Virginia Tech typically admits students with ACT scores in the 27-32 range, while William & Mary's middle 50% falls between 31-34. Both schools are selective, so a score of 28+ for Virginia Tech and 31+ for William & Mary positions you competitively. Keep in mind that these are middle ranges—scores above these thresholds strengthen your application significantly.

The ACT Science section (35 minutes, 40 questions) tests your ability to interpret data, understand scientific reasoning, and analyze research—not memorized science facts. You'll encounter graphs, tables, and experimental setups from biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science. This section challenges many Virginia Beach students because it requires quick data interpretation skills rather than deep content knowledge, making strategic practice essential.

The ACT requires about 1 minute per question across all sections, making pacing critical. Effective strategies include: skip difficult questions initially and return to them, practice with a timer to build speed, and focus on accuracy over rushing. The Math section (60 minutes for 60 questions) and Reading section (35 minutes for 40 questions) are particularly time-intensive, so targeted practice on these sections helps most Virginia Beach students improve their pacing.

Most students see a 2-4 point composite improvement with focused preparation, though improvements vary based on starting score and effort. Students starting around 20-24 often see larger gains (4-6 points), while those already scoring 28+ typically see smaller but meaningful improvements of 1-3 points. Consistent practice on weak sections—particularly Science and Reading for many Virginia Beach students—combined with personalized instruction typically yields the strongest results.

Most Virginia Beach juniors benefit from starting ACT prep in spring or early summer before senior year, allowing 8-12 weeks of preparation before fall test dates. If you're already a senior, 6-8 weeks of focused study can still yield meaningful improvement. The timeline depends on your starting score and target score—aiming for a 24+ (top 25%) typically requires less prep than targeting 28+ (top 10%), so personalized planning based on your goals works best.

Both tests are equally accepted by Virginia colleges, though the ACT's faster pace and different question styles suit some students better. Virginia schools like UVA and William & Mary accept both tests interchangeably for admission and merit scholarships. The best choice depends on your strengths—if you prefer straightforward questions and faster pacing, the ACT may be your better fit; if you prefer more context-heavy passages, the SAT might suit you. Many Virginia Beach students take a practice version of each to decide.

Most Virginia colleges don't require the ACT Writing section for admission or merit scholarships, so it's typically optional. However, check specific requirements for schools you're targeting—some competitive programs may value it. If you're aiming for highly selective schools like UVA or William & Mary, including Writing can strengthen your application, but it's not essential. Skipping Writing saves 40 minutes and reduces test fatigue, which many Virginia Beach students find beneficial.