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Award-Winning ACT Tutors

Sarah

Certified Tutor

4+ years

Sarah

Bachelor in Arts, Neuroscience
Sarah's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Calculus
Algebra
Math 3

Neuroscience at Columbia trains a specific kind of thinking — pulling signal from noise in dense, data-heavy material — and that's essentially what the ACT Science and Reading sections demand. Sarah scored a 35 composite and applies that same analytical rigor across all four sections, teaching stude...

Education

Columbia University in the City of New York

Bachelor in Arts, Neuroscience

Test Scores
ACT
35
Justin

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Justin

Doctor of Philosophy, Computational Mathematics
Justin's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra
Multivariable Calculus

A PhD in Computational Mathematics from the University of Chicago paired with dual bachelor's degrees in physics and math means Justin doesn't bluff his way through any ACT section — the Math and Science content is second nature, and his literature, philosophy, and essay editing background keeps the...

Education

Washington University in St. Louis

Bachelor's in Physics and Mathematics

University of Chicago

Doctor of Philosophy, Computational Mathematics

Test Scores
SAT
1560
ACT
33

Certified Tutor

Edward

Bachelor's
Edward's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Multivariable Calculus
Trigonometry

Chemical engineering at Michigan means Edward spends his semesters deep in the math and science that dominate half the ACT — but his literature, essay editing, and grammar tutoring keep the English and Reading sections just as locked in, giving him genuine coverage across all four. His perfect 36 co...

Education

University

Bachelor's

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1520
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Emily

Master of Public Health (MPH), concentration in Epidemiology and Global Health
Emily's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

Double-majoring in molecular biology and French at Yale gave Emily something most ACT tutors lack — genuine fluency in both the STEM and humanities sides of the exam, so she's not faking comfort in any section. She earned a perfect 36 composite and uses her epidemiology training to teach the Science...

Education

Yale University

Master of Public Health (MPH), concentration in Epidemiology and Global Health

Yale School of Public Health

Master in Public Health, Public Health

Yale University

Bachelor of Science (B.S.), double major in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and French

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1550
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Kerr

Bachelor of Economics, Economics
Kerr's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
Calculus
Algebra

Kerr's computer science training at Vanderbilt sharpened the logical reasoning and pattern-matching that drive the ACT's Math and Science sections, while his breadth across literature, essay editing, and grammar means the English and Reading halves don't get neglected. He earned a perfect 36 composi...

Education

Vanderbilt University

Bachelor of Economics, Economics

Test Scores
Perfect Score
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Anna

Bachelor in Arts, Anthropology
Anna's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Middle School Science
PSAT Writing Skills

Northwestern's Honors Program in Medical Education compressed Anna's premed and MD training into a single accelerated track — meaning she learned early how to master large volumes of material under tight time constraints, which is essentially what the ACT demands across all four sections. She scored...

Education

Northwestern University

Bachelor in Arts, Anthropology

Northwestern University

Graduated (Honors Program in Medical Education)

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1590
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

Eric

Bachelor in Business Administration, Business
Eric's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Algebra 3/4
Middle School Math

Eric's business administration background might seem unusual for ACT prep, but it gave him exactly the kind of cross-disciplinary fluency the test rewards — reading dense passages quickly, interpreting data under pressure, and writing structured arguments for the optional Writing section. He earned ...

Education

University of Michigan

Bachelor in Business Administration, Business

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1570
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Elliot

Doctor of Philosophy, Neuroscience
Elliot's other Tutor Subjects
Statistics Graduate Level
Pre-Algebra
Statistics
Middle School Math

Elliot's neuroscience PhD means he's spent years designing experiments, interpreting data, and writing precisely — the exact skill set the ACT tests across all four sections, from Science passage analysis to the grammar logic underlying English questions. He earned a perfect 36 composite and uses th...

Education

Hampshire College

Bachelor in Arts, Cognitive Science

Vanderbilt University

Doctor of Philosophy, Neuroscience

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1540
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

Alessia

Bachelors (in progress)
Alessia's other Tutor Subjects
AP Physics 1
AP Physics C: Mechanics
High School Chemistry
ACT

I enjoy helping students build confidence in chemistry, physics, and the ACT. I just finished up my sophomore year studying biomedical engineering with a 3.99 GPA. While at school, I am a peer tutor for general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics 1. I love getting to know my students and helpi...

Education

Santa Clara University

Bachelors (in progress)

Test Scores
Perfect Score
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Dennis

Bachelor of Science
Dennis's other Tutor Subjects
AP Statistics
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra

Research in astrophysics and optical engineering means Dennis doesn't just know the ACT's Math and Science content — he built his career on the quantitative reasoning and data analysis those sections actually test. His perfect 36 composite came from treating each section as a distinct problem set wi...

Education

Princeton University

Bachelor of Science

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1530
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Eileen

Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
Eileen's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Geometry

Eileen's neuroscience pre-med track at Vanderbilt keeps her sharp across the ACT's full spread — the Science section reads like her coursework, while her college essay and literature tutoring means English and Reading aren't afterthoughts. She earned a perfect 36 composite and uses that experience t...

Education

Vanderbilt University

Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1550
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Jenna

Bachelor in Arts, French
Jenna's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Physics
College Physics

A perfect 36 composite means Jenna didn't just ace one section — she performed at ceiling across English, Math, Reading, and Science, which lets her diagnose exactly where a student is losing points and tailor strategy accordingly. Her approach to the Science section treats it as a data-interpretati...

Education

University of Kentucky

Bachelor in Arts, French

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1570
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

Kyle

Bachelor's (in progress)
Kyle's other Tutor Subjects
SAT
ACT
Algebra 2

As a passionate tutor with over 2 years of experience, I am dedicated to helping students excel in mathematics, particularly in subjects like Algebra, Calculus, and Geometry. Currently pursuing a Bachelor's in Data Science at Utah State University, I leverage my academic background to provide real-w...

Education

Utah State University

Bachelor's (in progress)

Weber State University

Associate's

Test Scores
ACT
35

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Jason

Bachelor
Jason's other Tutor Subjects
PSAT
ACT
Cello

Hello! I am Jason Min, a recent college graduate looking to do some tutoring over the summer. Please feel free to ask me questions!

Education

Tulane University of Louisiana

Bachelor

Test Scores
ACT
34

Certified Tutor

16+ years

John

Bachelor of Fine Arts, English/Drama
John's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Middle School Math
Geometry

An English and drama background might not scream ACT prep, but John's 36 composite — a perfect score — means he's mastered every section of the test, and his theater training makes him unusually good at close reading the rhetorical and narrative passages that stall most students on Reading and Engli...

Education

University of St Thomas

Bachelor of Fine Arts, English/Drama

American Academy of Dramatic Arts

Associates, Acting

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1420
ACT
36

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Eileen

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +70 Subjects

Eileen's neuroscience pre-med track at Vanderbilt keeps her sharp across the ACT's full spread — the Science section reads like her coursework, while her college essay and literature tutoring means English and Reading aren't afterthoughts. She earned a perfect 36 composite and uses that experience to show students exactly how each section rewards different habits, building custom study plans around where points are actually being lost.

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Jenna

Calculus Tutor • +20 Subjects

A perfect 36 composite means Jenna didn't just ace one section — she performed at ceiling across English, Math, Reading, and Science, which lets her diagnose exactly where a student is losing points and tailor strategy accordingly. Her approach to the Science section treats it as a data-interpretation exercise, teaching students to ignore jargon and zero in on graph trends and table relationships. Rated 5.0 by students, she also brings her biochemistry and French double-major background to bear on the reading-heavy sections where cross-disciplinary vocabulary matters.

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Kyle

SAT Tutor • +2 Subjects

As a passionate tutor with over 2 years of experience, I am dedicated to helping students excel in mathematics, particularly in subjects like Algebra, Calculus, and Geometry. Currently pursuing a Bachelor's in Data Science at Utah State University, I leverage my academic background to provide real-world applications that make complex concepts more relatable. My teaching philosophy centers on fostering a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and exploring their understanding. I believe in tailoring my approach to meet each student's unique needs, which not only boosts their confidence but also enhances their academic success. Outside of tutoring, I enjoy engaging in problem-solving challenges and exploring new technologies, which further fuels my enthusiasm for teaching and learning.

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Jason

PSAT Tutor • +2 Subjects

Hello! I am Jason Min, a recent college graduate looking to do some tutoring over the summer. Please feel free to ask me questions!

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John

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +88 Subjects

An English and drama background might not scream ACT prep, but John's 36 composite — a perfect score — means he's mastered every section of the test, and his theater training makes him unusually good at close reading the rhetorical and narrative passages that stall most students on Reading and English. He also tutors calculus, physics, and chemistry, so the Math and Science sections aren't secondary skills he's faking his way through. Rated 4.9 by students.

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Jiatian

Middle School Math Tutor • +5 Subjects

Scoring well on the ACT is less about mastering five separate subjects and more about learning one skill: how to attack timed, multiple-choice questions with a plan. Jiatian builds individualized study schedules that target each student's weakest sections first, setting concrete score milestones along the way. A Rice University graduate currently finishing medical school, she's taken enough high-stakes exams to know exactly what disciplined, strategic prep looks like in practice.

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Ilesh

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +27 Subjects

Georgia Tech's Industrial and Systems Engineering program sits at the crossroads of math, data analysis, and logical reasoning — which means Ilesh trained daily in exactly the quantitative and analytical thinking the ACT tests across Math, Science, and even the evidence-based Reading questions. He earned a perfect 36 composite and uses that full-score perspective to show students not just what the right answers look like, but why the wrong ones are designed to be tempting. Rated 5.0 by students.

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Sugi

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +54 Subjects

Medical school admissions committees at both Rice and Baylor trusted Sugi to evaluate candidates — that same ability to spot exactly where someone's reasoning breaks down is what she brings to ACT prep, section by section. Her 36 composite and dual background in cognitive science and biochemistry mean there's no weak link across Math, Science, English, or Reading; she knows the content cold and teaches the decision-making layer on top of it. Rated 5.0 by students.

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Chaya

SAT Tutor • +2 Subjects

Scoring well on the ACT requires a different mindset for each of its four sections, and Chaya builds a tailored game plan around whichever ones need the most attention. Her deepest expertise is in English and Reading — where she teaches students to recognize recurring grammar patterns and efficiently parse dense passages — but she also covers Math and Science with a focus on time management and strategic question triage.

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Alex

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +55 Subjects

Medical school at the University of Arizona sharpened Alex's science and reading comprehension chops, but it's the chemical engineering degree from Washington and Lee that keeps his ACT Math strategies rigorous — and tutoring since 2010 means he's seen every version of the test's recurring traps across all four sections. His 36 composite isn't just a number; it translates into section-by-section blueprints that show students exactly where their time is leaking and which question types to attack first. Rated 4.8 by students.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The ACT Science section tests data interpretation and scientific reasoning—not memorized science facts. You'll encounter 40 questions in 35 minutes across three question types: data representation (charts, graphs, tables), research summaries (experimental design), and conflicting viewpoints (competing scientific theories). The key challenge is extracting information quickly from unfamiliar data and applying logic, not recalling biology or chemistry content. Many students struggle here because it requires speed and comfort reading scientific formats under time pressure, which is very different from typical science classes.

The ACT isn't necessarily harder, but it's significantly faster-paced. You have 2 hours 55 minutes for four sections with roughly 1.5-2 minutes per question, while the SAT gives you more time per question. The ACT Math section also covers more advanced topics like trigonometry and matrices, which the SAT doesn't test. Many students find the ACT's speed more challenging than difficulty—you need strong time management and can't afford to linger on tough problems. Pacing strategy is critical: knowing when to skip and come back later can mean the difference between a 26 and a 30.

Most students see 2-4 point improvements with structured tutoring and practice, though improvement varies based on starting score and effort. Students starting at 19-22 often see larger gains (4-6 points) because foundational gaps are easier to close; students already at 28+ typically see smaller gains (1-2 points) since they're targeting elite scores. The national average is 21, so moving from 21 to 25-27 (top 25%) is very achievable with 8-12 weeks of focused work. Realistic improvement depends on identifying your specific weak sections—whether that's pacing on Reading, trig on Math, or data interpretation on Science.

Time management looks different for each section. On English (45 min, 75 questions), aim for roughly 30 seconds per question—it's fast but straightforward. Math (60 min, 60 questions) deserves a minute per question; skip hard ones early and return later rather than getting stuck. Reading (35 min, 40 questions) is the tightest constraint; many students benefit from reading the questions first, then skimming passages for specific answers rather than reading fully. Science (35 min, 40 questions) rewards quick data extraction—don't overthink; focus on what the graphs/tables show. A tutor can help you identify which sections drain your time and teach you pacing techniques specific to your strengths.

Most colleges do NOT superscore the ACT—they use your highest single test date composite score. This is different from the SAT, where many schools superscore individual sections. Because of this, your strategy should focus on achieving your target score on one test date rather than spreading attempts across multiple dates hoping to mix-and-match sections. However, you can retake the full ACT multiple times and submit your best composite. This means if you score 28 on one date and 29 on another, colleges see the 29—not a blended score. Check your target schools' policies, but plan your prep assuming they'll use your single best attempt.

Most students should skip the optional Writing section. Only about 2% of colleges require it, and most don't even look at it. The Writing test adds 40 minutes and doesn't boost your composite score—it's scored separately on a 2-12 scale. Unless a specific school you're targeting explicitly requires or recommends it, your time is better spent perfecting the four main sections. If you do take Writing, it requires strong essay skills under time pressure (40 minutes for one prompt), which is a different skill than the rest of the ACT. Check your target schools' websites first—if they don't mention it, leave it off.

Trigonometry appears on roughly 7-10% of the ACT Math section—usually 3-4 questions out of 60. The challenge isn't volume; it's that many students haven't seen trig since geometry or precalculus, so it feels unfamiliar under pressure. ACT trig questions typically test basic concepts: SOHCAHTOA, unit circle values, and simple trig identities. The bigger issue is that trig questions often appear late in the section when students are tired or rushed. A strong ACT Math tutor will help you refresh trig basics and teach you to recognize when a problem is actually a trig problem disguised in a word problem—that pattern recognition saves time.

The ACT Reading section gives you 35 minutes for 40 questions across 4 passages—roughly 8-9 minutes per passage. Many students try to read the full passage first, but this burns time. A more effective strategy: read the questions first to know what you're looking for, then skim the passage for specific information rather than trying to understand every detail. Some students do better skimming the passage first (1-2 minutes) to get tone and structure, then answering questions by returning to specific lines. The key is finding YOUR rhythm through practice. Tutors can help you test different approaches and identify which sections (fiction, social science, natural science, humanities) give you the most trouble—you might need different strategies for each.

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