Pacing is one of the biggest challenges students face—you have roughly 5 minutes per passage. Start by practicing with a timer to build speed without sacrificing accuracy. Many students find success by quickly scanning the passage for key information, then diving into the questions rather than reading every detail upfront. Personalized tutoring can help you identify which question types slow you down most and develop strategies tailored to your reading and reasoning pace.

Score improvement depends on your starting point and effort level, but students typically see 2-4 point gains with focused preparation over 8-12 weeks. If you're struggling with specific question types or data interpretation, targeted instruction can help you eliminate careless errors and build confidence quickly. The key is identifying your weak areas early and practicing strategically—tutors can pinpoint exactly where you're losing points and create a plan to address those gaps.

The best way is to take a full-length practice test under timed conditions, then review every question you missed or guessed on. Look for patterns: Are you struggling with data interpretation? Do certain science topics (biology, chemistry, physics) trip you up? Are you running out of time? Once you identify your patterns, you can focus your study time where it matters most. A tutor can analyze your practice tests in depth and create a customized study plan that targets your specific challenges.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unsure of your strategy. Building confidence through repeated practice with real ACT questions helps tremendously—when you've seen similar passages and questions before, the test feels less intimidating. Developing a consistent approach (like the scanning strategy mentioned above) also reduces anxiety because you know exactly what to do when you sit down. Tutors can work with you on both the technical skills and the mental strategies that help you stay calm and focused during the actual test.

Most students benefit from 4-6 weeks of focused preparation, studying 3-5 hours per week. However, your timeline depends on your starting score and target score. If you're aiming for a significant improvement, 8-12 weeks allows time to master each question type, take multiple practice tests, and refine your strategy. Personalized tutoring helps you use your study time efficiently—rather than grinding through generic prep materials, you'll focus on the specific skills and content that will move your score.

Your first session typically starts with a diagnostic assessment—either reviewing a recent practice test or taking a timed section under test conditions. This helps identify your strengths, weaknesses, and current pacing issues. You'll discuss your target score, timeline, and any specific concerns (like anxiety or a particular question type). From there, your tutor will create a personalized plan focusing on the areas where you'll gain the most points. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who specialize in ACT Science and can tailor their approach to your learning style.

Most students benefit from taking 3-5 full-length practice tests under timed conditions—this builds test stamina and helps you apply strategies consistently. After each test, spend time reviewing every missed question to understand why you got it wrong. It's better to take fewer tests and review them thoroughly than to rush through many tests without reflection. Your tutor can help you select high-quality practice materials, review your results strategically, and adjust your approach based on what the tests reveal about your progress.