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Whether your student is preparing to take the ACT for the first time or attempting to build upon an existing score, Varsity Tutors offers a few different ACT prep options to help them as they pursue their academic goals. If you've been searching for "ACT test prep near me," look no further than Varsity Tutors.
The ACT is the standardized college entrance exam most commonly taken by high school juniors and seniors across the country. The results are used for both admissions and college placement decisions. Additionally, there is a career planning component to the ACT. Your student's ACT prep instructor can help them research the schools they are interested in attending to find out what their requirements are regarding ACT scores.
While all post-secondary institutions in the country accept your student's ACT score as part of their application process, some have expressly stated score requirements for admittance, some have general guidelines and preferences, and others take the ACT score into consideration without specific requirements. In addition, some schools require applicants to complete the optional Writing section, depending on which program they are applying for. Working with ACT test preparation professionals through Varsity Tutors can help make this less confusing, and can help your student use the information to set their ACT score goals, which can then guide their ACT course study schedule.
Since the ACT exam could have a huge impact on your student's future, determining where they're admitted to college and even if they get a scholarship, formal ACT test prep could prove to be a solid investment. If you feel that your student could benefit from an ACT course, ACT tutoring, or a combination of ACT test preparation services, contact Varsity Tutors today to learn more about any of our ACT prep assistance options.
All high school juniors and seniors in the country are eligible to take the ACT exam, and more and more high schools are offering the exam at no cost to the students' families. Your student's ACT prep instructor can help them gather the few application requirements, such as their preferred test date and location, career choices, and a list of the colleges and universities they'll be applying to, along with a few other simple items.
One of the first components that will be addressed in your student's ACT class is an overview of what they can expect to face on exam day. The following table details each of the five sections on the test:
ACT Sections |
Required |
Score Range |
Math |
Yes |
1-36 |
Reading |
Yes |
1-36 |
Science |
Yes |
1-36 |
English |
Yes |
1-36 |
Writing |
No |
2-12 |
Clearly, your student will have no shortage of academic material to cover during their ACT test prep. One of the greatest benefits of ACT tutoring is the flexibility allowed in preparing each ACT prep session. Even in the small group ACT courses, ACT tutors can make sure to spend as much time focused on subjects that each student needs to work on to reach a proficiency level that allows them to feel confident going into the test.
How can ACT classes near me provide comprehensive coverage of ACT test material?
Varsity Tutors provides ACT test prep by connecting your student with knowledgeable ACT tutors who are familiar with the entire content of the ACT, including the Writing section. To begin with, the English section has 75 questions and allows students 45 minutes to complete them. Their ACT test prep can help them review grammar, punctuation, style, transitions, sentence structure, and the rest of the topics that could come up when they take the actual ACT exam.
The Math section provides 60 minutes for students to complete 60 math problems. The ACT is designed to assess how well students have learned subjects in high school, so during your student's ACT preparation, they'll mostly be reviewing material they have already studied at some point. For the Math section, ACT test prep can include as much time as your student needs refreshing their knowledge of pre-algebra, algebra, intermediate algebra, plane geometry, coordinate geometry, and elementary trigonometry.
The Reading and Science sections have 40 questions each, and both provide 35 minutes for completion. The sections are also similar in how questions are presented. Students read passages and then answer questions following each passage. ACT classes can cover skills in craft and structure, key ideas and details, and integration of knowledge and ideas for the Reading section. For the Science section, your student's ACT test prep instructor can go over the best way to understand and respond to passages involving data representation, conflicting viewpoints, and research summary.
Finally, ACT prep tutors can help your student develop effective writing skills to answer the prompt on the ACT Writing section in the 40 minutes allotted for the essay. Prompts cover broad social issues, and require your student to analyze three separate perspectives given in the prompt, and then demonstrate how their opinion relates to these perspectives. The essays are scored based on the how well your student uses ideas and analysis, development and support, language use and conventions, and organization in their final written piece. One method frequently used by ACT prep tutors is to offer numerous practice essay prompts, and work closely with your student to develop the skills necessary to earn their best possible score.
How can ACT tutoring near me prepare me for the exam in addition to reviewing content?
There is more to quality ACT test preparation than just going over the subjects presented on the exam. It's important to spend time during ACT classes focusing on the format and structure of the exam, as well as strategies to overcome potential obstacles. A lot of testing anxiety comes from students not knowing what to expect when they sit down at the testing location and open the test material. ACT tutoring can help avoid this in a number of ways.
You probably noticed that each section provides a specific, limited time frame for students to answer all the questions presented. If your student tends to work quickly, that should be no problem. If not, spending ACT test prep time working on pacing and time management could be valuable. Often, this type of ACT prep is provided through practice test sections. Your student's instructor can present timed ACT practice sections that simulate the actual ACT testing situation. Their tutor can observe how your student answers questions, and offer strategies that could help them improve their pacing. One such strategy may be first answering those questions they find easy and then going back to work on the more challenging ones. In the end, it's important to answer all the questions because there is no penalty for a wrong answer, but they will be marked down for providing no answer.
Another strategy your student may work on during their ACT test prep involves increasing the likelihood they can answer a question correctly even when they don't know the answer. Similarly, the strategy can be used to answer some questions on the Math section without spending the time to fully work out the problem. ACT tutors can encourage your student to trust their first instinct, and use that to narrow down the choices. Often your student can eliminate all but two answers just by using common sense. Then re-reading the question and analyzing what specifically it's asking for, which is definitely something they can cover during their ACT preparation classes, should make the answer obvious. If necessary on a math question, your student can learn to work just enough of the problem to be able to determine which of the two possible answers is correct.
These are just a few examples of the types of strategies students can learn with the help of ACT prep provided through Varsity Tutors. There are plenty more, and ACT test prep instructors can decide which ones would be most beneficial to your student based on their individual strengths. Some strategies work better than others for different students, and because Varsity Tutors offers either one-on-one or small-group ACT prep options, tutors have the opportunity to get to know your student well enough to know which strategies may be most useful for them. This allows them to provide your student with customized practice problems to get familiar with using each technique.
Can ACT courses near me provide tutoring customized to meet my needs?
If your student is more confident in their knowledge or one or two sections than the others, a private ACT class may be tailored to their unique needs. For instance, a mathematics wizard may spend less of their ACT prep time going over the Math section in order to focus more time and effort improving their active reading and vocab skills. Even within a small-group setting, all ACT classes can provide one-on-one instruction, so your student never needs to leave a topic behind until they are fully confident in their ability to successfully answer those questions on the ACT exam.
As mentioned above, Varsity Tutors can provide students with either one-on-one or small-group ACT test prep. Some students may benefit more from the complete flexibility of private study sessions and the precise customization allowed. Other students may perform best in a more collaborative learning environment. Varsity Tutors offers ACT courses for both kinds of students. Small-group classes allow a handful of students to share an online classroom, where they're free to help and encourage one another as they study so everyone can work toward their academic potential. If your student is involved in a small-group ACT class, they always have the option to request as much one-on-one instruction time with the instructor in addition to the regular class time. We offer these options so that your student is able to make the most of the resources available to them.
You may find the following list helpful if you or your student are curious about the specific topics that might be discussed during an ACT course:
- Algebra
- Exponents
- Scientific Notation
- Geometry
- Interpreting Graphs and Charts
- Summarizing Scientific Findings
- Drawing Conclusions from Provided Data
- Interpreting Reading Passages
- Comparisons and Analogies
- Grammar/Spelling/Punctuation
- Sentence Structure
What other benefits can ACT test prep near me provide?
Students spend their years in school continually being evaluated, whether through standardized tests, final exams, quizzes during class, or some other method. It would be great if they could leave all this assessment behind when they graduate high school or even college. But that's pretty unlikely. No matter what career your student goes into, they can expect to face an evaluation of one sort or another. This isn't always presented as an official test, but sometimes it is. Therefore, their time spent in their ACT preparation class could provide them with the unexpected benefit of learning how to prepare for tests.
Taking a test and preparing for a test are not the same thing. Some people are naturally good at preparing for and taking tests. The rest of us can definitely benefit from learning a logical, realistic, structured method to prepare for important exams. If your child faces certification exams during the course of their career, they'll be able to recall the test prep methods they learned from their ACT tutoring. Therefore, ACT test prep provided through Varsity Tutors can actually benefit your student for the rest of their life.
Varsity Tutors professionals understand how busy high school students and their parents can get, so we strive to make all of our ACT test prep services as convenient as possible. Tutoring takes place in our Live Learning Platform, providing students with the same benefits as they would if they were meeting in person, but without the hassle of having to drive to even more activities than you already do. We also offer new ACT courses every week, and you may choose if you prefer a two-week or four-week course. In short, Varsity Tutors does everything possible to make ACT prep more convenient.
If you would like more information about how ACT test prep through Varsity Tutors can help your student as they work towards achieving their goals, or if you're ready to enroll your student in one of our ACT test prep services now, please contact us using the information provided below. Expert Educational Directors are standing by to help with any questions you may have. We're excited to help your student with their ACT preparation right away.

Akhil: ACT test prep instructor
...also teach algebra and pre-algebra, as well as AP United States History. I am also available to work on college admittance essays and with public speaking. I teach much the way I was taught: learning to recognize my own mistakes. I will never give a student the answer, but I will help them realize where they went wrong so they can focus on their mistakes. Especially in mathematical subjects, the true knowledge is in understanding...
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - Current Undergrad, English and Political Science
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Public Speaking
- Literature
- High School Level American History
- +27 subjects

Rachel: ACT test prep instructor
...out which one works best for them. I love getting to know my students personally so that I can best match my teaching style to the type of person and learner they are. I have a B.A. in History from Brown University and a Masters of Science in Environmental Education, plus over 7 years of teaching experience. I don't give my students the answers; I give them the tools to be successful in whatever they...
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Bachelors, History
- Antioch University New England - Masters, Environmental Education
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- ACT Math
- Writing
- Science
- +29 subjects

Kevin: ACT test prep instructor
...Writing, ACT/SAT Reading, SAT Verbal and ACT English tutoring. My approach to tutoring is centered on the belief that nothing is particularly difficult if you just break it down into small parts. For example, things like Advanced Placement tests and standardized tests when viewed as a whole can seem like daunting tasks which require lots of higher order reading, writing, and thinking skills. However, when they are approached question by question and broken down into...
Education & Certification
- American University - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- English
- ACT Reading
- SAT
- +15 subjects

Charles: ACT test prep instructor
...so that the student can better understand the question. Some students need visual representations of numbers and systems to understand them, and others benefit more by understanding the concepts behind each formula. I prefer to tutor in math and physics, and especially with real world application problems. I hope to help students improve their standardized test scores and their understanding of the math and sciences so that they can achieve their academic goals!
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Algebra
- Elementary Math
- Geometry
- +31 subjects

Stephen: ACT test prep instructor
I can help with math and science subjects for students of all ages, as well as test prep. I was valedictorian of my high school and have a BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. ... I believe in helping students develop a deep understanding of the fundamentals behind the problems they're trying to solve.... I want to keep things light and breezy. I want to get to the know the student and make him/her feel comfortable. Then we will dive in and begin identifying and working on the areas where the student is having problems
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelors, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- ACT Science
- Test Prep
- Algebra
- +26 subjects

Max: ACT test prep instructor
...the test officially three times and was successful each time and believe that I can share effective tips on how to increase scores in each subject. In my free time, I like to play sports like football and basketball. I also like to read novels and poems. My favorites are by Kurt Vonnegut and Jack Kerouac. I am a strong believer in education being the seeds of opportunity and hope to share my passion of...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Current Undergrad, Physics with Concentration in Chemical Principles
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Writing
- Honors Chemistry
- College English
- +18 subjects

Sarah: ACT test prep instructor
...I have taken courses to gain knowledge in a wide variety of subjects, such as calculus courses, physics, chemistry, programming (python), french, and writing courses. Additionally, I took many AP classes throughout high school which enabled me to enter college with over 30 credits already completed. I have spent two years tutoring in the past and have gained experience learning how to work best with struggling students. I enjoy teaching and helping others learn, be...
Education & Certification
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Current Undergrad, Undecided
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Calculus 2
- English Grammar and Syntax
- AP Calculus AB
- +38 subjects

Jack: ACT test prep instructor
...working with students, as well as learning new things. I grew up in South America wandering ancient Inca ruins and the Andes and speak Spanish and English fluently. I spent just enough time in Colorado to earn a degree in economics, magna cum laude. Since then, I have been working in a variety of capacities on ocean conservation and research programs.I have taught high school to college age students in an experiential education program since...
Education & Certification
- Fort Lewis College - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- High School Writing
- ACT English
- Law
- +62 subjects

Christopher: ACT test prep instructor
...tutoring and mentoring 7th and 8th grade students in the Englewood Community of Chicago in 1-on-1 and small group settings. I am currently working toward a TEFL certification that would allow me to teach English as a foreign language abroad. With Varsity Tutors, I tutor a wide range of subjects including biology, algebra, and English, as well as ACT and GRE prep. I employ a student-centered teaching style, encouraging students to think independently and draw...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelors, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Writing
- GED
- ACT Science
- +32 subjects

Gus: ACT test prep instructor
...way to mesh all of the things in life that excite me into one career. Film and animation have managed to do that for the most part, but as I grow older (and wiser?) I feel more certain that teaching at the collegiate level is my calling. I carry with me my overly nice, hard working, and cheese-loving qualities from my upbringing in Wisconsin, and I'm hoping to absorb all the exciting qualities that the...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Stout - Bachelors, Entertainment Design - Digital Cinema
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- German 1
- ACT Science
- Social Sciences
- +48 subjects

Ingy: ACT test prep instructor
...a variety of subjects, such as math, economics, chemistry, finance, and linguistics, I now focus on tutoring math, primarily, since it is my passion. I have a very flexible tutoring style, and my approach strongly depends on each of my students' needs. The goal is for students to leave in a more calm, confident state than before. Outside of school, I spend much of my time biking, doing yoga, cooking, and exploring new places with...
Education & Certification
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Bachelors, Mathematics with Actuarial Science Specialization
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SSAT- Middle Level
- 10th Grade Math
- SAT Math
- +38 subjects

Matt: ACT test prep instructor
...mathematics, as well as minors in creative writing and computer science. While I do not have any formal experience with teaching, I have spent much of my academic career tutoring friends and family to help them succeed in school, and I have personally improved the grades of many of my peers through studying sessions with me by as much as 30%. I am a friendly and casual tutor, but my enthusiasm for helping others to...
Education & Certification
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Current Undergrad, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Science
- Essay Editing
- English
- +33 subjects

Aman: ACT test prep instructor
...gether for some time, but some of his characteristics were not compatible with my liking. After about two more mentors, I finally selected a intelligent, organized, and serious mentor that was heavily invested in my success. To have a mentor that is invested in your success is a fantastic feeling. Suddenly, my motivation increased, my grades improved and I was accepted into very good colleges and programs. That was my goal. I couldn't reach that...
Education & Certification
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - Current Undergrad, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- PSAT Mathematics
- AP Psychology
- AP Statistics
- +42 subjects

Nisarg: ACT test prep instructor
...High, and I'm currently pursuing a Bachelor's of Science in neuroscience. At the University, I'm usually in class, studying, hanging out with my friends, or at club meetings! In my free time, I love to breakdance, write poetry, debate politics and economics, and participate in practically every nerdy endeavor possible (huge Star Wars fan!!). I love to talk and will talk your ear off if you let me! I love trying new things, exploring the...
Education & Certification
- University of Minnesota - Bachelors, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT Math
- Writing
- Macroeconomics
- +38 subjects

Jack: ACT test prep instructor
I'm a recent grad from Northwestern (B.A. in Theatre and Economics) who loves teaching and learning. I love helping other people achieve their goals and helping students find ways to be their best selves. Excited to meet and work with Chicagoland's students!... First sessions always start with discussion of a subject's foundations. If we nail these, the rest of the learning becomes ten times easier.... I'm big on listening. It's my job to hear what a client needs instead of jumping right into practice problems or revisions. First, we talk about goals. Then, we set up a timeline and steps for how to achieve those goals.
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Economics/Theatre
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Calculus 3
- Pre-Algebra
- Biology
- +67 subjects

Sean: ACT test prep instructor
...enjoy teaching test preparation, as there are so many aspects to taking these exams ranging from test taking strategies, the material itself, as well as preparation right before the tests themselves. I believe that every student requires a different teaching strategy, and I believe in treating every student as an individual rather than a collective. In terms of me personally, I really enjoy classical and electric violin, tennis, DJ'ing, as well as electronic music production....
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Current Undergrad, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- High School Biology
- Algebra
- +28 subjects

Audrey: ACT test prep instructor
...skills. I have prior experience working at my school's writing center to assist first-year students with college-level essays. I have also captained an award-winning collegiate mock trial team for several years, which involves mentoring younger students in oral and written communication skills. In addition to my experience, standardized testing has always been a forte of mine. I am enthusiastic about sharing the skills and strategies that I have picked up along my way. If you...
Education & Certification
- Pomona College - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- AP Comparative Government and Politics
- PSAT Writing Skills
- Competition Math
- +36 subjects

Karishma: ACT test prep instructor
...study methods and styles that work best for them and that will serve them throughout school. I previously tutored with Boys Hope Girls Hope in Evanston, IL. I tutored middle and high school students in Spanish and English, and I was able to help them develop study strategies such as using flashcards or translating a sentence they had spoken aloud that day in their heads for extra language practice. I am very excited to be...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor in Arts, English/Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Anatomy
- Test Prep
- IB Extended Essay
- +58 subjects

Alison: ACT test prep instructor
...years of mathematics tutoring experience with students in grades K-12, and I love to help students build confidence in analytical and applied mathematics at all levels, from simple addition to complex calculus. In my free time, I enjoy planning events for my residential community at UD, exploring the DFW area, and spending quality time with friends - always with a cup of coffee in hand! I look forward to working with you to help you...
Education & Certification
- University of Dallas - Current Undergrad, Double-Major in Mathematics and Business with a French Language and Literature Concentration
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- 9th Grade Math
- 1st Grade Math
- 8th Grade Math
- +64 subjects

Courtney: ACT test prep instructor
...instructor for the Statistical Analysis course at Augsburg College and also served as a tutor through the Academic Skills Office there. I have tutored high schoolers at the MN Internship Center and worked with students of all ages from elementary schoolers to adults at the non-profit program Safe Place: Homework Help. A particular highlight of mine is the summer I spent teaching English to adults as a certified ESL assistant at the International Education Center...
Education & Certification
- Augsburg College - Bachelors, Sociology w/minor in Spanish
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- 1st Grade Math
- Civics
- Spanish 4
- +122 subjects