ACT prep

Summer ACT/SAT Preparation

Summer ACT/SAT Preparation

Test prep in the summer prior to junior year isn’t for all students, but it’s a good idea for those students who are targeting an early fall test date in their junior year, as well as those who feel that they need extra help in certain subject areas before taking a first test later in their junior year. The first step is to take baseline diagnostic tests for both the SAT and the ACT to determine which test is best for you. Once you have baseline scores, a tutor will work with you to determine an appropriate test date to target as well as to develop a testing plan.

ACT Test Updates and Mock Test Dates

ACT Postpones Online Testing for Fall ACT National Testing


Due to COVID-19 disruptions and required social distancing guidelines in test centers, ACT has made the decision to postpone the planned launch of online testing for national ACT test-takers. ACT is focused on adding additional testing capacity for students in need of full ACT scores for admission and scholarship applications. This decision will ensure ACT can build additional capacity for fall testing at national test centers and allow test centers to focus on providing a successful paper administration of the ACT test.

ACT's continued focus for fall testing is to expand test center capacity for students in need of scores from the full ACT test, while reducing complexity in testing for its customers, test center network, and education advocates and stakeholders.

 

“We were technologically on track—as in 26 miles into a 26.2 mile marathon—to launch online testing at national test centers this fall, but the world has changed, and so too must our plans and timeframe for launching this enhancement,” said ACT CEO Janet Godwin. “We’re going to focus our efforts on doing what we we’ve done well for 60 years and implementing what we can, when we can, safely and with confidence. That said, we will continue to build out this capability from a technology standpoint so we can be ready to deliver it when the market is ready.”


Additional Fall National Testing Updates

ACT recently added 
new test dates to give students more opportunities to take the ACT test this fall, and still plans to offer a remote proctoring solution, allowing students to take the test online, at home, or at other safe and convenient locations in late fall/early winter. This option will improve students’ test-taking experience and increase their opportunities for college admissions and scholarships, while setting the stage for the future release of section retesting and online testing.

Beginning in September 2020, ACT will offer the option to report a superscore for students who have taken the ACT test more than once, and will offer four fee waivers to qualifying students (double the number previously offered) to take the ACT test for free.

At this time, ACT plans to launch online testing in 2021 but will continue to monitor the impacts of COVID-19 on test center capacity to prioritize safe and equitable access to testing.

States and districts will still have the option of offering online testing as part of their in-school testing programs. Students who test outside of the U.S. will continue to take the ACT as a computer-based test.

Students can 
sign up to be the first to know when registration for the fall test dates opens.

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CONTACT US FOR A FREE PRACTICE TEST PACKET AND DIAGNOSTIC REPORT (VIEW SAMPLE STUDENT REPORTS: ACT, SAT, SSAT, ISEE, AND HSPT).

Vint Hill Educational Services offers mock tests for the ACT and SAT. These are taken in a group setting to simulate the testing environment. For the ACT and SAT, we will review the scores to see which test the student is scoring higher on. Since all colleges and universities accept both tests, it's beneficial to know if your child is scoring higher on the ACT or SAT. Check out our ACT versus SAT comparison chart for test differences. Sometimes the difference is like night and day, and for others, it may be a hairline higher on one versus the other. The student won't know which test is better, unless the individual takes one of each. We'll use our score concordance chart in order to make a test recommendation.

2020-2021 MOCK ACT/SAT TEST DATES  

AS OF AUGUST 2020, WE WILL BE PROCTORING TESTS VIRTUALLY ON SATURDAY MORNINGS AT 9:00 AM. UPON REGISTERING FOR A VIRTUAL MOCK TEST, YOU’LL RECEIVE A TEST PACKET VIA USPS MAIL.

PACKET INCLUDES:

  • ACT/SAT ANSWER SHEET

  • ACT/SAT TEST BOOKLET

  • *ACT/SAT ESSAY PROMPT

  • FOUR PAGES OF LINED PAPER

  • TEST INSTRUCTIONS

    *THE ACT/SAT ESSAY IS OPTIONAL. STUDENTS INTERESTED IN TAKING THE ACT/SAT ESSAY WILL CONTINUE ON WITH THE TEST AFTER THE FINAL MULTIPLE-CHOICE SECTION (ACT SCIENCE OR SAT MATH).

PLEASE SIGN UP NO LATER THAN MONDAY DURING THE WEEK OF THE MOCK TEST. BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR ADDRESS DURING REGISTRATION, SO THAT WE CAN MAIL YOU A TESTING PACKET.

ALL ACT/SAT TESTS WILL BE PROCTORED VIRTUALLY THROUGH LESSONSPACE. THE DAY BEFORE EACH TEST, STUDENTS WILL RECEIVE AN EMAILED LINK TO JOIN THE VIRTUALLY PROCTORED TEST. THE TEST INSTRUCTIONS CAN BE USED SHOULD A STUDENT LOSE CONNECTION TO THE TESTING LOBBY.

ACT

Register for a mock ACT by clicking on a specific test date below

Mock ACT test dates:

SAT

Register for a mock SAT by clicking on a specific test date below.  :

Mock SAT test dates:

We also offer one-to-one mock testing at our offices. This consists of a full-length practice test for your child. Tests include: ACT, SAT, PSAT, SSAT, ISEEHSPT, and SAT Subject Tests. We provide the test booklet, essay booklet, answer sheet, testing timer, calculator, and pencils. 

We can send parents a practice test as well, to administer to their student in-home. We will send out a free practice test packet along with proctoring instructions. Parents must send the answer sheet back to us via email or mail. 

 

Mock ACT and SAT (Group Testing)

TESTS INCLUDE

ACT and SAT

$25 Registration Fee (1 Mock Test: ACT or SAT) Includes test scores comparison

 

Mock testing for the ACT and SAT, held in a group setting. Parents will receive a diagnostic score report and phone consultation. View sample student score reports: ACT and SAT

For the ACT and SAT, we will compare scores in order to determine which test is better for the student to take. See virtual mock test dates above for the 2020-2021 school year.

In-Office or In-Home Testing (One-To-One) 

TESTS INCLUDE 

ACT, SAT, PSAT, SSAT, ISEE, HSPT and SAT Subject Tests

$125 Standard Test (In-office)

$175 Special Accommodations (In-office)

FREE Parent Administration (In-home)

One-to-one testing at our offices or in-home testing proctored by a parent. A perfect fit for students that need to get acclimated to the test format, structure, and timing. This can help to relieve nervousness and anxiety. Parents have the option of administering the test to their child for free. They can also choose to drop their student off at our offices and we will administer the test to the student. Parents will receive a diagnostic score report from our testing software. View sample reports: ACT, SAT, SSATISEE, and HSPT. An individual test scores comparison chart is provided for the ACT and SAT. 

Time to Register for SAT/ACT

Upcoming SAT Administrations, Including New September Administration

A little advanced planning can go a long way when it comes to admission testing.

One of the first steps in designing the most effective test prep plan is to determine a target test date. Sitting down early to compare the test dates with your personal and school calendar can save you the headache of trying to switch test dates or registration down the line.

There is expanded availability of the SAT at test centers. Weekend SAT or SAT Subject Test administrations will be provided every month through the end of the calendar year, beginning in August. This includes a new SAT administration on September 26 and a new SAT Subject Test administration for international students on November 7. A test date in January 2021 will also be added, if there is demand for it.

Fall 2020 SAT Dates:

SAT School Day Administrations

To provide more opportunities for students to take the SAT in fall 2020, College Board is adding a School Day administration on September 23. Schools that administer the SAT Suite of Assessments can order the September 23 SAT School Day administration. Schools can administer School Day on both September 23 and October 14.

Additionally, most state and large district SAT School Day partners plan to offer the SAT to students, for free, in the fall to replace canceled administrations in the spring. This is an important opportunity, as states and large districts who participate can provide the SAT for free to all their students. If students were scheduled to take the SAT as part of state-required testing, they can check with their school or district for updates.

ACT is Adding New Test Dates for Fall 2020

They’re giving students more opportunities to take the ACT test this fall by adding additional dates to the ones already scheduled! Registration is now open.

September:

October:

  • Saturday, October 10

  • Saturday, October 17

  • Saturday, October 24

  • Sunday, October 25 

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    CURRENT TESTING LANDSCAPE FOR THE ACT/SAT

    • Next SAT test date: August 29th. Registration is currently open - deadline is July 31st, 2020

    • The College Board has created a new September 2020 test date. There will now be a SAT on September 26th. College Board is adding a School Day administration on September 23. Schools that administer the SAT Suite of Assessments can order the September 23 SAT School Day administration. Schools can administer School Day on both September 23 and October 14.

    • College Board will also add a test date in January 2021 if there is demand for it.

    • The ACT has announced the addition of three new national test dates to its fall 2020 national testing schedule. Registration for all of these dates opens at the end of July. A total of eight test dates will be available for students for fall 2020 national testing.

    • The ACT is delaying section retesting, which is now set to start sometime in 2021.

    ACT/SAT TESTING RECOMMENDATIONS

    • SAT: Current juniors (class of 2021) who want to take the SAT should plan to register for the August 29th test. This is especially important for any students who have not yet taken an official SAT. Students should also consider the September and October test dates. 

    • ACT: Current juniors (class of 2021) already prepping for the June ACT should consider registering for the July ACT. There may be limited testing sites in July, so students may want to sign up early. The registration deadline is June 19. The September and October ACT tests should also be considered. 

    • Students should prioritize taking an official ACT/SAT over the SAT Subject Tests. 

    • Those students who have not yet taken an official ACT/SAT should take a practice test soon, to establish a baseline score and map out a plan. Contact us for a free in-home ACT/SAT testing kit and a detailed nine-page diagnostic score report.

    • For students aiming to take the August SAT, it’s okay to take a break right now and plan to move forward with test prep in mid-June or early July.  

    • For students planning to take the June and/or July ACT, it’s best to continue test prep right up until the official test date.

    Check out our current Test Prep web page to learn more about our program and view current offers.

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    PURCHASE A TEST PREP PACKAGE AND SAVE 10%. PURCHASE A SUBJECT TUTORING OR COACHING PACKAGE AND SAVE 5%.

    Package hours are good for one-year from date of purchase. Sessions can be held online or in-person at your home (weekdays or weekends). Offer expires 7/31/2020.

New ACT Test Dates and College Planning

New ACT Test Dates and College Planning

Get up to date on steps for college planning for each high school grade, see and find links to the eight ACT test dates available for students for fall 2020 national testing, and find updates for the current testing landscape for the ACT/SAT. Contact us for a private mock test or more information.

ACT/SAT: Should I retest?

ACT/SAT: Should I retest?

Did you know improving by just a single test point can be worth thousands of dollars in financial aid for your college education? The SAT'/ACT® test is important to your future—and can open up new opportunities for college and career.

If, after getting your scores, you’re thinking of retaking the SAT/ACT, consider these important questions and factors.

Increase Your Attention Span

Increase Your Attention Span

You can improve your ability to focus by changing your brain or changing your behavior. And it’s best if you do both. We talk about changing your brain. And the best way to change your behavior is to make sure that anything that might distract you is far away. Simply put, make your environment as boring as possible when trying to focus. Research shows even having a phone in the room can be distracting.

ACT VS. SAT; Which one is better for me?

ACT VS. SAT; Which one is better for me?

The ACT and SAT are two competing examinations for college entrance.  Most schools will accept either an ACT or an SAT score BUT check with the school you are considering to see what they prefer.  We suggest that you take both the ACT and SAT and see which one you score higher on, then concentrate on that test.

7 Ways to Prepare for the SAT and ACT

7 Ways to Prepare for the SAT and ACT

You know your scores will impact your college acceptance, and you figure you should probably get started with your preparations. But questions abound. What’s the best way to practice? Does tutoring make sense? How can you bulk up your vocabulary?

Read on for seven helpful tips and strategies that every test-taker should know to prepare for the SAT and ACT exams.

Tips for Creating a Winter Break ACT / SAT Prep Schedule

Tips for Creating a Winter Break ACT / SAT Prep Schedule

Winter break can seem like an illusion. You might think that the world stops when school does, but every passing day brings your ACT or SAT exam closer. Instead of panicking and ruining your vacation with worry, set aside an hour to create a plan that will keep your test prep progressing.

ACT Announces Changes to Score Reports

Writing Test

Starting with the September 10th ACT test, the writing test score will be on a 2–12 score range. This will have changed from the previous 1-36 scale. The remaining sections, English, math, reading, and science will continue to use the 1-36 scale. The newly created scale for the writing test has been designed to be less confusing for both students and parents. The format of the writing test remains unchanged and the section is still optional. The student essays will still be scored by two independent readers, using the same rubric to grade on four domains: ideas and analysis, development and support, organization, and language use and conventions. 

Enhanced Reporting

The ACT score reports are being redesigned to look more attractive and be easier to navigate. Click here to view a sample new ACT score report. The new reports will be used for the September 10th test. These updates include:

  • An in-depth set of reporting criteria that will replace subject test subscores 
  • ACT readiness will help students understand what they need to work on 
  • Utilizing more graphics to help understand visual elements and indicators in order to clearly see the student's performance 
  • ACT STEM college readiness benchmark, which highlights the potential for success in STEM related college classes
  • The interest-major fit level score, will depict whether students’ interests coincide with their college major 
  • Career connector, which highlights students’ work-related interests and reveals career paths

Interested in taking an ACT practice test? Contact us to learn more. 

Vint Hill Educational Services Student Increases ACT Composite Score by 6 Points!

One of our ACT prep students that took the December 12th test just got her scores back. She is a current junior at Wakefield School. She went from a 24 ACT composite score to a 30 ACT composite score. That is equivalent to 350 points on the SAT (1650 to 2000)! She went up 9 points on the ACT Math section; going from a 19 to a 28! She exceeded her ACT composite score goal of a 28.

Congratulations Doria! 

Contact us today to setup a customized one-to-one prep program!