ACT Strategies

The Ultimate Guide to the ACT in 2024

The Ultimate Guide to the ACT in 2024

Standardized tests play a crucial (albeit often feared) role in the college admissions journey. The significance of exams like the ACT extends beyond admission considerations; they are instrumental in curbing prospective college debt by bolstering the scholarships and financial aid you secure. But what exactly is the ACT, and how can you ready yourself to enhance your score? Familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of the ACT, including registration procedures, score computation, and strategies to boost your performance. Continue reading, taking proactive steps to elevate your score and position yourself for the most lucrative job opportunities available to high school students.

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 vs. SAT: Key Differences

ACT vs. SAT: Key Differences

The results of standardized tests have quite an influence on the decisions the universities and colleges make in relation to student admissions. Two major test types are the ACT and the SAT. If you are thinking of enrolling in university, chances are you will have to take one of the tests. But, which one should you? What is the ACT? What is the difference between SAT and ACT? Read on to find out!

ACT Accommodations Requirements

ACT Streamlines Accommodations Eligibility Requirements for Students with IEPs, 504 Plans

ACT, the nonprofit developer of the ACT test, will approve allowable accommodations already included in students’ Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 plans.

Beginning with the 2021-22 testing year, students who already receive accommodations at their school under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act will automatically be eligible to receive the allowable testing accommodations when they register for the ACT with accommodations.

The IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act contain rigorous requirements that public schools must follow in determining who is an eligible student with a disability and what accommodations eligible students need to access their education. This includes what accommodations are needed to access classroom and standardized tests, like the ACT test.

“Students with disabilities already face many barriers in their lives, and we don’t want the accommodations process for taking the ACT to be one of them,” said ACT CEO Janet Godwin. “This policy change simplifies and expedites the process for requesting accommodations, so that students can focus on learning all that they can in school and showing what they know on test day.”

In conjunction with the policy change, ACT is updating its system for requesting accommodations to require less information and documentation to support requests submitted on behalf of students with a current IEP or 504 plan.

“By aligning to a standard that is already applied in schools where the majority of our students with accommodations are learning, we simplify and expedite the process for students, families, and educators,” said ACT Senior Director of Accessibility Katie Featherston.

While this change benefits the majority of students who test with accommodations, ACT will continue to offer accommodations to test-takers who do not have a current IEP or 504 plan. The organization will continue to use the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standard to determine whether there is a “physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity” and whether the requested accommodations are reasonable for the ACT test.

More information about the policy change and process for requesting accommodations can be found here.
 


2021-2022 Mock Test Dates with a Live Virtual Proctor 

 

VHES offers online mock SAT and ACT tests Saturdays at 9:00 am through Lessonspace, a teaching platform that enables our proctors to oversee virtual exams and gauge students' test readiness. Upon registering for mock tests, students will receive a test packet in the mail that includes the following:

  • ACT/SAT answer sheet

  • ACT/SAT test booklet

  • Testing instructions

Please sign up no later than Monday during the week of the mock test. The day before each test, students will receive an emailed link to join the virtually proctored test.

Upon completion of the test, parents and students receive a 9-page diagnostic report showing how the student is performing in each dimension of the SAT or ACT. This detailed report is used to establish a baseline score, is the basis for test-prep planning, and is instrumental in helping us customize a tutoring program that addresses the most pertinent test sections. For students taking both the ACT and SAT, we also provide a concordance chart with test recommendations. See what our baseline test reports look like: ACT and SAT. There is a $25 test registration fee.

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

Mock ACT test dates:

January 8, 2022 

February 5, 2022

March 5, 2022

April 16, 2022

May 21, 2022

 

Mock SAT test dates:

January 15, 2022

February 19, 2022

March 19, 2022

April 9, 2022

May 14, 2022

Visit our Mock Testing page to learn more.

Learn more about our test prep program.

Find out how an academic coach can help.

Interested in one-to-one tutoring? Contact us to get started.





3 Steps to Take After the ACT, SAT

3 Steps to Take After the ACT, SAT

What you do in the days after taking college entrance exams is just as important as pretest prep.

Most advice about taking the ACT and SAT instructs students on what to do in the days, weeks and months before the exam. However, the post-test period is also important because it requires specific and time-sensitive action from test-takers. If you have just taken the ACT or SAT or plan to do so, follow these three post-exam steps as soon as possible:

3 Common SAT, ACT Strategies:

  • Order additional score reports if necessary.

  • Decide whether to submit your scores to test-optional colleges.

  • Review your performance with an eye toward future improvement.

Order Additional Score Reports if Necessary

Paying ACT and SAT test-takers are allotted four free score reports – the document that outlines your results – per sitting. If you retake either assessment, you will be entitled to four then, as well. Students with fee waivers are allowed an unlimited number of SAT score reports, while on the ACT the number is an additional 20 reports per exam.

The cost is $13 per college for each additional ACT score report and $12 for each additional SAT score report. Note that rush delivery incurs an extra fee.

On exam day, many students send their scores to four schools on their college short list. But students who forget colleges on their short list or who prefer not to choose right away are not obligated to.

The College Board, for example, allows students to use their four free SAT score reports even after test day. Don’t delay too long, though. The offer expires after nine days and the fee becomes $12 unless you have a waiver. For both the ACT and SAT, students can order a new score report at any time if they decide to apply to a new college.

Decide Whether to Submit Your Scores to Test-Optional Colleges

Not all colleges require prospective students to submit ACT or SAT scores. Some institutions have always had a test-optional policy in place while some others have adopted this stance recently.

Due to the academic upheaval provoked by the novel coronavirus, an unprecedented number of universities have abandoned their testing requirements. Duke University in North Carolina, for instance, is waiving the requirement for the 2020-2021 academic year. Others, like the College of William and Mary in Virginia, are making test scores optional for the next few years. Still others are lifting the requirement permanently.

If any of your prospective schools are softening their testing policy, carefully weigh whether submitting your scores will help or harm your application’s standing. Students who are content with their SAT or ACT scores may benefit by including them with their application materials. On the other hand, students who are unsatisfied and send their scores anyway may unnecessarily compromise their chances of admission.

Review Your Performance with an Eye Toward Future Improvement

As soon as they receive their ACT and SAT score reports, students tend to zero in on their composite score. The composite score summarizes a student’s overall performance, so its merit as a test-taker's focal point is understandable. In reality, though, there is much more to the score report that warrants attention.

One extremely helpful feature of ACT and SAT score reports is that they break down your performance by test section, making it easy to identify your strengths and weaknesses. When analyzing your score reports, look carefully for patterns and trends in the data. For instance, if you underperformed in algebra and geometry questions, you may particularly benefit from reviewing ninth grade and 10th grade math material before beginning college.

If you decide to retest – another decision to be weighed carefully – your score report should be the guiding force in your prep sessions. By no means is it a document you should look at only once; keep it on hand and refer to it often to ensure your studies are suiting your needs. Your score report may also dictate how you review for future college-level assessments.


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.

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.

Private Mock Testing is also available. Please contact us for further information.

What's a Good ACT Score?

WHEN DETERMINING WHAT makes for a good ACT score, test-takers have to ask another question: "Good enough for whom, exactly?"

Like various other factors on a college application, the criteria for what makes a good test score are largely dependent on what schools want. A good ACT score at one school may fall below the mark at another based on admissions standards set by individual colleges.

"I think it varies considerably, depending on what schools you're targeting, and also what their current position is on testing, which seems to be quite a fluid situation these days," says Jill Madenberg, principal at Madenberg College Consulting in New York.

The coronavirus pandemic has prompted many colleges to go test-optional, meaning students can decide whether to submit ACT and SAT scores. Other colleges have gone test-blind, meaning they won't even look at scores submitted as part of applications. Many colleges made such moves after a string of cancellations by testing companies made it difficult for students to take these standardized exams.

The composite score on the ACT ranges from 1 to 36. The national average composite score was 20.6 for the class of 2020, per recent data from the ACT organization. This number marks a slight dip from the prior year, when the composite score averaged 20.7 for the class of 2019.

Determine a Good ACT Score for College Admissions

The national average may be down, but what ultimately is a good ACT score?

"Quite simply, there's no such thing as a good or bad score," Tony Le, a test prep expert at Magoosh, a California-based online test prep company, wrote in an email. "It's relative to the school that you are applying to & the context of the admissions process. The first place to look is the college's range of scores & you'll want to stay within this range to stay competitive."

But one ACT score that some college counseling professionals point to as the high water mark for selective institutions is a 34.

"We get a lot of students aiming for the Ivy League, and for the Ivies, it's a 34 that seems to be the magic number that students feel will give them their best shot," says Shahar Link, owner and founder of North Carolina-based Mindspire Tutoring and Test Prep.

Madenberg adds that "achieving a 34 or higher will get your application read at pretty much any school in America."

But students can and do get into many schools with much lower scores. After all, testing is only one part of an application, and colleges also consider letters of recommendations, high school GPA and admissions essays, among other factors.

Ultimately, schools' benchmarks vary. The national average ACT score for 2019 reported by nearly 340 ranked National Universities to U.S. News in an annual survey was 25.5.

Regarding ACT scores, experts advise students to look at the 50th percentile of students admitted in the most recent freshman class to know what ACT scores individual colleges value. Scoring in the 50th percentile means a test-taker scored equal to or higher than 50% of his or her peers. Theoretically, the higher the percentile rank the better the odds of admission at that school.

Students can use this benchmark as a rule of thumb, experts say. Being above the 50th percentile is a good sign. Although being below doesn't automatically disqualify students, it may mean that a school is a reach based on their ACT scores. In such cases, students may want to consider not submitting scores if that college is test-optional because submitting scores is unlikely to help their application.

Madenberg encourages students to personalize applications for each college according to where they landed in the 50th percentile range, so that they're sending scores to schools where they hit that target. "You don't have to do the same thing for every college," she says. "If you're applying to eight colleges, you can submit your scores to two or three of them and not the others."

And while many colleges are test-optional, submitting a score can still be worthwhile.

"If you submit a strong score, it's going to help you," Link says. "Or at least it definitely won't hurt you."

Similarly, Le suggests fewer students may take standardized exams as they remain optional at many schools, which means taking a test and submitting a score may offer another data point to evaluate an applicant and may help him or her stand out in the admissions process.

As for test-blind schools, there's no point in sending exam results to institutions that aren't even going to look at them as part of the admissions process or for determining scholarships, experts say.

How to Improve Your ACT Score

Performing well on the ACT often starts with taking a practice exam so students can see where they stand and what needs improvement. See the bottom of this page for information on taking a practice test online.

ACT practice tests can be a good way for students to familiarize themselves with the content and can serve as a diagnostic exam. Once students have identified their weak spots, they can work toward improving in those areas.

Test prep and college counseling experts generally encourage students to take the ACT at least twice. Nearly half of the students who take the ACT end up taking the exam more than once and typically improve their score, says Erika Tyler-John, ACT curriculum manager at Magoosh.

"One of the best things you can do to ensure your retake goes well is to learn as much as you can from your first attempt. Did you run out of time on any sections? Were there any question types you struggled with in particular? Did you experience more test anxiety than you do in your practice tests? Use your retake as an opportunity to address the things that impacted you (and your score) most on test day," Tyler-John wrote in an email.

She also encourages students to prioritize learning from their mistakes by investing time in the areas where they struggle.

"A great idea is to try to never make the same mistake twice – so once you make a mistake, dig into it to figure out what you did, why you did it, and how to recognize and fix it in a different problem," Tyler-John says.

In dealing with test anxiety, Madenberg encourages students to recognize that the ACT is just one of many exams they'll likely take in their high school career and to consider it "another day on the job." She also encourages students to recognize that the ACT score is just one of many factors that colleges consider and not a complete picture of an applicant.

"Colleges recognize that a test score is only a few hours of your time on one day," Madenberg says, "and it is not reflective or encompassing – good or bad – of who you are."


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Buy Any Test-Prep Package, Get 3 Hours Free
Through Apr 30, 2021
Prep with us for a spring ACT or SAT and receive 3 one-to-one test prep hours for free when you purchase a 12-hour package ($345 value). Please contact us to learn more by clicking the link below.

Contact us to schedule a 20-minute test prep phone consultation. We can also help decide on which test to take, ACT or SAT. After we provide our recommendation, we’ll hand-pick the best tutor for your student. Sessions can be held in-person or virtually through Lessonspace.

We are here to support! As we handle the academics, this gives you time to ensure they are ready for “the world”.


Mock ACT/SAT Test

Mock ACT/SAT Test Dates with a Live Virtual Proctor 

 

VHES offers online mock SAT and ACT tests Saturdays at 9:00 am through Lessonspace, a teaching platform that enables our proctors to oversee virtual exams and gauge students' test readiness. Upon registering for mock tests, students will receive a test packet in the mail that includes the following:

  • ACT/SAT answer sheet

  • ACT/SAT test booklet

  • ACT/SAT essay prompt

  • Four pages of lined paper

  • Testing instructions


The ACT/SAT essay is optional. Students interested in taking the essay will continue 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. The day before each test, students will receive an emailed link to join the virtually proctored test.

Upon completion of the test, parents and students receive a 9-page diagnostic report showing how the student is performing in each dimension of the SAT or ACT. This detailed report is used to establish a baseline score, is the basis for test-prep planning, and is instrumental in helping us customize a tutoring program that addresses the most pertinent test sections. For students taking both the ACT and SAT, we also provide a concordance chart with test recommendations. See what our baseline test reports look like: ACT and SAT. There is a $25 test registration fee.


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

Mock ACT test dates:

March 27, 2021

April 10, 2021

May 8, 2021


Mock SAT test dates:

April 24, 2021

May 22, 2021

Visit our Mock Testing page to learn more.

Learn more about our test prep program.

Find out how an academic coach can help.

Interested in pod tutoring? Contact us to learn more.


Spring Special for Tutoring Packages

Spring Special for Tutoring Packages

Receive 3 Free One-To-One Test Prep Hours

Prep with us for a spring ACT or SAT and receive 3 prep hours for free, when you purchase a 12-hour package ($345 value).

Contact us to schedule a 20-minute test prep phone consultation. We can also help decide on which test to take, ACT or SAT. After we provide our recommendation, we’ll hand-pick the best tutor for your student. Sessions can be held in-person or virtually through Lessonspace.

Mock Testing is the Best Prep

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. 

Private Mock ACT Administration

Private Mock SAT Administration

Private Mock SSAT Administration

Private Mock ISEE Administration

Private Mock HSPT Administration

Private Mock ACT Administration - Extended Time

Private Mock SAT Administration - Extended Time

Private Mock HSPT Administration - Extended Time

Private Mock SSAT Administration - Extended Time

Private Mock ISEE Administration - Extended Time

SAT Offered in Schools

SAT Offered in Schools

For the class of 2021, the College Board has asked colleges to be flexible with students who have not had the opportunity to test, test late, or may have only tested once. In the longer term as the admissions process stabilizes post-covid-19, the College Board will support its higher education members as they transition back to all students having the opportunity to submit scores. Research shows the value of using SAT scores as one part of the admissions process.

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.

_________________________________________________________________________________

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 

    __________________________________________________________________________

    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.

    __________________________________________________________________________

    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.

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.

New ACT Testing Options

New ACT Testing Options

ACT announced recently that it is introducing three new options for students taking its test used in college admissions. The changes would first go into effect for students taking the test in September, 2020.

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.

Register now for the February ACT!

Register now for the February ACT!

Starting in September 2020, the ACT test will offer new options that are designed to give students more choices and more confidence that scores will reflect overall academic achievement and potential. These new enhancements include: section retesting, superscoring, and faster results with online testing! Our recommendation? Take the ACT in February so you can take advantage of all the new options this fall. Don’t wait until September to start uncovering your path to success with ACT.

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.

How to Help Your Child Prep for the SAT or ACT

How to Help Your Child Prep for the SAT or ACT

Parents often go into a panic thinking about how to help their children through the college application process.

SAT and ACT prep can be particularly flummoxing for parents, many of whom may not be familiar with the material tested on those exams. (It’s challenging! And it’s probably different from what you remember.)

Superscoring

Superscoring

ACT has typically used students’ most recent scores for reporting and research purposes. They found that students who retest on the ACT perform better than expected in college based on their test scores, and that traditionally underserved groups receive more fair consideration with the option of superscoring. Read the full blog to see how and why.

ACT/SAT Test Day Checklist

ACT/SAT Test Day Checklist

We all know that mindset is half the game when taking tests. And that Preparation + Opportunity = Success. Here is a list of expert tips for the night before the test—and the morning of—so that you can feel calm and confident walking in.