ACT test prep

Our ACT tutoring program provides online ACT prep courses and practice test questions to help you ace the exam!

ACT tutoring program and test prep

ACT Test Prep Structure

Our ACT tutor meets with you for eight to ten weekly sessions, each lasting 90 minutes. As homework, we assign a mix of full-length ACT practice tests and 90-minute assignments. We provide in-person and online ACT tutoring.

ACT Exam Prep Content

We cover ACT test-taking skills and content, including interpretation of ACT practice questions, guessing strategy, time management, algebra concepts, geometric reasoning, reading comprehension, grammar, and essay writing.

Practice ACT Test Materials

We have crafted proprietary practice ACT test materials, updated annually, to reflect the current content on the ACT and the best strategies for test preparation. Our practice ACT test materials are comprehensive, and they can easily be customized to your needs.

 
 
 
 

About the ACT test and ACT test prep tutoring

What does the ACT test measure?

The ACT assesses educational development and readiness to pursue college-level coursework in English, mathematics, natural science, and social studies. The Science Test, which does not directly correspond to any SAT section, is a 40-question, 35-minute test that measures the skills required in the natural sciences: interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem solving.

Is the ACT a fast-paced test?

Yes. Most students have difficulty finishing the test within the allotted time. Doing well on the ACT requires students to deal with the pressure of time limits, moving swiftly and efficiently through dense passages using techniques such as skimming and scanning. As a result, our ACT exam prep includes significant focus on timing strategy.

How can an ACT tutor help?

Working with an online or private ACT Tutor can provide an enormous advantage by teaching students test taking strategies – how to maintain focus, manage their time and energy for the duration of the test, and answer questions accurately and efficiently. Our ACT Tutoring team is ready to help!

Parents love AJ Tutoring's ACT test prep course!

 
"Professional, personable, and very educated."

Our ACT test prep courses, help you prepare for the ACT exam by:

Setting Tangible Goals for College

People often ask, “What is a good ACT score?” Simply put, a “good ACT score” is one that fits the admissions profiles for the colleges where you’ve chosen to apply. We’ll meet you on your level―whatever that may be―and help you achieve your personal best on test day.

Making an ACT Study Plan

We’ll work with you and your parents to create an optimized personal study plan for time in sessions and at home. ACT test preparation is a process, and we’ll help you learn how to study long term.

Addressing Content Weaknesses

Rather than just telling you the correct practice ACT test answers, we strive to get to know your thinking process and understand what makes sense to you. Your ACT tutor will pinpoint your weaknesses and prioritize where to spend energy so that you’ll realize the biggest gains in your practice ACT test score.

Providing Strong ACT Study Materials

Our professional ACT materials have proven effective for diverse learning styles and skill levels. We start with comprehensive practice ACT test materials and then customize our approach with further ACT prep packets to help you reach your goal scores.

Helping You Learn From Your Mistakes

We review missed practice ACT test questions, digging into the underlying causes of mistakes. Then, our ACT tutor works with you to create a specific plan for your ACT prep, helping you overcome obstacles and avoid the same errors in the future.

Measuring Progress with ACT Practice Tests

Our 1-on-1 students may attend proctored ACT practice tests at our offices on any Saturday, and many Sundays, at no additional cost. Most of our students take 3 to 5 practice exams, which are scored and reviewed with their tutors in session.

 

ACT prep frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How do I register for the ACT Test?

You can register for the ACT on the ACT website.

Do schools accept both SAT and ACT scores?

Yes. All four-year colleges accept both the ACT and SAT. From a college’s perspective the tests are interchangeable.

  • Note: A few colleges (for example, Cal Poly) prefer the ACT to the SAT.

Do you update your ACT test prep materials to address changes in the ACT practice questions and format?

The ACT has a philosophy of constant improvement to the test. As such, it frequently makes small changes to the content and structure of the exam between test dates, often doing so without public announcement.

Recent changes include:

  • The occasional “double passage” on the Reading section (two short passages replace one of the longer passages)
  • The appearance of a few questions that include advanced math concepts like matrices
  • The reduction in number of science passages on the Science section from 7 to 6

Our team is on it! We continually modify our curriculum and tutoring strategies as the test evolves. Our program is designed to give you an edge.

Is the ACT easier than the SAT?

The ACT is easier than the SAT in that students typically answer a higher percentage of questions correctly on the ACT. A student scoring in the 50th percentile of ACT test-takers answers about 60% of the questions correctly. A student scoring in the 50th percentile on the SAT answers about 50% of the questions correctly.

As result, students often subjectively prefer the ACT to the SAT because it “feels easier.” However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it is the better fit. The real question is: how do your ACT and SAT scores compare, and how do they compare to the scores of other test-takers?

We can help you determine which test is a better fit for you. Give us a call at (650) 331-3251 to discuss!

 

How long is the ACT?

The ACT is a 2-hour and 55-minute test. The ACT with writing includes an additional 40-minute essay at the end of the multiple-choice portion.

How many sections are on the ACT?

The ACT test has four sections: English, math, reading, and science, each worth 36 points. The ACT with writing has an additional essay. Our tutoring program includes resources and official ACT prep subject guides to help students prepare for each section.

Should I take the ACT with writing?

Amid the shift towards test-optional policies, accelerated by the pandemic, many schools no longer mandate ACT Writing. Following the SAT essay’s discontinuation, most institutions that once valued ACT Writing adjusted their requirements.

Currently, most institutions either disregard ACT Writing scores or give them minimal weight in admissions. Not participating in ACT Writing won’t disadvantage your application.

For specific school requirements, search online with “[school name] ACT writing requirement.”

What is a good score on the ACT exam?

A good ACT test score is one that matches the admissions profiles of the colleges that would be a good fit for you. To see how competitive your ACT score is, visit any college’s website and look at the acceptance statistics from the previous year.

A college publishes score ranges in one of two ways: as an average or as 25th/75th percentile.

  • The average ACT score is the average score of all admitted students.
  • The 25th percentile ACT score means that 25% of admitted students scored at or below that number and 75% scored above it. The 75th percentile ACT score means that 75% of those accepted scored at or below that number and 25% scored above it.

Do you offer in-person and online ACT tutoring?

Yes! We offer both in-person and online ACT test preparation.

Meet some of our ACT prep tutors!

Asia Raab
Test Prep & Academic Tutor
Subjects Tutored:
College Application Essays, ACT, PSAT, SAT, K-12 Private School Interview, Writing Sample, and Applications ...
Office Location:
Los Altos (San Antonio Rd)

"It is my mission to empower my students with the tools they will need to be successful once our sessions are complete."

Learn More
Devin Shoop
College Counselor, Team Leader, Test Prep & Academic Tutor
Subjects Tutored:
College Counseling, College Application Essays, ACT, PSAT, SAT ...
Office Location:
Online

"I strive to bring balance, harmony, and the educational commitment of Classical thinkers to my students."

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Merylynn Valencia
San Mateo Office Director, Social Outreach Director, Test Prep & Academic Tutor
Subjects Tutored:
ACT, PSAT, SAT, K-12 Private School Interview, Writing Sample, and Applications, Star Assessment ...
Office Location:
San Mateo

"I use my passion for learning as a tool to help students find understanding and enthusiasm within their courses."

Learn More
 

Find the solutions to your ACT prep tutoring needs, ACT practice questions, and more in one place!

We customize our ACT prep course online and at any Bay area AJ Tutoring locations, whether you need a private or online ACT tutor to meet your needs.