Score improvement depends on your starting point and how consistently you practice. Students who work with tutors typically see 2-4 point gains (on the 1-36 scale) within 8-12 weeks of focused preparation, though some improve more with intensive study. The key is identifying which question types trip you up most—whether that's detail questions, inference questions, or vocabulary-in-context—and practicing those specifically. Consistent practice with real ACT passages, combined with feedback on your approach, tends to produce the strongest results.

Effective strategies include previewing the questions before reading the passage so you know what to look for, using active annotation to mark key ideas and transitions, and tackling questions in a strategic order (easier passages first, or question types you're strongest at). Many students benefit from the "skim and search" method rather than reading every word—you skim for main ideas, then search the passage for specific details when answering questions. Time management matters too: aim to spend about 8-9 minutes per passage, leaving a few minutes for review.

Most students see meaningful progress with 3-4 focused study sessions per week, each lasting 45-60 minutes. Consistency matters more than cramming—spacing your practice over several weeks helps you retain strategies and build reading stamina. A typical effective schedule includes one full-length practice test per week to simulate test conditions, plus targeted practice on specific question types or passages where you struggle. Working with a tutor 1-2 times per week can help you stay accountable and adjust your approach based on what's actually working.

Your first session typically involves taking a diagnostic practice test or reviewing a recent ACT to identify your strengths and weaknesses. A tutor will analyze which question types you miss most often, whether your challenges are speed-related or comprehension-related, and what strategies might work best for your learning style. You'll leave with a clear picture of your baseline score, specific goals, and a personalized study plan tailored to your needs. This foundation helps make every session after that more productive and targeted.

Practice tests are essential—they're the best way to build test-day stamina, identify patterns in your mistakes, and get comfortable with real ACT question formats and timing. Taking full practice tests under timed conditions helps you discover whether you're rushing through or spending too much time on certain passages, and reviewing your wrong answers reveals whether you're missing details, struggling with inference, or falling for trap answers. Most students benefit from taking 4-6 full practice tests throughout their preparation, with careful review of each one.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or uncertain about your approach—working through practice tests and building confidence in your strategies directly addresses this. Developing a pre-test routine (like deep breathing or positive self-talk), knowing exactly how you'll pace yourself, and trusting your preparation helps calm your mind on test day. Many students also benefit from discussing their anxiety with a tutor, who can help you distinguish between productive nervousness and unhelpful worry, and build mental strategies alongside your academic preparation.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in ACT Reading and understand what Madison-area students need to succeed. When you get matched with a tutor, you can discuss your specific goals, availability, and learning style to ensure a great fit. Tutors work with you flexibly to build a personalized study plan based on your diagnostic results and timeline before test day.