Score improvement depends on your starting point and commitment level, but students typically see meaningful gains within 4-8 weeks of focused tutoring. If you're scoring in the 18-24 range, improvement of 3-5 points is realistic with consistent practice and strategy refinement. Students already scoring 28+ often see smaller gains since the highest scores require near-perfect accuracy. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who can identify your specific weaknesses and create a personalized study plan to maximize your improvement.

Effective pacing starts with understanding your reading speed and question-answering efficiency. Many students waste time re-reading passages multiple times; instead, tutors teach strategic skimming techniques and how to locate answers efficiently. A common approach is spending 8-9 minutes per passage (including reading and answering questions), which leaves time for review. Your tutor can work with you on practice tests to find the pacing strategy that works best for your reading style and helps you complete all 40 questions within the 35-minute limit.

ACT Reading questions focus on main ideas, details, inference, vocabulary in context, purpose/tone, and function within the passage. Each passage type—prose fiction, social science, humanities, and natural science—has slightly different question patterns. Learning to recognize these question types helps you know exactly what to look for in the passage. Expert tutors teach you the specific strategies for each question type, so you're not just reading better—you're answering the questions the test expects.

Practice tests are essential for ACT Reading success because they build familiarity with the format, timing, and question patterns under realistic conditions. Taking full practice tests helps you identify which passage types and question formats give you the most trouble. After each practice test, reviewing your mistakes reveals patterns—maybe you struggle with inference questions or slow down on science passages. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who use practice tests strategically throughout your preparation to track progress and adjust your study plan accordingly.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unsure of your strategy, which is why consistent practice and clear techniques are powerful confidence builders. Tutors help you develop a routine for approaching each passage and question type, so you feel in control during the test. Building familiarity through practice tests, learning to skip difficult questions and return to them, and having a backup pacing strategy all reduce anxiety. Many students find that knowing they've practiced extensively and have a solid plan dramatically reduces stress on test day.

Look for tutors with strong ACT Reading scores (typically 32+), proven experience helping students improve their scores, and knowledge of current test formats and question types. The best tutors understand not just the content but also test-taking psychology—they can diagnose whether you're missing questions due to comprehension issues, timing problems, or misunderstanding question formats. When you connect with Varsity Tutors, you're matched with experienced tutors who specialize in ACT Reading and can tailor their approach to your specific needs and learning style.

Most students benefit from 4-8 weeks of focused preparation, with 3-4 hours per week of study time. This typically includes one or two tutoring sessions per week plus independent practice between sessions. If you're starting from a lower baseline score, you may want to extend your timeline to 8-12 weeks. Your tutor will help you create a realistic schedule that fits your other commitments while giving you enough time to practice, review mistakes, and build confidence before test day.