You have 35 minutes to answer 40 questions, which works out to about 52 seconds per question—one of the tightest time constraints on the ACT. Many students struggle with pacing because they spend too long reading passages or second-guessing answers. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction helps you develop efficient strategies, like identifying which questions require careful reading versus quick data lookup, so you can maximize your score without rushing.

Start by taking a full-length practice test under timed conditions and reviewing every question you missed or guessed on. Look for patterns: Are you struggling with data representation questions? Do conflicting viewpoints passages confuse you? Are certain science topics (biology, chemistry, physics) harder? Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can analyze your practice test results, pinpoint specific weaknesses, and create a targeted study plan to address them.

Score improvement depends on your starting point and how consistently you practice. Students who work with personalized tutoring typically see 2-4 point improvements on the Science section within 4-6 weeks of focused study, though gains vary based on your baseline and effort level. The key is identifying your specific weak areas—whether that's interpreting graphs, understanding experimental design, or managing time—and practicing strategically rather than just doing more problems.

Effective strategies include: reading the question before the passage to know what to look for, skimming passages quickly rather than reading every word, and prioritizing question types based on your strengths. For data representation questions, focus on the graphs and tables first. For research summaries, understand the experiment's purpose quickly. For conflicting viewpoints, identify the key difference between theories. A tutor can help you practice these strategies on real ACT questions so they become automatic on test day.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or uncertain about strategies. Building confidence through consistent practice with timed questions and learning proven test-taking techniques reduces anxiety significantly. Personalized tutoring also helps you understand why you're missing questions—whether it's a knowledge gap, pacing issue, or careless mistake—so you can address the root cause rather than just worrying about the score. Many students find that knowing exactly what to expect and having a solid strategy makes test day feel much more manageable.

Most students benefit from taking 3-5 full-length practice tests under timed conditions, spaced throughout their study period. This gives you enough repetition to identify patterns and track improvement without burnout. Between full tests, focus on targeted practice with specific question types or topics. Tutors can recommend which practice tests to use, help you review your results thoroughly, and guide you on which areas deserve more focused practice based on your performance.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment—either reviewing a recent practice test or taking a timed Science section—so the tutor can understand your baseline score, identify your strongest and weakest question types, and learn about your goals. From there, you'll work together to create a personalized study plan that targets your specific needs, whether that's mastering data interpretation, improving pacing, or building confidence. This tailored approach ensures your tutoring time is spent on what actually moves your score.