One-to-one ACT prep tutoring - sessions can occur in-home, at our offices, online via lessonspace, at a local library or coffee shop.
“I cannot thank you enough for all your fantastic help for our daughter. Her ACT score went up to a 34! The biggest jump was Science (24 to 34) and math went up 26 to 30. English was 36 and reading was 35. I will definitely recommend you to anyone who needs help. Please feel free to use us as a reference.”
ACT Format and Structure
English – 35 minutes (50 questions)
Math – 50 minutes (45 questions)
10 minute break
Reading – 40 minutes (36 questions)
Science – 40 minutes (40 questions) OPTIONAL
5 minute break
Essay – 40 minutes (1 essay) OPTIONAL
The ACT questions are presented in a straightforward and content driven manner. The test focuses on academic achievement, meaning, what students actually learn in high school. There is no deduction for answering incorrectly, so it’s best to answer every multiple-choice question. The ACT composite score is comprised of the three main sections (known as tests): English, math, and reading. Science is now an optional section, and if taken, will be factored into your composite. Most colleges and universities post the ACT middle 50% composite score for their last freshmen class. This helps the student to set an ACT score goal with his or her tutor. A low score on one section can pull down the ACT composite score. However, with ACT prep tutoring, we have seen students go up 8, 9, 10, and 11 points in a single section. All sections of the test have four answer choices.
ACT English
The English section tests usage/mechanics and rhetorical skills. The student will need decide if any of the answer choices provided are a better fit. This tests the student's revising and editing abilities. The student is required to edit short texts and essays in different genres. This section is similar to the new SAT writing and language section.
ACT Math
For the ACT math section, the student should be well-versed in pre-algebra, algebra I, algebra II, geometry, and trigonometry. There tend to me more geometry questions, and the questions get harder, as the student progresses through the ACT math section. The student has roughly 1-minute and 11 seconds to finish each math question. The previous version of the ACT (2024-2025) allowed 1-minute per question. Students now get a bit more of extra time!
ACT Reading
The ACT reading section contains four types of passages: fiction, humanities, prose, and natural sciences. The pacing is extremely fast and sometimes it’s best to jump right to the passage that is of the most interest to you. Performing a Z-sweep, using the SCAN method, or selective underlining will prove to be beneficial, so time isn’t wasted trying to re-read the passage. Important ideas and main points in the passage should be starred or circled. Students are tests on logical reasoning and integrated information.
ACT Science
The science section rarely includes any specific knowledge from a biology, chemistry, or physics class. Instead, the ACT science section asks the student to interpret and gather data from charts, tables, and graphs. It is also good to know the scientific method. The main concepts tested are data intepretation, analysis, reasoning, and problem-solving. The ACT science section is optional.
ACT Essay
The ACT essay contains one prompt. The student is assessed on the individual writing skills taught in English classes throughout high school The ACT essay gets scored in four main areas: ideas and analysis, development and support, organization, and language use. The ACT essay is optional.
ACT Prep Locations:
Bethesda MD - 3 Bethesda Metro Center Suite 700, Bethesda, MD 20814
Northern VA - 12020 Sunrise Valley Drive Suite 100, Reston, VA 20191
Richmond VA - 4870 Sadler Road Suite 300, Glen Allen, VA 23060
Raleigh NC - 8601 Six Forks Road Suite 400, Raleigh, NC 27615
Charlotte NC - 15720 Brixham Hill Avenue Suite 300, Charlotte, NC 28277
Atlanta GA - 3372 Peachtree Road, Suite 115, Atlanta, GA 30326
Nashville TN - 40 Burton Hills Boulevard, Suite 200, Nashville, TN, 37215
Louisville KY - 10200 Forest Green Blvd., Suite 112, Louisville, KY, 40223
Cincinnati OH - 8044 Montgomery Road, Suite 700, Cincinnati, OH, 45236
Columbus OH - 4449 Easton Way, 2nd Floor, Columbus, OH, 43219
We will have an ACT tutor come to your home for one-to-one instruction. Sessions can also occur at our office, a local library, or coffee shop/Panera Bread location. We will review previous ACT practice test scores or official ACT scores to determine the area of focus. We can also email/mail out an ACT practice test to take at home and provide an analysis for a customized ACT prep program.
Contact us to learn more about our ACT prep program or choose a package from below.
