Pacing is one of the biggest challenges students face—you have roughly 52 seconds per question. The key is to skip the passage and jump straight to the questions first, then return to the passage only for the specific data you need. Practice tests help you identify which question types you solve quickly versus slowly, so you can develop a strategy that works for your strengths. Many students find that reading questions before passages cuts their time significantly.

Score improvements depend on your starting point and effort, but most students see 2-4 point gains (on the 1-36 scale) with focused preparation over 4-8 weeks. Students who struggle with timing or specific question formats often see faster improvement once they learn targeted strategies. Consistent practice with real ACT tests and personalized feedback on your weak areas is what drives real progress.

The best way is to take a full practice test under timed conditions, then review every question you missed or guessed on. Look for patterns: Are you missing data representation questions? Struggling with conflicting viewpoints? Running out of time on certain passages? Once you identify whether your challenges are conceptual, strategic, or time-based, you can focus your prep accordingly. Personalized tutoring helps pinpoint these patterns quickly and address them with targeted strategies.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or overwhelmed by the 35-minute time limit. Building confidence through repeated practice with real tests helps tremendously—the more familiar the format feels, the less anxious you'll be. Developing a consistent strategy (like reviewing questions before passages) also reduces decision fatigue during the test. Many students find that working with a tutor to practice under timed conditions and receive encouraging feedback builds the confidence needed to stay calm on test day.

Most students benefit from 4-8 weeks of focused preparation, with 3-5 hours per week of quality practice. This typically includes taking full practice tests (to build stamina and identify patterns), reviewing mistakes, and practicing specific question types where you struggle. Your timeline depends on your starting score and target score—students aiming for significant improvement may need longer. A tutor can help you create a realistic schedule based on your goals and current performance.

Practice tests reveal exactly how you perform under real test conditions—including time pressure, which is ACT Science's biggest challenge. They show you which question types trip you up, how your timing holds up, and where your knowledge gaps are. Reviewing your mistakes from practice tests is where real learning happens; you'll spot patterns and learn what strategies work for you. Most students need to take 3-5 full practice tests to feel confident and comfortable with the section.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors for students in Staten Island who specialize in ACT Science and understand the specific challenges of the section. When you get matched with a tutor, you can discuss your target score, timeline, and learning style to ensure it's a good fit. The best tutors combine deep knowledge of ACT Science content with proven test-taking strategies and the ability to help you build confidence alongside skills.