ACT Test Preparation

We know the ACT inside and out.

Test scores can determine whether or not your son gets accepted to college. One test score can determine whether or not your daughter is awarded a scholarship.

Don’t panic.

The techniques we use in our one-on-one tutoring and in our group sessions have helped thousands of students increase their scores an average of three points. Five of those students have even received perfect “36” scores.

5 Perfect Scorers:

  1. Anjali Chadha (duPont Manual)
  2. William O’Loane (North Oldham)
  3. Calley Thompson (Louisville Collegiate)
  4. Joe Shaw (Trinity)
  5. Nick Sehlinger, (St. Xavier)

We constantly monitor revisions within the ACT structure and update our test prep curricula accordingly.

ACT Group Test Prep

  • Our ACT Intensive Courses are available on weekends and weekdays, five to six weeks prior to test dates.
  • Students can expect 12 hours of teacher-directed strategy training plus 3 timed practice test sessions. This course provides 24 hours of instruction.
  • Class sizes are limited to 24.
  • We guarantee an ACT score increase.
  • Motivational Instructors

ACT FAQs

What is the ACT?
The ACT is a college admission test. Most, but not all, colleges and universities require either an ACT or an SAT score for admissions.
How does the ACT differ from the SAT?
The ACT has a science section; the SAT does not. The ACT goes into slightly more advanced math than does the SAT, but the ACT math is not as “tricky.” The ACT has four sections that always come in the same order: English, Math, Reading and Science. The SAT has sections with reading, writing & language, and 2 math sections. The essay is optional on both the ACT and the SAT, but it is recommended that test takers complete the essay one time. Finally, the ACT puts more emphasis on speed than does the SAT.
Do colleges prefer the SAT over the ACT?
There is a misconception that the ACT is not as prestigious as the SAT. This is not true. Admissions directors accept scores from either test.
How important is my ACT score?
For most students, their ACT score is extremely important to the college admissions process. After receiving your GPA and the difficulty of course selection, most colleges look to your ACT score. Other aspects of your application—recommendations, admissions essays and activities—are less important than your score on the ACT. The higher the ACT score, the better your chances to win $$$ scholarships.
Why do colleges put so much weight on the ACT?
The single best predictor of success in college is GPA. However, the value of a 3.0 at one high school may differ from that at another school. Colleges need another measure that is standardized or the same for all students. The ACT meets that need for standardization.
What does the ACT test?
The ACT tests one thing: your ability to take the ACT. Given enough time and effort devoted to the process of preparing for the ACT, a student can see a dramatic increase in his or her test score.
What do the scores actually mean?
You achieve a raw score based on the number of questions you get right in each section. This raw score is placed on a curve based on the number of students who achieved the same raw score. The curve ranges from the lowest score of 1 to the highest score of 36.
What score do I need to get into a particular college?
More competitive schools require more competitive scores. Visit the school’s web site or contact its admissions office to find out the average score for incoming students for a particular school.
How much can I improve my ACT score?

Most students have the potential to dramatically improve their ACT scores. Students coached in a one-on-one setting generally raise their scores faster and high than students participating only in a group. Group instruction is often a very good “starter” for the test taking process.

Rule of thumb for ACT score increases:

  • 1 point – 10-15 hours
  • 3 points – 50-60 hours
  • 7+ points – 100 hours

How often should I take the ACT?
Three times should be adequate to achieve your optimal score, but there is no penalty for taking the ACT as many times as you choose. ACT’s do vary in level of difficulty.
When should I take the ACT?

  • Fall or winter of junior year.
  • If taking Algebra II as a junior, wait for the April test date.

How do I register for the ACT?
Log in to www.actstudent.org. Click “Sign up/Log in” and create an account. Follow the instructions. Make sure to sign up early to secure a spot at a preferred location.

If signing up for April, June, or December, check the appropriate box and pay $20 to receive your test booklet and answer sheet. It takes 4-6 weeks after the test date to receive them.

What should I take with me to the testing center?

  • 3-4 No. 2 pencils (no mechanical pencils)
  • Your registration information, printed from the computer
  • Your driver’s license or other form of photo ID
  • A watch
  • Your graphing calculator with fresh batteries
  • Snacks and water
  • Dress in layers of clothing, in case the room seems hot or cold to you.
  • Check WHERE you are supposed to go before the morning of the test!

 

Prepare Today

Your next test can be a success. Get in touch and let us help you prepare.
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Reviews

  • Earlier this year, we brought our son, Conor, to you because he had been struggling with his ACT scores. We hoped that coming to you would help him achieve a 25 – just one point better – on the ACT. Conor visited Educational Resources just four times over the course of a week and a half prior to his last ACT date. The results were unanticipated and stunning. Conor scored 35 on the reading protion of the ACT – a 14 point increase – and received an aggregate score of 30! He has now been named a recipient of a Trustees Scholarship at UofL (he plans to study medicine) and has been invited to join the Honors Program there as well.
    Mike
  • I just want to say thanks again for helping Mary Catherine with her ACT preparation. She was accepted to Notre Dame, Georgetown, UVA, Vanderbilt, and Michigan. She has decided to attend Notre Dame! Please thank everyone who helped tutor her for your great advice!!! Thanks to all of you, she received all of the college acceptances she was striving for!!!!
    Mary Anne

Our Guarantee

We are so confident our process will lead to better scores for your student that we guarantee it.