ACT Prep and ACT Tutoring

The ACT is a standardized college admissions test accepted by every major U.S. college and university. It consists of four required sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science plus an optional Writing test. Each required section is scored on a scale of 1 to 36. The composite score is the average of the four section scores rounded to the nearest whole number. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so students should answer every question. The optional Writing section is scored separately on a 2 to 12 scale and does not affect the composite.

Both tests are accepted equally by U.S. colleges. The right choice depends on the student’s strengths and preferences. The ACT includes a science section, moves at a faster pace, and is more curriculum-based. Students who are strong in science, comfortable with time pressure, and prefer working with data and graphs often perform better on the ACT. Students who prefer longer reading passages and a slightly less time-pressured format may do better on the SAT. We recommend taking a diagnostic of both before committing. The results usually make the answer clear.

For most students targeting selective colleges, we recommend beginning ACT prep in the spring of sophomore year or the summer before junior year. This allows time for a structured preparation plan, at least one official test attempt in the fall of junior year, and the option to retake if a score improvement would strengthen the application. Starting earlier provides more flexibility and less pressure. Starting in senior fall is still possible, but limits retake options.

It depends on the target colleges. Some schools require the Writing section, some recommend it, and some don’t consider it at all. We review each student’s college list and advise on whether to include Writing as part of the initial consultation. Students who are strong writers and are applying to schools that value the Writing score are generally encouraged to take it. Students applying only to schools that don’t require it can skip it and focus entirely on the composite score.

Students with documented learning differences, ADHD, or other qualifying conditions may be eligible for ACT testing accommodations, including extended time. We work with families navigating the accommodations process and incorporate accommodation-specific strategies into coaching, including how to use extra time effectively across each section. Students with accommodations often benefit significantly from targeted pacing strategy work, since the default ACT timing is particularly demanding.

Yes. We work with students nationally and internationally through fully remote sessions. Remote ACT prep follows the same one-on-one structure as in-person coaching at our Burlingame and Woodside offices. For international students, we also provide guidance on ACT registration logistics, score reporting timelines, and how U.S. college admissions committees evaluate ACT scores for international applicants.