Effective pacing starts with understanding that you don't need to read every word perfectly—the goal is to grasp the main idea and locate specific details quickly. Many students benefit from spending 8-9 minutes per passage, using techniques like previewing questions first, then scanning the passage for relevant information. Practice tests are essential for building this skill; taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions helps you internalize the pace and identify which passage types slow you down. A tutor can analyze your practice test results to pinpoint timing bottlenecks and teach you personalized strategies.

Score improvement depends on your starting point and how consistently you practice. Students typically see 2-4 point improvements (on the 1-36 scale) with focused tutoring and regular practice over 4-8 weeks, though some see larger gains if they're addressing fundamental strategy gaps. The key is identifying your specific weaknesses—whether that's vocabulary, inference questions, or time management—and targeting those areas systematically. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can assess your current skills and create a personalized study plan with realistic milestones.

ACT Reading includes several question types: main idea/purpose questions (focus on overall passage themes), detail questions (require locating specific information), inference questions (require reading between the lines), and vocabulary-in-context questions. Each type requires a different strategy—for example, main idea questions benefit from skimming the introduction and conclusion, while detail questions require targeted passage searches. Understanding these patterns helps you allocate your time more efficiently and avoid common traps like choosing answers that are true but don't answer the specific question asked. A tutor can walk you through each question type with real examples from practice tests.

Taking 4-6 full-length practice tests (or at least 3-4 complete Reading sections) under timed conditions is ideal for building familiarity with the format and pacing. The first practice test establishes your baseline, while subsequent tests help you track progress and identify persistent weak areas. Between practice tests, focus on reviewing your mistakes to understand why you chose wrong answers and what strategy would have helped. Many students find it helpful to space practice tests out over several weeks rather than taking them all at once, which allows time to implement new strategies between attempts.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or uncertain about your strategy—both of which tutoring can address directly. Practicing under timed conditions repeatedly builds confidence and makes the test feel familiar rather than intimidating. Developing a consistent pre-test routine (like deep breathing or positive self-talk) and knowing exactly what to expect helps calm your nervous system on test day. A tutor can also help you build a growth mindset by celebrating progress on practice tests and reframing mistakes as learning opportunities rather than failures.

Look for tutors with strong ACT Reading scores themselves and experience teaching test-taking strategies, not just general reading comprehension. They should be able to analyze your practice test results to identify patterns in your mistakes and tailor their instruction accordingly. It's also valuable if they understand the specific challenges Portland students face and can connect you with local resources or study groups. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in ACT Reading and have a track record of helping students improve their scores.

Your first session typically focuses on assessment and planning. The tutor will likely review your current ACT score (or have you take a practice Reading section), discuss your target score, and identify your specific strengths and weaknesses. Together, you'll develop a personalized study plan with clear goals, a timeline, and specific strategies to address your challenges. This foundation ensures that every subsequent session builds toward your goals rather than covering generic test prep material.