ACT Test Preparation Tutoring

ACT

Regardless of what universities have recently been saying about standardized testing, there is no doubt that standardized testing is still a requisite element to one’s college application. The SAT/ACT establishes a common benchmark against which candidates are evaluated; it is such a heavily weighted component of one’s application that one can almost completely disregard the final grades received from any non-U.S. high school program (though predicted grades are a different matter altogether). It should, however, be noted that doing well on either the SAT or ACT does not guarantee entry into a selective institution – standardized test scores are but one of many factors that admission officers take into consideration when evaluating candidates.

The ACT is scored out of 36 (scaled score) and consists of 4 multiple-choice sections (chronologically ordered): i) a 45-minute English Section featuring 75 questions, ii) a 60-minute Maths Section featuring 60 questions, a iii) 35-minute Reading Section featuring 40 questions, and iv) a 35-minute Science Section featuring 40 questions. Like the SAT, there is an optional Essay Section that follows the Science Section – a total of 40 minutes is given for the Essay. Students will receive a 10-minute break between Maths Section and the Reading. Should a student opt for the Essay, the student will receive an additional 50 minute break between Science and the Essay.

How Long is the ACT?

The ACT lasts 2 hours and 55 minutes and is comprised of 4 multiple-choice sections (writing optional):

1. English – 75 Questions, 45 Minutes, 36 seconds per question.
2. Math – 60 Questions, 60 Minutes, 60 secconds per question.
3. Reading – 40 Questions, 35 Minutes, 52 seconds per question.
4. Science – 40 Questions, 35 Minutes, 52 seconds per question.
5. Writing (optional) - 1 Essay

    (215 total questions)‍

What is the main difference between ACT and SAT?

ACT and SAT carry the same purpose to fairly compare candidates' academic abilities, but are structured very differently and to be prepared with separate methods. ACT’s math section is known to be more challenging compared to SAT, the tests emphasize on sciences is reinforced by a science section to the test, absent from SAT. SAT is beneficial to students excelling in the English language as there are more opportunities to showcase their skills compared to ACT. Students can strategically choose the test they’ll perform better at, 90% of US colleges accept both tests - consult our experts to find out which test to take!

How can I prepare for the ACT?

Contrary to popular belief, the ACT is not exactly a knowledge-based exam; success on these two standardized tests (you need only take one) is very much dependent upon one’s mastery of exam techniques. Our tutors are more than familiar with these requisite techniques and would be more than happy to personalize the teaching process so as to address any weaknesses in your general exam-taking strategy. Should you opt for online sessions with us, we can arrange for tuition with our well-read tutors from Ivy-League institutions. We also offer group classes at discounted rates.

ACT Time managment Tips and Answering Strategies

1. Identify question, keywords, subject matter. (question style, trick questions)
2. Identify the relationship.
3. Save long questions for last.
4. Answer the easiest passage first.
5. Still confused? Try the elimination technique. When there is more than one correct answer, select the most relevant.
6. Know your punctuations and grammar.
7. Practice makes perfect. Once you’ve perfected identifying and executing the correct exam techniques always trust it - it’s basically a hack!

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"Unless you really struggle with writing, it's probably a good idea to take the essay so that can be an extra data point that colleges have to assess you by."           - Chris Lele  Magoosh California