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High school students all over Chicago are looking for a way to start their Chicago ACT prep, and Varsity Tutors can help them out. It doesn't really matter whether you are in your last year of high school or a year or two before that. It is crucial that you start preparing for the ACT exam, as many colleges will look at your score on the ACT when considering your admission. Many students attending high schools in the college area, such as Walter Payton College Prep or Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, choose to take the ACT as their college preparation test of choice.
If you want to get started with private mentoring sessions to help you in your test preparation, we can connect you to the right private instructor for you. Or, if you want to take an educational class instead, we can help you enroll in it.
What is involved in ACT test preparation?
There are four sections on the ACT. In addition, there is a Writing section that is optional. Each section, including the Writing section, will have a time limit imposed on it. During your preparation, you should make sure that you are ready for all four or five sections.
First, there will be the English section. This section will test you on your knowledge and comprehension of the English language. You will be presented with short passages. You will have to read these passages and spot any errors that may be in them with regards to grammar, spelling, or sentence structure. There will be 75 questions on this section, and you will have 45 minutes to complete all of them.
The next section will be the Math section. You will be tested on everything that is expected to be covered in high school math classes. There will be a total of 60 questions on this section. You will have one minute, on average, for each question, as there will be one hour to complete this section.
The next section will be the Reading section. As with the English section, you will be presented with passages that you will have to read through. However, unlike the English section, you will be tested on your reading comprehension skills rather than your knowledge of English language rules. You will be asked questions that will test your ability to understand what you are reading. There will be 40 questions, and you will have 35 minutes to complete this section.
Next will be the Science section. This section will test you on what you studied during your science classes. Various scientific topics will be touched on, such as chemistry, biology, and physics. You will be presented with multiple choice questions and be expected to choose the right answers. Again, you will have 35 minutes to answer 40 questions.
Finally, there will be the Writing section. As mentioned, this section is optional. Taking it can show schools that you are applying to that you are serious about all of your studies. If you do complete this section, make sure that you write a well-crafted essay that presents your arguments in an organized fashion. Back up your arguments with supporting details.
What kinds of Chicago ACT prep are available for me to take?
You have a few different options when it comes to preparing for the ACT test. You do not have to do it alone, which can be a struggle.
The first option you have is taking a Chicago ACT prep course. These courses are taught by educated instructors over the internet. They can be taken from wherever you are. One of the problems with taking a course is that it can be hard for some students to find time for the commute, especially in hectic Chicago traffic. However, these courses are all done on the computer.
There is a new Chicago ACT prep class starting every week, so you will not have to wait long after enrolling to start. Classes go on for either two or four weeks, depending on your needs. You can interact with both the instructor and other students. You can discuss topics that will be covered on the test as well as general test-taking strategies. You can also have private time with the instructor to ask some questions that may be bothering you and get clarification about things that were discussed during the class.
Other students may find that reviewing their studies with a private Chicago ACT tutor fits their needs better. With a private educator, you can go over your studies at your own pace, without worrying about holding up other students. Your private educational mentor can create study plans for your sessions that are based on your own specific needs. For example, some students may find that they need to focus on math more than reading comprehension. A class may go too fast or too slow for you.
With a private instructor, you can also ask any questions that you may have. You can establish a rapport with your tutor. It is always rewarding to study with someone who understands you and knows what kind of learning style fits you the best.
Some students may find that a combination of the two makes for the best test preparation strategy. For example, you can take the classes to get a general review before the test and then take private mentoring sessions to go deeper into specific topics that you are having difficulty with. A private mentor can also give you some tips for meeting the time limits you will face on the test.
What should I do to get started with my Chicago ACT prep?
If you are unsure of which kind of ACT preparation to take, Varsity Tutors can help you decide. It doesn't matter what your current skills are; professional Chicago ACT preparation and instruction can help everyone at any level. Get in touch with Varsity Tutors today to get started. We are looking forward to hearing from you and getting you set on the right track.
David: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...all can excel. I like to present material in an engaging and relevant manner so that we can all 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...
Education & Certification
- Drake University - Bachelor of Science, Education, History
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- ASPIRE
- SSAT
- PSAT
- +37 subjects
Ben: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...member of the Phi Beta Kappa Academic Honors Society. Throughout my time in school I was a teaching assistant and grader for many economics classes where I tutored students in groups and one on one in both mathematic and theoretical concepts. I also have experience teaching musical lessons such as jazz bass, piano, and music theory to younger students. Experience in these different teaching environments has helped me cultivate a teaching style that identifies how...
Education & Certification
- Oberlin College - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT
- Advanced Placement
- SAT Subject Tests
- +52 subjects
Andrew: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...then, I have tutored for four years at the college level in both German and Music Theory/Aural Skills. I have also twice co-taught an intensive one-month long German 101 course, where I designed the lesson plans, and graded homework, quizzes and tests. I am a great tutor because of my broad experience in tutoring many different subjects, so that I have a wide variety of approaches to help all types of students master the material....
Education & Certification
- Oberlin College and Conservatory - Bachelors, German Studies and Voice Performance
- DePaul University - Masters, Voice Performance
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT
- PSAT
- Greek
- +26 subjects
Max: Chicago 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
- High School Physics
- AP Physics 2
- ACT Writing
- +18 subjects
Molly: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...to help build a foundation that allows him or her to find success on their own in future units of study. In each lesson, I use a variety of methods - stories, games, worksheets, writing, manipulative activities, etc. - to ensure (1) a deep understanding of academic content and (2) an engaging, fun, authentic interaction with each subject area. Likewise, as a Teacher and Tutor, I focus on problem solving; developing real, concrete skills and...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Northwestern University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- PARCC
- ISAT
- +111 subjects
Jack: Chicago 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
- Advanced Placement
- PSAT
- College English
- +67 subjects
Ruthie: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...of the last three years, I have taught all grades of high school, students of varying ability levels, and myriad courses. When I taught at Fairmont Heights High School, I taught honors students and also coached seniors who had not yet passed the Biology state test they needed to graduate. At the Noble Academy, I taught AP Biology ninth graders as well as all of our ninth graders with IEPs. Three ninth graders passed the...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelors, Biological Basis of Behavior
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- French 1
- Test Prep
- +22 subjects
Karishma: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...styles that work best for them and that will serve them throughout school. I previously tutored with Boys Hope Girls Hope in Evanston, IL. I tutored middle and high school students in Spanish and English, and I was able to help them develop study strategies such as using flashcards or translating a sentence they had spoken aloud that day in their heads for extra language practice. I am very excited to be able to tutor...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor in Arts, English/Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- PSAT
- +58 subjects
Meriam: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...in French, and have been a tutor for years. Having worked in countries all over the world, I am comfortable working with a diverse range of people, regardless of their language fluency and subject expertise. Since graduating, I have been attending a post-bac program at the University of Toronto in intensive Spanish and Arabic, before continuing on to medical school. I have also been tutoring numerous subjects for over 10 years, including Math, French, and...
Education & Certification
- Loyola University-Chicago - Bachelors, Biology and French
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Advanced Placement
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +63 subjects
Smith: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...Playwriting. I have a long history of both professional and informal tutoring, including a year working as an ACT classroom instructor with Kaplan Test Prep, six months tutoring both the ACT and academic subjects with StudyPoint, and three years tutoring college-level writing. As my major suggests, I am enthusiastic about all the performing arts, including both on- and offstage areas. I also have extensive experience teaching (and practicing!) creative endeavors from poetry and fiction writing...
Education & Certification
- Illinois Wesleyan University - Bachelors, Theatre Arts
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Physics
- Psychology
- College English
- +52 subjects
Brandon: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
I'm a 4th year at the University of Chicago, and I love teaching. I'm elated to help others learn and gain confidence in subjects that may not be their strong suit today. Also, I want to give students the tools to succeed in subjects outside of what we directly cover. ... When I teach someone something, I want them to know the material well enough that they feel comfortable teaching it to someone else.... We would have a quick icebreaker. Then, we would map out where the student is at and where the student would like to be. After setting these goals, we would get started on the subject's material.
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelors, Public Policy, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Essay Editing
- ACT Math
- Social Sciences
- +37 subjects
Rushi: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...a student at Northwestern University in Evanston, and teaching has always been a passion of mine. From my younger brother to my years of informal tutoring experience, I have developed the skills necessary to help others become successful. I enjoy the genuine process of developing a relationship with someone and cultivating that relationship, whether it be academic, personal, or professional. I enjoy working with others towards a common goal and helping all parties be mutually...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Current Undergrad, Industrial Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT
- Homework Support
- ACT Math
- +29 subjects
Yesha: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...integrative biology and behavioral neuroscience, and I am hoping to become a neurologist. I have four years of tutoring experience in varying subjects such as literature, math, science, and ACT prep. I have tutored kids of all ages and am familiar with different tutoring methods for each age group. More than that, what qualifies me for this job is that I am passionate about education. I have had a very successful school career, and I...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Current Undergrad, Integrative Biology Honors/ Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- Advanced Placement
- Test Prep
- +42 subjects
Ebin: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...assisting kindergarteners to middle schoolers with Kumon specific math and reading assignments. Due to the nature of the job, I was pulled in every direction because of a new responsibility or urgent task. The job was more administrative and the students didn't receive much individual attention. Eventually, I made a few connections and started tutoring privately. This was a whole new ball game in that I have never before interacted with someone for two hour...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Current Undergrad, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Geometry
- High School Geography
- Elementary School Writing
- +51 subjects
Casey: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...at the University of Illinois. My research focuses on hip hop music and political life in Morocco. When I am not pursuing my own project, I am usually teaching. I have served as a graduate teaching assistant for U of I's Introduction to World Music course for two years. Before attending graduate school, I worked as a certified substitute teacher for K-12 general and special education in Michigan. I also volunteered as a literacy tutor...
Education & Certification
- Butler University - Bachelor in Arts, Music History and Literature
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Masters, Musicology
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- ACT English
- Other
- GRE Analytical Writing
- +21 subjects
Brian: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...combustion and heat transfer. While at Marquette I did research on thermal transfer in turbulent flow. While at Marquette, I spent a summer at Northwestern University doing research in bandgap theory and kinetic energy harvesters. I moved back to my hometown of Chicago to get my Masters at Illinois Institute of Technology. I studied Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering with a focus in Thermal Science and Fluid Mechanics. I have a strong passion for the academic...
Education & Certification
- Marquette University - Bachelor of Science, Physics
- Illinois Institute of Technology - Master of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- Business
- +45 subjects
Michael: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...and Finance student at Washington University particularly interested in biotechnology. This past summer, I interned at Roche, a large multinational biotech firm, in San Francisco. I am originally from the Chicagoland area. I love to cook, play piano and run long distance. Survivor and Game of Thrones are my favorite TV shows, but I normally watch content on YouTube. Looking forward to getting to meet and work together to get you where you want to...
Education & Certification
- Washington University in St Louis - Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- SAT Reading
- +40 subjects
Anna: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...Kellogg School of Management, and graduated from Northwestern University as part of the Honors Program in Medical Education. I attended the Bergen County Academies in New Jersey, a selective, application-based magnet school, for high school. I have tutored in various subjects for a number of years, particularly in English, Reading Comprehension, Biology, Essay Editing/Writing Support, and SAT/ACT test prep. I love tutoring and I'm excited to help my students achieve their goals!
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor in Arts, Anthropology
- Northwestern University - Doctor of Medicine, Biomedical Sciences
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- +31 subjects
Rebecca: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...minor in Religious Studies. I am currently pursuing a masters degree in social work at the University of Chicago's School of Social Service Administration. I am passionate about tutoring because I want everyone to be able to perform academically at their highest possible level. I also think it is important that learning is not just for one assignment or one test, but rather that it sticks with you to build a solid foundation of knowledge...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of Chicago SSA - Masters, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SSAT
- PSAT
- ISEE
- +53 subjects
Steve: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...a concentration in Biomolecular Engineering. I held a wide range of tutoring positions during my undergraduate experience including: an English Literacy tutor for grammar school students, an SAT Math instructor, and a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) tutor for college students. I believe my strongest subject to tutor is Standardized Test Prep (SAT, ACT, and GRE). Performing well on these tests can truly bolster a student???s application for undergraduate or graduate education, and I...
Education & Certification
- University of Notre Dame - Bachelors, Chemical and Biomolecular
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- AP Physics 2
- +24 subjects