Pacing is one of the biggest challenges on ACT Reading—you have about 8-9 minutes per passage, which feels tight. Expert tutors teach strategic reading techniques like active annotation, identifying main ideas quickly, and knowing which questions to tackle first. Rather than reading every word carefully, you'll learn to skim efficiently while capturing the passage structure, then use that roadmap to answer questions faster and more accurately.

The ACT Reading section tests five core question types: main idea/purpose, detail questions, inference questions, vocabulary-in-context, and function/structure questions. Each type requires a slightly different approach—detail questions reward careful re-reading, while inference questions need you to read between the lines. A tutor will help you recognize each type instantly and develop a specific strategy for answering it accurately under time pressure.

The best way is through diagnostic practice tests—taking full timed sections and analyzing which passage types and question types give you trouble. Some students struggle with dense science passages, others with humanities or social studies. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who will review your practice tests, identify patterns in your mistakes, and focus your study time on the passage types and strategies that will have the biggest impact on your score.

Test anxiety often comes from feeling unprepared or unsure of your approach. Working with a tutor builds confidence through repeated practice with real ACT questions, learning proven strategies, and getting immediate feedback on what's working. As you see your accuracy improve and your timing get faster, the anxiety naturally decreases—you're replacing panic with a solid game plan and the muscle memory that comes from deliberate practice.

Consistent practice beats cramming—aim for 3-4 focused practice sessions per week, with each session including full timed passages or sections rather than scattered questions. Quality matters more than quantity; working through 2-3 passages with detailed review of your mistakes is more effective than rushing through 10. Your tutor will help you build a sustainable study schedule that fits your timeline and gradually increases difficulty as you improve.

Your first session focuses on assessment and planning. You'll likely take a diagnostic practice test or work through a few passages while your tutor observes your approach, pacing, and where you're losing points. From there, the tutor will discuss your goals, identify your biggest challenges, and outline a personalized study plan with specific strategies and practice materials. This foundation makes all your future sessions more targeted and effective.

While ACT Reading is the same nationwide, students in Milwaukee benefit from tutors who understand local school curricula and testing patterns. With 16 school districts and varying preparation levels across the area, personalized tutoring helps you address your specific gaps rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. Varsity Tutors connects Milwaukee students with expert tutors who can adapt their teaching to your school's pace and your individual learning style.