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Whether your student is preparing to take the ACT for the first time or attempting to build upon an existing score, Varsity Tutors offers a few different ACT prep options to help them as they pursue their academic goals. If you've been searching for "ACT test prep near me," look no further than Varsity Tutors.
The ACT is the standardized college entrance exam most commonly taken by high school juniors and seniors across the country. The results are used for both admissions and college placement decisions. Additionally, there is a career planning component to the ACT. Your student's ACT prep instructor can help them research the schools they are interested in attending to find out what their requirements are regarding ACT scores.
While all post-secondary institutions in the country accept your student's ACT score as part of their application process, some have expressly stated score requirements for admittance, some have general guidelines and preferences, and others take the ACT score into consideration without specific requirements. In addition, some schools require applicants to complete the optional Writing section, depending on which program they are applying for. Working with ACT test preparation professionals through Varsity Tutors can help make this less confusing, and can help your student use the information to set their ACT score goals, which can then guide their ACT course study schedule.
Since the ACT exam could have a huge impact on your student's future, determining where they're admitted to college and even if they get a scholarship, formal ACT test prep could prove to be a solid investment. If you feel that your student could benefit from an ACT course, ACT tutoring, or a combination of ACT test preparation services, contact Varsity Tutors today to learn more about any of our ACT prep assistance options.
All high school juniors and seniors in the country are eligible to take the ACT exam, and more and more high schools are offering the exam at no cost to the students' families. Your student's ACT prep instructor can help them gather the few application requirements, such as their preferred test date and location, career choices, and a list of the colleges and universities they'll be applying to, along with a few other simple items.
One of the first components that will be addressed in your student's ACT class is an overview of what they can expect to face on exam day. The following table details each of the five sections on the test:
ACT Sections |
Required |
Score Range |
Math |
Yes |
1-36 |
Reading |
Yes |
1-36 |
Science |
Yes |
1-36 |
English |
Yes |
1-36 |
Writing |
No |
2-12 |
Clearly, your student will have no shortage of academic material to cover during their ACT test prep. One of the greatest benefits of ACT tutoring is the flexibility allowed in preparing each ACT prep session. Even in the small group ACT courses, ACT tutors can make sure to spend as much time focused on subjects that each student needs to work on to reach a proficiency level that allows them to feel confident going into the test.
How can ACT classes near me provide comprehensive coverage of ACT test material?
Varsity Tutors provides ACT test prep by connecting your student with knowledgeable ACT tutors who are familiar with the entire content of the ACT, including the Writing section. To begin with, the English section has 75 questions and allows students 45 minutes to complete them. Their ACT test prep can help them review grammar, punctuation, style, transitions, sentence structure, and the rest of the topics that could come up when they take the actual ACT exam.
The Math section provides 60 minutes for students to complete 60 math problems. The ACT is designed to assess how well students have learned subjects in high school, so during your student's ACT preparation, they'll mostly be reviewing material they have already studied at some point. For the Math section, ACT test prep can include as much time as your student needs refreshing their knowledge of pre-algebra, algebra, intermediate algebra, plane geometry, coordinate geometry, and elementary trigonometry.
The Reading and Science sections have 40 questions each, and both provide 35 minutes for completion. The sections are also similar in how questions are presented. Students read passages and then answer questions following each passage. ACT classes can cover skills in craft and structure, key ideas and details, and integration of knowledge and ideas for the Reading section. For the Science section, your student's ACT test prep instructor can go over the best way to understand and respond to passages involving data representation, conflicting viewpoints, and research summary.
Finally, ACT prep tutors can help your student develop effective writing skills to answer the prompt on the ACT Writing section in the 40 minutes allotted for the essay. Prompts cover broad social issues, and require your student to analyze three separate perspectives given in the prompt, and then demonstrate how their opinion relates to these perspectives. The essays are scored based on the how well your student uses ideas and analysis, development and support, language use and conventions, and organization in their final written piece. One method frequently used by ACT prep tutors is to offer numerous practice essay prompts, and work closely with your student to develop the skills necessary to earn their best possible score.
How can ACT tutoring near me prepare me for the exam in addition to reviewing content?
There is more to quality ACT test preparation than just going over the subjects presented on the exam. It's important to spend time during ACT classes focusing on the format and structure of the exam, as well as strategies to overcome potential obstacles. A lot of testing anxiety comes from students not knowing what to expect when they sit down at the testing location and open the test material. ACT tutoring can help avoid this in a number of ways.
You probably noticed that each section provides a specific, limited time frame for students to answer all the questions presented. If your student tends to work quickly, that should be no problem. If not, spending ACT test prep time working on pacing and time management could be valuable. Often, this type of ACT prep is provided through practice test sections. Your student's instructor can present timed ACT practice sections that simulate the actual ACT testing situation. Their tutor can observe how your student answers questions, and offer strategies that could help them improve their pacing. One such strategy may be first answering those questions they find easy and then going back to work on the more challenging ones. In the end, it's important to answer all the questions because there is no penalty for a wrong answer, but they will be marked down for providing no answer.
Another strategy your student may work on during their ACT test prep involves increasing the likelihood they can answer a question correctly even when they don't know the answer. Similarly, the strategy can be used to answer some questions on the Math section without spending the time to fully work out the problem. ACT tutors can encourage your student to trust their first instinct, and use that to narrow down the choices. Often your student can eliminate all but two answers just by using common sense. Then re-reading the question and analyzing what specifically it's asking for, which is definitely something they can cover during their ACT preparation classes, should make the answer obvious. If necessary on a math question, your student can learn to work just enough of the problem to be able to determine which of the two possible answers is correct.
These are just a few examples of the types of strategies students can learn with the help of ACT prep provided through Varsity Tutors. There are plenty more, and ACT test prep instructors can decide which ones would be most beneficial to your student based on their individual strengths. Some strategies work better than others for different students, and because Varsity Tutors offers either one-on-one or small-group ACT prep options, tutors have the opportunity to get to know your student well enough to know which strategies may be most useful for them. This allows them to provide your student with customized practice problems to get familiar with using each technique.
Can ACT courses near me provide tutoring customized to meet my needs?
If your student is more confident in their knowledge or one or two sections than the others, a private ACT class may be tailored to their unique needs. For instance, a mathematics wizard may spend less of their ACT prep time going over the Math section in order to focus more time and effort improving their active reading and vocab skills. Even within a small-group setting, all ACT classes can provide one-on-one instruction, so your student never needs to leave a topic behind until they are fully confident in their ability to successfully answer those questions on the ACT exam.
As mentioned above, Varsity Tutors can provide students with either one-on-one or small-group ACT test prep. Some students may benefit more from the complete flexibility of private study sessions and the precise customization allowed. Other students may perform best in a more collaborative learning environment. Varsity Tutors offers ACT courses for both kinds of students. Small-group classes allow a handful of students to share an online classroom, where they're free to help and encourage one another as they study so everyone can work toward their academic potential. If your student is involved in a small-group ACT class, they always have the option to request as much one-on-one instruction time with the instructor in addition to the regular class time. We offer these options so that your student is able to make the most of the resources available to them.
You may find the following list helpful if you or your student are curious about the specific topics that might be discussed during an ACT course:
- Algebra
- Exponents
- Scientific Notation
- Geometry
- Interpreting Graphs and Charts
- Summarizing Scientific Findings
- Drawing Conclusions from Provided Data
- Interpreting Reading Passages
- Comparisons and Analogies
- Grammar/Spelling/Punctuation
- Sentence Structure
What other benefits can ACT test prep near me provide?
Students spend their years in school continually being evaluated, whether through standardized tests, final exams, quizzes during class, or some other method. It would be great if they could leave all this assessment behind when they graduate high school or even college. But that's pretty unlikely. No matter what career your student goes into, they can expect to face an evaluation of one sort or another. This isn't always presented as an official test, but sometimes it is. Therefore, their time spent in their ACT preparation class could provide them with the unexpected benefit of learning how to prepare for tests.
Taking a test and preparing for a test are not the same thing. Some people are naturally good at preparing for and taking tests. The rest of us can definitely benefit from learning a logical, realistic, structured method to prepare for important exams. If your child faces certification exams during the course of their career, they'll be able to recall the test prep methods they learned from their ACT tutoring. Therefore, ACT test prep provided through Varsity Tutors can actually benefit your student for the rest of their life.
Varsity Tutors professionals understand how busy high school students and their parents can get, so we strive to make all of our ACT test prep services as convenient as possible. Tutoring takes place in our Live Learning Platform, providing students with the same benefits as they would if they were meeting in person, but without the hassle of having to drive to even more activities than you already do. We also offer new ACT courses every week, and you may choose if you prefer a two-week or four-week course. In short, Varsity Tutors does everything possible to make ACT prep more convenient.
If you would like more information about how ACT test prep through Varsity Tutors can help your student as they work towards achieving their goals, or if you're ready to enroll your student in one of our ACT test prep services now, please contact us using the information provided below. Expert Educational Directors are standing by to help with any questions you may have. We're excited to help your student with their ACT preparation right away.
Jacob: ACT test prep instructor
...math and science classes. I began tutoring my younger siblings in these subjects when they had trouble themselves. I even began attending Biology review sessions to help my teacher explain topics to other students and review material with them. I always enjoyed teaching simply because I enjoyed and was passionate about the material itself. But I enjoyed it even more when I heard about all the success other students were having as a result of...
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Current Undergrad, Biology and German
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- ISEE
- Test Prep
- Trigonometry
- +21 subjects
Kaitlin: ACT test prep instructor
...but I took a greater interest in them during high school. I attended a private school where I was given the opportunity to discover a large range of topics I had never thought about pursuing, such as engineering and biomedical sciences. In college, I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics, while minoring in Arabic and gaining a certificate in Middle Eastern and North African studies. During this period, I started tutoring at my...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - Bachelors, Linguistics
- University of Chicago - Current Grad Student, Middle Eastern Studies
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- ACT Reading
- AP Studio Art: 2-D Design
- Phonics
- +29 subjects
Steve: ACT test prep instructor
...their best. I am also passionate about tutoring Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Calculus. My teaching style is not set in stone; I understand that everyone learns differently and will try to find a learning method that will suit the student. Next year, I will begin my pursuit of a PhD in Biological Engineering, and I aspire to be an undergraduate professor and researcher. In my free time, I love to play guitar, play pickup basketball,...
Education & Certification
- University of Notre Dame - Bachelors, Chemical and Biomolecular
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- AP Calculus AB
- +24 subjects
Sean: ACT test prep instructor
...itself, as well as preparation right before the tests themselves. I believe that every student requires a different teaching strategy, and I believe in treating every student as an individual rather than a collective. In terms of me personally, I really enjoy classical and electric violin, tennis, DJ'ing, as well as electronic music production. I am also an avid gamer, and I really enjoy the game League of Legends. I look forward to getting to...
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Current Undergrad, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- Biology
- +28 subjects
Simon: ACT test prep instructor
...inquiry, and using that to build confidence in and mastery of a wide variety of academic topics. I graduated from Yale University with a double major in Environmental Studies and International Studies, and I love the way science and real-world issues can interact. Part of my interest in the environment comes from my love of being outdoors, and I am an avid rower and bicyclist. I also greatly enjoy growing vegetables and playing basketball.
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelors, Environmental Studies
- Yale University - Bachelor in Arts, International Relations
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- PSAT
- REGENTS
- SAT Subject Tests
- +43 subjects
Sarah: ACT test prep instructor
...french, and writing courses. Additionally, I took many AP classes throughout high school which enabled me to enter college with over 30 credits already completed. I have spent two years tutoring in the past and have gained experience learning how to work best with struggling students. I enjoy teaching and helping others learn, be it for a specific subject, test preparation (ACT, SAT or AP), or writing skills. I am an organized, responsible, and flexible...
Education & Certification
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Current Undergrad, Undecided
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Advanced Placement
- Calculus 2
- AP U.S. Government & Politics
- +38 subjects
Haley: ACT test prep instructor
...and Mathematics but it wasn't until college that I realized this passion and strength were driving me towards education. Since then, I've enjoyed working with students of all ages and abilities to further their math skills. I believe that everyone has mathematical abilities and I enjoying working and watching these abilities grow and improve in students. In my free time, I enjoy running with my Border Collie/Lab mix, Sadya, and swimming laps. I tend to...
Education & Certification
- University of Northern Iowa - Bachelor in Arts, Mathematics Teaching
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Calculus
- Pre-Calculus
- ACT Science
- +14 subjects
David: ACT test prep instructor
...learn and achieve success. One-on-one tutoring is an effective technique, particularly for explaining and modeling math, and I enjoy seeing students attitudes toward school brighten when they see immediate progress in their work. As a writing tutor, I like to focus on helping students find their authentic voice. Essays succeed when students strip away the extraneous material and present themselves and their ideas honestly, and I think with a little coaching any student can be...
Education & Certification
- Drake University - Bachelor of Science, Education, History
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SSAT
- ISAT
- HSPT
- +37 subjects
Katherine: ACT test prep instructor
...Analysis. I have been working with children with developmental disabilities at an ABA agency in the Washington, DC area for the past few years. My job includes creating measurable milestones to help learners achieve their goals, and determining what teaching methods will be most effective for each individual client. I believe that active student responding, personalized programs, and a focus on measurable goals are all important components of a successful learning experience. I hope to...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Human Development and Psychological Services
- Florida Institute of Technology - Current Grad Student, Professional Behavior Analysis
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Test Prep
- Other
- Elementary School Reading
- +27 subjects
Jaimie: ACT test prep instructor
...Institute of Technology working on novel drug delivery systems for the gastrointestinal tract. I am hoping to attend medical school in pursuit of becoming a physician. I am currently interested in pediatrics and psychiatry but I am looking forward to exploring a range of available disciplines. I enjoy tutoring because I find it to be an engaging and dynamic process--I love working with students of all ages on a broad spectrum of subjects.... I believe that every student learns in his or her own way; some of us are audio learners, some of us are visual learners, some need to talk it out or ask questions, and others simply need to listen. Each student is capable of finding the teaching methodology that works best for him or her!
Education & Certification
- Northeastern University - Bachelors, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- PSAT
- SSAT
- SAT
- +93 subjects
Max: ACT test prep instructor
...Physics with a Concentration in Chemical Principles. I am also minoring in Creative Writing. Throughout my schooling, I have thrived in all subjects. However, my favorites are Science and Writing/English. I find that the two have similar way in promoting creativity. Not surprisingly, I will be tutoring Physics, Chemistry and Writing. Additionally, I will be tutoring for ACT prep. I took the test officially three times and was successful each time and believe that I...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Current Undergrad, Physics with Concentration in Chemical Principles
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- ACT Reading
- High School Physics
- AP Physics 2
- +18 subjects
Jack: ACT test prep instructor
I'm a recent grad from Northwestern (B.A. in Theatre and Economics) who loves teaching and learning. I love helping other people achieve their goals and helping students find ways to be their best selves. Excited to meet and work with Chicagoland's students!... First sessions always start with discussion of a subject's foundations. If we nail these, the rest of the learning becomes ten times easier.... I'm big on listening. It's my job to hear what a client needs instead of jumping right into practice problems or revisions. First, we talk about goals. Then, we set up a timeline and steps for how to achieve those goals.
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Economics/Theatre
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- PSAT
- Advanced Placement
- College Economics
- +67 subjects
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- PSAT
- SAT
- Advanced Placement
- +99 subjects
Matt: ACT test prep instructor
...I have spent much of my academic career tutoring friends and family to help them succeed in school, and I have personally improved the grades of many of my peers through studying sessions with me by as much as 30%. I am a friendly and casual tutor, but my enthusiasm for helping others to learn is likely my most important quality as a tutor. I would appreciate any opportunity to help you or your child...
Education & Certification
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Current Undergrad, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- PSAT
- SAT
- English
- +33 subjects
Jenna: ACT test prep instructor
...simple, new ways that will make them feel GOOD at math in a way they may never have felt before. (It has happened in the past, I promise!) Math is so fun to me, and math literacy is absolutely crucial to be a well functioning part of this world. I have taught math at every level between 6th and 10th grade and feel confident in my knowledge and how I can deliver it to my...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin Madison - Bachelors, History
- harvard graduate school of education - Current Grad Student, school leadership
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Geometry
- Elementary Math
- Algebra
- +7 subjects
Taariq: ACT test prep instructor
...2014. I am primarily a math tutor but I also enjoy teaching chemistry and physics. Math was always my favorite subject in high school and I continued my love of math at Duke. I have also been a middle school and high school tutor throughout my time at Duke through the Program in Education. One of my crowning achievements at Duke was winning the DT Stallings Award, which is awarded to a Duke senior who...
Education & Certification
- Duke University - Bachelors, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT
- Algebra 2
- Test Prep
- +27 subjects
Gabriela: ACT test prep instructor
I'm a rising junior at Harvard College. I study African American Studies with a secondary in Women's Studies and I am pursuing a language citation in Spanish. I aspire to one day go to business school. When I am not doing work, I can typically be found reading, writing, or dancing.
Education & Certification
- Harvard University - Current Undergrad, African American Studies
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT
- PSAT
- SHSAT
- +66 subjects
Brianna: ACT test prep instructor
...of all ages, ranging from elementary school to college students through various subjects. I have also worked extensively with special needs children, doing everything from teaching special education to one-on-one in-home mentoring. Through my experiences, I have continued to carry my passion for working with children and have developed my skills in making successful and individualized learning fun. Math, science and test prep are the subjects I'm particularly passionate about tutoring, as I've always loved...
Education & Certification
- University of Richmond - Current Undergrad, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- ACT and SAT All-In-One Classes
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +217 subjects
Alex: ACT test prep instructor
...technique. The majority of his class-time revolved around asking us questions that led us to the points he was trying to make. While not everything can be taught purely in this fashion, I try to make my lessons focus on principles and processes, creating a deeper understanding of the facts presented in class or in the textbook. I find that this technique works very well with math and physics, where understanding the theory is often...
Education & Certification
- University of Florida - Bachelor in Arts, Anthropology
- Georgetown University - Master of Arts, Conflict Resolution
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- GED
- SAT
- +146 subjects
Jakobi: ACT test prep instructor
...am currently applying for medical school and working towards a masters in public health. I have experience working with many different ages ranging from middle school to college level students. Most of my experience is with math and sciences as well as test prep for English ACT exams. I can tutor in math (pre calculus, trigonometry, algebra, geometry) sciences (biological sciences, chemistry, physics) and English. My favorite subject to tutor is algebra because it is...
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelors, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- College Physics
- Trigonometry
- College Biology
- +26 subjects