Score improvement depends on your starting point and effort level, but students typically see gains of 2-5 points on the ACT scale when working with a tutor consistently over several weeks. The key is identifying your specific weak areas—whether that's pacing, question type comprehension, or passage analysis—and building targeted strategies. With focused practice and personalized feedback, most students can make meaningful progress before test day.

Pacing is about strategic reading, not speed. A tutor can teach you how to preview questions before reading, identify high-value questions to prioritize, and skim effectively for main ideas rather than reading every word. Many students also benefit from practicing timed drills on individual passages to build rhythm and confidence, then gradually working up to full-section timed tests.

ACT Reading includes main idea questions, detail questions, inference questions, and vocabulary-in-context questions. Each type requires a different approach: main idea questions ask what the passage is fundamentally about, detail questions test if you can locate specific information, inference questions require you to read between the lines, and vocabulary questions test word meaning from context clues. A tutor can help you develop a systematic strategy for each type so you're not guessing.

Practice tests are essential for ACT Reading success because they help you identify patterns in your mistakes, build stamina for the full section, and get comfortable with the test's specific question formats and passage styles. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions also reveals whether your challenges are with comprehension, pacing, or both. A tutor can review your practice test results with you to pinpoint exactly where to focus your studying.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unsure of your strategy. Working with a tutor builds confidence by giving you proven techniques to rely on and plenty of practice before test day. Tutors can also teach you breathing and mental focus strategies to use during the actual test, and help you reframe time pressure as a manageable challenge rather than a threat. The more prepared you feel, the calmer you'll be.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have expertise in ACT Reading and understand the specific challenges of the section. We match based on your goals, schedule, and learning style to ensure a strong fit. Your tutor will assess your current strengths and weaknesses in the first session, then create a personalized study plan tailored to help you reach your target score.

Your first session is about getting to know your tutor and understanding where you stand. You'll likely take a diagnostic practice test or discuss your recent ACT results, talk about your target score and timeline, and identify which aspects of ACT Reading give you the most trouble. From there, your tutor will outline a personalized plan with specific strategies and a study schedule to help you improve before test day.