ACT English

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.

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.

SAT / ACT Reading List

Suggested SAT Reading List

Students with excellent reading and comprehension skills find the verbal sections of the SAT much easier to attack. Classic literature offers you a chance to practice reading typical SAT passages and to expand your SAT vocabulary. Carry a book with you at all times, reading whenever you have a few spare minutes, such as during a break at work, in the doctor’s waiting room, or at the pool. While reading, mark any unfamiliar words and define them when you return home.

The College Board provides a long list of suggested reading on its website. Below is an abbreviated version of that list, based on the easiest and most interesting books as recommended by tutors and instructors. We’ve also included the most recent movie version for you to view after completing the novel.

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2019-2020 MOCK ACT/SAT TEST DATES  

VIENNA, VA AREA:

Click here to register for a mock ACT/SAT or click on a specific test date below

ACT - 7/27/2019, 10/12/2019, 1/18/2020, 3/7/2020, 5/16/2020

SAT - 8/3/2019, 9/28/2019, 11/30/2019, 2/15/2020, 5/23/2020 

WARRENTON, VA AREA:

Click here to register for a mock ACT/SAT or click on a specific test date below.  

ACT - 7/20/2019, 9/28/2019, 11/9/2019, 1/11/2020, 3/21/2020, 5/9/2020

SAT - 7/27/2019, 9/21/2019, 11/16/2019, 1/25/2020, 3/7/2020, 5/16/2020

RICHMOND, VA AREA: 

Click here to register for a mock ACT/SAT or click on a specific test date below.

ACT - 7/27/2019, 10/12/2019, 1/18/2020, 3/7/2020, 5/16/2020

SAT - 8/3/2019, 9/28/2019, 11/30/2019, 2/15/2020, 5/23/2020 

CHARLOTTE, NC AREA:

Click here to register for a mock ACT/SAT or click on a specific test date below.

ACT - 7/20/2019, 9/28/2019, 11/9/2019, 1/11/2020, 3/21/2020, 5/9/2020

SAT - 7/27/2019, 9/21/2019, 11/16/2019, 1/25/2020, 3/7/2020, 5/16/2020

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. 

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.

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 English Test Approach

The English test on the ACT measures a student’s skill level at evaluating an essay. The English test is 45 minutes long and consists of 75 questions. The student is asked to read 5 essays. These essays are about the same length; questions asked are about style and grammar. Each essay contains 15 questions and the style is in line with current high school students. The language should be familiar and not foreign to most students.

Comparison of the content areas tested:

Area

Rhetorical Skills – 35 questions total

Strategy – 12 questions (appropriateness of sentences)

Organization – 11 questions (order of ideas, conclusions, and introductions)

Style – 12 questions (tone and clarity)

Usage/Mechanics – 40 questions total

Punctuation – 10 questions (commas, colons, dashes, semicolons, apostrophes)

Grammar and Usage – 12 questions (idioms, comparisons, pronouns, subject-verb agreement)

Sentence Structure – 18 questions (run-ons, fragments, misplaced modifiers)

On the official ACT score report, the student will receive an overall English score between 1-36. The student will also receive two subscores, each are between 1-18.

The student should take a full-length practice test in order to establish an appropriate goal on the English section. It is the very first test on the ACT and the student has 36 seconds per question.  To score a 20 on the English test, the student needs to answer 43 of 75 questions correctly. With this score, the student is actually above the national average.

Question Types:

Underlined – These questions want the student to look for a potential mistake. However, it may be possible that the sentence is already correct and that there is no change needed.

Boxed – When students see a question that asks about deleting or adding information, this is a boxed question and they are usually rhetorical questions. These questions normally take the student more time to answer. 

Overall – This type of question will ask the student to reflect upon the entire essay. The question could ask about how the essay was organized or structured. The student may have to question the effectiveness of the essay.

Top Ways to Maximize ACT English Test Scores:

·         Answer the questions as you come to them in the passage

·         Make another pass through in order to work on skipped or starred questions (attempt the ones you think you may have the best chance of answering correctly)

·         Use any last bit of time to guess on remaining questions

·         If the time is getting close to the end, put energy towards answering the short underlined grammar questions

·         Don’t pick the first answer that sounds good

·         Never leave a question blank as there is no penalty for answering incorrectly

·         Eliminate answer choices in your test booklet and guess when you need to