8 hours per week of focused study, with at least one full timed test every 10 days. Early weeks should focus on identifying weak areas and learning strategies, middle weeks on drilling specific question types, and the final week on full practice tests and confidence building. Your tutor can adjust this based on your starting point and test date, ensuring you're not cramming at the end or wasting time on areas you've already mastered.