Score improvement depends on your starting point and how consistently you practice, but most students see meaningful gains within 4-8 weeks of focused tutoring. Students who work with a tutor on reading strategies, practice tests, and timed drills typically improve by 2-4 points on the ACT composite scale. The key is identifying your specific weak areas—whether that's vocabulary, inference questions, or time management—and addressing them systematically.

Effective strategies include previewing questions before reading the passage, annotating key details while reading, and knowing when to skip difficult questions and return to them. Some students benefit from reading the passage first then tackling questions, while others prefer a strategic preview approach. A tutor can help you test different methods through practice passages to find what works best for your reading style and pacing needs.

Consistent practice is more effective than cramming—ideally 3-4 focused study sessions per week, with at least one full-length practice test every 1-2 weeks. Each session should include timed passage practice (not just reading), review of missed questions, and strategy refinement. Working with a tutor helps you make practice time count by providing feedback on your approach and adjusting your study plan based on your progress.

Yes—the ACT Reading section includes Referring Comprehension, Reasoning, and Generalization questions, each requiring different skills. Many students find Reasoning questions (which ask you to infer or analyze) more challenging than straightforward Referring Comprehension questions. A tutor can diagnose which question types trip you up most and provide targeted practice to strengthen those specific skills before test day.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or rushed, so building confidence through consistent practice and mastering time management strategies directly reduces anxiety. Techniques like deep breathing before the section, positive self-talk, and having a clear game plan for each passage help you stay calm under pressure. Many students find that working through full-length timed practice tests with a tutor builds the confidence and familiarity needed to approach test day with composure.

Look for tutors who have strong ACT Reading scores themselves, understand the specific question formats and timing constraints, and can diagnose your individual weaknesses rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. They should be able to explain strategy clearly, provide quality practice materials, and track your progress over time. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors in Charlotte who specialize in ACT Reading and can tailor their approach to your goals and learning style.

Your first session typically includes an assessment of your current reading level, a diagnostic practice test or timed passage to identify your specific challenges, and a discussion of your target score and timeline. Your tutor will explain how they work and what to expect moving forward, then create a personalized study plan focused on your biggest opportunities for improvement. This foundation helps ensure every session after that is targeted and productive toward your goals.