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Award-Winning ACT Tutors

Jiatian

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Jiatian

AB
Jiatian's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
ACT English
ACT Math
ACT

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 alo...

Education

Rice University

AB

Test Scores
ACT
35
Jason

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

6+ years

Ilesh

Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering
Ilesh's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Statistics
Calculus
Algebra

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 e...

Education

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering

Test Scores
Perfect Score
ACT
36

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

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

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

6+ years

Emily

Bachelor in Arts, Computational Biology
Emily's other Tutor Subjects
AP Statistics
Pre-Algebra
Statistics
Pre-Calculus

A 36 composite on the ACT means Emily didn't just do well on one section — she maxed out every part of the test, from the science data interpretation to the reading passage pacing to the math's pre-calc concepts. She breaks the exam into learnable systems, teaching students how to manage time across...

Education

Cornell University

Bachelor in Arts, Computational Biology

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1590
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Sreya

Bachelor of Chemistry, Chemistry
Sreya's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Chemistry
IB Chemistry

Having just gone through the ACT herself — earning a perfect 36 composite — Sreya knows which moments in each section actually cost students points, from the tricky pronoun-antecedent questions buried in English to the time crunch on Science's conflicting-viewpoints passages. Her chemistry and compu...

Education

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Bachelor of Chemistry, Chemistry

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1580
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Chelain

PHD, PhD: Molecular Pharmacology and Structural Biology; MD: Medicine. Currently a Resident in Radiation Oncology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. C
Chelain's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
College Essays
Literature

Scoring a 33 on the ACT while juggling a dual PhD/MD track gave Chelain a firsthand appreciation for efficient test strategy — knowing when to skip, when to guess, and how to manage the clock across all four sections. As a radiation oncology resident at Northwestern, she brings the same analytical p...

Education

Thomas Jefferson University

PHD, PhD: Molecular Pharmacology and Structural Biology; MD: Medicine. Currently a Resident in Radiation Oncology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. C

Swarthmore College

Bachelors, Biology, Psychology

Test Scores
SAT
1550
ACT
33

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

Benjamin

Current Grad Student, English
Benjamin's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
Calculus 2
Calculus
Algebra

Most ACT prep treats all four sections like they require the same skillset — Benjamin actually lives in both worlds, with a computer science degree and a graduate English program at Columbia giving him native fluency in quantitative reasoning and close reading alike. He earned a perfect 36 composite...

Education

Columbia University in the City of New York

Bachelor of Science, Computer Science

Columbia University in the City of New York

Current Grad Student, English

Test Scores
Perfect Score
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Dylan

Bachelor of Science, Physics
Dylan's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Calculus

Studying physics and classics at Vanderbilt gives Dylan an uncommon combination — the quantitative fluency to own the Math and Science sections and the close-reading discipline to dissect English and Reading passages with equal precision. He earned a perfect 36 composite and uses that dual lens to s...

Education

Vanderbilt University

Bachelor of Science, Physics

Test Scores
Perfect Score
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Ryne

Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Ryne's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Calculus
Algebra
SAT Mathematics

Having completed Linear Algebra and Multivariable Calculus through the University of Minnesota's Talented Youth Math Program by 10th grade, Ryne pairs serious quantitative chops with the rhetorical and analytical skills from his political science training — covering all four ACT sections without lea...

Education

Stanford University

Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government

Test Scores
Perfect Score
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

15+ years

Austin

Bachelors
Austin's other Tutor Subjects
Elementary Math
Calculus
Algebra
Elementary School Math

Classics and philosophy trained Austin to do two things quickly: parse dense texts and build logical arguments from limited evidence — which maps almost perfectly onto ACT Reading and Science, where students need to extract answers from unfamiliar passages under serious time pressure. His 33 composi...

Education

University of Notre Dame

Bachelors

Test Scores
SAT
1570
ACT
33

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Benjamin

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +36 Subjects

Most ACT prep treats all four sections like they require the same skillset — Benjamin actually lives in both worlds, with a computer science degree and a graduate English program at Columbia giving him native fluency in quantitative reasoning and close reading alike. He earned a perfect 36 composite and uses that dual background to teach section-specific strategies, whether it's eliminating trap answers in Reading or managing the Math section's escalating difficulty curve. Rated 5.0 by students.

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Dylan

AP Calculus BC Tutor • +44 Subjects

Studying physics and classics at Vanderbilt gives Dylan an uncommon combination — the quantitative fluency to own the Math and Science sections and the close-reading discipline to dissect English and Reading passages with equal precision. He earned a perfect 36 composite and uses that dual lens to show students how each section rewards a different type of attention, then builds targeted drills around the specific question types eating their time.

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Ryne

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +26 Subjects

Having completed Linear Algebra and Multivariable Calculus through the University of Minnesota's Talented Youth Math Program by 10th grade, Ryne pairs serious quantitative chops with the rhetorical and analytical skills from his political science training — covering all four ACT sections without leaning on one discipline. He earned a perfect 36 composite and, as a recent test-taker himself, knows exactly which pacing traps and question formats the current exam throws at students. Rated 4.9 by students.

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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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Austin

Elementary Math Tutor • +35 Subjects

Classics and philosophy trained Austin to do two things quickly: parse dense texts and build logical arguments from limited evidence — which maps almost perfectly onto ACT Reading and Science, where students need to extract answers from unfamiliar passages under serious time pressure. His 33 composite and breadth across math, biology, and writing mean he covers all four sections without relying on generic tricks, connecting each question type back to the specific reasoning skill it's actually testing.

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Alex

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +56 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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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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Michael

IB Physics Tutor • +2 Subjects

A 36 composite score means Michael didn't just do well on the ACT — he maxed it out across every section, from the science data interpretation to the English rhetorical skills questions. That range mirrors his own academic background spanning fine arts, languages, and quantitative subjects, so he can pinpoint exactly where a student is losing points and rebuild that specific skill. Rated 4.9 by students.

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Alexandra

Elementary School Science Tutor • +2 Subjects

Hi! My name is Alexandra, and I am a Princeton University Neuroscience major with 5+ years of tutoring experience. I specialize in SAT/ACT/PSAT prep and have successfully taught topics ranging from computer science and basic sciences to elementary reading and writing and college essay writing. In high school, I scored a perfect 36 on the ACT on my first attempt, a perfect 1520 on the PSAT/NMSQT, won "finalist" status in the National Merit Scholarship competition, and was a medalist in the New York Science Olympiad. As an undergraduate at the top-ranked university, I focus specifically on standardized test preparation, including the SAT, ACT, and PSAT. I have an understanding of the structure and timing of the exams and the strategic approaches that are required to achieve top scores. I have successfully supported students in improving their performance through individualized study plans because I understand that not all students can use the same approaches to succeed. My approach emphasizes effective time management and a mastery of recurring question types. Outside of college test preparation, I have tutored students ages 5 to 17 in a variety of topics. A common teaching approach I use is to introduce new concepts with example problems that we work through together. I then explain each strategy and help the student through another problem, encouraging them to explain their thinking step by step. Finally, I let the student tackle a problem independently. Once a student can articulate why a method works, they are truly ready to apply it on their own. While this method suits many students, I understand that everyone learns differently and pride myself on being adaptable within and outside of lessons.

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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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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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