A focused 4-week program typically prioritizes high-impact strategies: test-specific question formats, time management techniques for each section, and targeted practice on your weakest content areas. Rather than comprehensive content review, you'll focus on test-taking patterns, common traps, and efficient problem-solving methods. Most programs include full-length practice tests to build stamina and identify remaining gaps, plus personalized feedback on which strategies are actually working for your learning style.

Pacing struggles usually come from either spending too long on hard questions or not knowing when to skip strategically. Expert tutors help you practice the "two-pass" method: answer all the questions you can solve quickly first, then return to harder ones with remaining time. Working through timed drills for each section—starting at a comfortable pace, then gradually speeding up—trains your brain to recognize patterns faster and make quicker decisions without sacrificing accuracy.

Reading and Math are typically the most challenging sections for Salt Lake City students, though the specific struggle varies: Reading often comes down to time pressure and question interpretation, while Math frequently involves algebra gaps or unfamiliar problem types. English and Science have their own patterns too—English rewards grammar rule mastery, while Science is really about reading data efficiently. A diagnostic practice test early in your prep reveals your exact weak spots, so you can spend your four weeks where it matters most.

In a 4-week prep period, aim for 3-4 full-length practice tests spaced throughout your study schedule—ideally one in the first week to establish a baseline, then 2-3 more as you refine strategies and build stamina. Each test should be taken under real conditions (timed, no distractions) and followed by detailed review of every missed question, not just the ones you guessed on. This "practice testing" approach is one of the most effective study techniques because it builds both content knowledge and test-specific confidence.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty—not knowing what to expect or feeling unprepared for specific question types. During your 4-week prep, repeated exposure to authentic ACT questions and full-length tests under timed conditions builds familiarity and confidence. Tutors also teach concrete anxiety-management strategies like controlled breathing, positive self-talk, and the "skip and return" technique, which gives you a sense of control when you hit a tough question instead of spiraling.

Personalized 1-on-1 instruction lets you focus entirely on your weak areas rather than sitting through content you already know. A tutor can identify that you're losing points due to careless errors in Math while another student loses them to time pressure—and tailor strategies accordingly. In four weeks, this targeted approach means you're not wasting time on review; instead, every session builds directly on your diagnostic results and recent practice test performance.

Start by taking a diagnostic ACT practice test to identify your baseline score and specific weak areas—this guides everything that follows. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in ACT prep and can build a customized four-week study plan based on your results, target score, and learning style. Your first session typically covers test strategy overview, practice test review, and establishing realistic goals for your timeline.