About the test
The ACT is a nationally recognized standardized test that is accepted by American universities. Most schools accept either the SAT or the ACT. The ACT is not required if you use the SAT instead, but some schools do prefer the ACT. You can give colleges both your ACT and SAT scores if desired. The ACT consists of five sections: English, Math, Reading, Science, and an Essay. Strong readers and those who are weaker in math tend to score higher on the ACT than the SAT.

Prepping for the ACT is not as common as prepping for the SAT. However, our experience with the test shows us that students tend to score much higher on the ACT after prep.

Our General Prep Plan
If you have not taken the ACT before and are looking for comprehensive prep, we recommend 8 sessions. This would mean meeting with your tutor once a week for about two months before you take the exam.

Sessions last between 1 to 1.5 hours and students are given homework each week. Time for weekly homework varies, but it will be approximately 1.5 hours to 3 hours. More or less homework can be given depending on the student’s needs.

If instead, you are looking for an overview of the test and basic strategies before taking the test for the first time, we are happy to work with you two to four times. This would not be a realistic time table for score improvement, but would be perfect for learning the basics of the test.

If you have already taken the SAT and the ACT and scored significantly higher on the ACT, and are looking for prep on the ACT, we recommend approximately 8 sessions

During ACT prep we will:

• Review and practice grammar rules
• Review necessary math formulas and concepts and discuss math strategies
• Discuss strategies and practice problems for the reading and science sections
• Go over and practice essay prompts and essay strategies

When should I take the ACT?
The ACT can be taken at many different times throughout a student’s junior year. It is wise to take the ACT after some sort of prep. Many of our students will take the SAT in March and the ACT in April. Much of the material covered for the SAT, such as the math and grammar will carry over and help with the ACT. However, they are two different tests and learning separate strategies for the ACT is necessary. After taking the SAT in March, a student would have a month to work solely on the ACT.

After taking both tests, a student could compare his or her scores and decide which test or tests he or she may want to take again.