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High school students all over Chicago are looking for a way to start their Chicago ACT prep, and Varsity Tutors can help them out. It doesn't really matter whether you are in your last year of high school or a year or two before that. It is crucial that you start preparing for the ACT exam, as many colleges will look at your score on the ACT when considering your admission. Many students attending high schools in the college area, such as Walter Payton College Prep or Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, choose to take the ACT as their college preparation test of choice.
If you want to get started with private mentoring sessions to help you in your test preparation, we can connect you to the right private instructor for you. Or, if you want to take an educational class instead, we can help you enroll in it.
What is involved in ACT test preparation?
There are four sections on the ACT. In addition, there is a Writing section that is optional. Each section, including the Writing section, will have a time limit imposed on it. During your preparation, you should make sure that you are ready for all four or five sections.
First, there will be the English section. This section will test you on your knowledge and comprehension of the English language. You will be presented with short passages. You will have to read these passages and spot any errors that may be in them with regards to grammar, spelling, or sentence structure. There will be 75 questions on this section, and you will have 45 minutes to complete all of them.
The next section will be the Math section. You will be tested on everything that is expected to be covered in high school math classes. There will be a total of 60 questions on this section. You will have one minute, on average, for each question, as there will be one hour to complete this section.
The next section will be the Reading section. As with the English section, you will be presented with passages that you will have to read through. However, unlike the English section, you will be tested on your reading comprehension skills rather than your knowledge of English language rules. You will be asked questions that will test your ability to understand what you are reading. There will be 40 questions, and you will have 35 minutes to complete this section.
Next will be the Science section. This section will test you on what you studied during your science classes. Various scientific topics will be touched on, such as chemistry, biology, and physics. You will be presented with multiple choice questions and be expected to choose the right answers. Again, you will have 35 minutes to answer 40 questions.
Finally, there will be the Writing section. As mentioned, this section is optional. Taking it can show schools that you are applying to that you are serious about all of your studies. If you do complete this section, make sure that you write a well-crafted essay that presents your arguments in an organized fashion. Back up your arguments with supporting details.
What kinds of Chicago ACT prep are available for me to take?
You have a few different options when it comes to preparing for the ACT test. You do not have to do it alone, which can be a struggle.
The first option you have is taking a Chicago ACT prep course. These courses are taught by educated instructors over the internet. They can be taken from wherever you are. One of the problems with taking a course is that it can be hard for some students to find time for the commute, especially in hectic Chicago traffic. However, these courses are all done on the computer.
There is a new Chicago ACT prep class starting every week, so you will not have to wait long after enrolling to start. Classes go on for either two or four weeks, depending on your needs. You can interact with both the instructor and other students. You can discuss topics that will be covered on the test as well as general test-taking strategies. You can also have private time with the instructor to ask some questions that may be bothering you and get clarification about things that were discussed during the class.
Other students may find that reviewing their studies with a private Chicago ACT tutor fits their needs better. With a private educator, you can go over your studies at your own pace, without worrying about holding up other students. Your private educational mentor can create study plans for your sessions that are based on your own specific needs. For example, some students may find that they need to focus on math more than reading comprehension. A class may go too fast or too slow for you.
With a private instructor, you can also ask any questions that you may have. You can establish a rapport with your tutor. It is always rewarding to study with someone who understands you and knows what kind of learning style fits you the best.
Some students may find that a combination of the two makes for the best test preparation strategy. For example, you can take the classes to get a general review before the test and then take private mentoring sessions to go deeper into specific topics that you are having difficulty with. A private mentor can also give you some tips for meeting the time limits you will face on the test.
What should I do to get started with my Chicago ACT prep?
If you are unsure of which kind of ACT preparation to take, Varsity Tutors can help you decide. It doesn't matter what your current skills are; professional Chicago ACT preparation and instruction can help everyone at any level. Get in touch with Varsity Tutors today to get started. We are looking forward to hearing from you and getting you set on the right track.

Rebecca: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...carry forward. My favorite subjects to tutor include English, SAT test preparation, math, and psychology. My approach to tutoring is to meet the student where they're at and go from there. I find that this way we can build a productive tutoring relationship where I can help individualize learning to each person's particular learning style. Outside of academic interests, I enjoy cooking, being with friends and family, traveling the world, and looking as ridiculous as...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of Chicago SSA - Masters, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT
- PSAT
- ISEE
- +53 subjects

Max: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA. I am majoring in Physics with a Concentration in Chemical Principles. I am also minoring in Creative Writing. Throughout my schooling, I have thrived in all subjects. However, my favorites are Science and Writing/English. I find that the two have similar way in promoting creativity. Not surprisingly, I will be tutoring Physics, Chemistry and Writing. Additionally, I will be tutoring for ACT prep. I took the test officially...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Current Undergrad, Physics with Concentration in Chemical Principles
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- College English
- High School English
- English
- +18 subjects

Samantha: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...writing. I have also continued to help many high school seniors with college application essays. While I tutor a variety of subjects, I am very passionate about helping students improve their reading and writing skills, and I really enjoy helping students with Critical Reading and Writing portions of Standardized Tests. I love working with students and helping them realize their full academic potential. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, exploring Chicago, reading, and cooking.
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Current Undergrad, Political Science & Legal Studies
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT
- +36 subjects

Ben: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...based on their learning style and personality. While working with students on topics from math to music theory to test prep, I hope to draw on my multidisciplinary background to effectively give each student a solid understanding of the subject matter at hand. Overall I am very easy going and enjoy working will all age groups and at all academic levels. I look forward to the challenges and rewards presented with each student!... I believe that the most important part of teaching any student is identifying an individual's learning style. Once a teacher knows how a specific student learns, the ability to convey concepts from all subject areas becomes much easier.
Education & Certification
- Oberlin College - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- Advanced Placement
- +52 subjects

Lee: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...with standardized tests. I'm a laid back individual, but I like to push my students. I know that every student is able to do well and I really enjoy helping them along their path to success. But being laid back, I am also good at relaxing a student and helping point out what is important and what is not. In my free time, I enjoy writing music. I am also a die hard Packers fan...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
- Northwestern University - Master of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- PSAT
- ASPIRE
- SAT
- +41 subjects

Karishma: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...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 able to tutor again and to work with students. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a previously struggling...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor in Arts, English/Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- PSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +58 subjects

Steve: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...her achieve their best. I am also passionate about tutoring Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Calculus. My teaching style is not set in stone; I understand that everyone learns differently and will try to find a learning method that will suit the student. Next year, I will begin my pursuit of a PhD in Biological Engineering, and I aspire to be an undergraduate professor and researcher. In my free time, I love to play guitar, play...
Education & Certification
- University of Notre Dame - Bachelors, Chemical and Biomolecular
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT Subject Test in Physics
- +24 subjects

Zach: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...split between the Arts and the Sciences. I recently graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelors in Music, and although I now sing and play flute around the Chicagoland area, I simply couldn't resist also enrolling at Columbia College Chicago to pursue studies in Acoustics. At Northern, I tutored various subjects for two years and grew to love the act of teaching and sharing knowledge. I especially enjoy working on test prep, mathematics and...
Education & Certification
- Northern Illinois University - Unknown, Music Performance
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT
- Middle School Math
- ACT Math
- +36 subjects

Ruthie: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...know that. They know that I always believe in them and will always be challenging them to do their best, be it through timed Do Nows to create urgency, charts tracking individual and class success, or simply through getting extra help during office hours. In my spare time, I am a runner, a reader, a lover of outdoors, and a traveller! I am also a people person and enjoy spending time with family and friends,...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelors, Biological Basis of Behavior
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- Homework Support
- Science
- +22 subjects

Luke: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...speaking and writing (which was reflected in high TOEFL scores). I've got a knack for identifying an essay's strengths and weaknesses, and for giving specific feedback to make written ideas come to life. In addition, I have a passion for helping students improve their performance in ACT Reading, Writing, and Science. Whatever the subject, I thrive on leading students to moments of clarity and a sense of accomplishment. When I'm not tutoring, I enjoy exploring...
Education & Certification
- Wheaton College (Illinois) - Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- TOEFL
- Biology
- ACT Math
- +31 subjects

Katie: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...level of education; I am happy to help students prepare for these exams. I enjoy students of all ages and am excited to tutor a wide range of subjects, although my first loves are math and English (especially grammar). I truly believe my sincere energy and enthusiasm can help make students excited about learning. I welcome questions and value honesty while tutoring. My personal interests include international education, traveling, hiking, camping, and Notre Dame football.
Education & Certification
- University of Notre Dame - Bachelor in Arts, American Studies, Gender Studies
- University of Connecticut - Master of Arts, Higher Education and Student Affaris
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- HSPT
- GED
- PSAT
- +40 subjects

Michael: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...student at Washington University particularly interested in biotechnology. This past summer, I interned at Roche, a large multinational biotech firm, in San Francisco. I am originally from the Chicagoland area. I love to cook, play piano and run long distance. Survivor and Game of Thrones are my favorite TV shows, but I normally watch content on YouTube. Looking forward to getting to meet and work together to get you where you want to be!
Education & Certification
- Washington University in St Louis - Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- ACT Writing
- +40 subjects

Sresht: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...University of Illinois at Chicago in 2 years as part of the GPPA Medicine program, where I majored in Biological Sciences. I have also obtained a perfect score on the Psychology/Sociology section of the MCAT with a 97th percentile score overall. I am currently obtaining my MBA before going to medical school. I have been tutoring since high school and enjoy helping students by giving them a unique perspective on how to master comprehension and...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Masters in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- ACT Math
- Science
- GMAT Verbal Reasoning
- +48 subjects

Jonathan: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...was paramount. Growing up, I regularly proofread, edited, double-checked, as well as provided any other general assistance that my brothers and sisters needed with their school work. Since we are all at different stages of our educational careers, I could go from working on the basic animal cell structure, to influential battles of the Civil War, then back to proving whether or not two triangles are congruent. Not only did I have to concisely explain...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Bachelors, Math
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Current Grad Student, Math
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Math
- 4th Grade Math
- AP Calculus BC
- +31 subjects

Davis: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...to Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, Finance, and Writing for the past 3 years. He received his Undergraduate Degree in 2018 from Drake University, where he studied Finance and Economics, graduating with University Honors. After graduation, Davis worked as an Underwriter and as a Financial Analyst. While working he also received a Certification in Data Analysis and Visualization from the University of Minnesota. He has received an overall score in the 99th percentile on the GMAT. This...
Education & Certification
- Drake University - Bachelor in Arts, Finance
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT
- Algebra 2
- GMAT Integrated Reasoning
- +18 subjects

Jack: Chicago 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
- PSAT
- Advanced Placement
- Pre-Algebra
- +67 subjects

Thomas: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...college graduate who loves teaching and helping students learn. I have experience teaching English in Argentina, as well as experience as a teaching assistant for various subjects at the Summer Institute for the Gifted. Exploration drives much of what I do, and I believe that learning is a form of exploration - and I hope to share that mindset with my students. As a tutor, I will be very patient, understanding, and thoughtful in my...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- Spanish 1
- +45 subjects

Levente: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, I held a few roles in academia. I was a class assistant for Differential Equations for 3 semesters, where I organized and led study sessions, graded assignments, etc. At different points in my college career, I also worked as a mentor for Calculus 1-3 and a project manager for a higher level engineering course. Currently, I work as a derivatives trader in Chicago, so I'm constantly using and refining my knowledge...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Differential Equations
- AP Economics
- Statistics
- +30 subjects

Rachel: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...I look forward to hearing from you and helping you in your endeavors. I am free from 9am-9pm on weekdays and weekends. I live in the Chicago area near the Loop and do not have a car, so it would be more convenient if my students were able to meet me downtown. If the parents are driving, you are more than welcome to stay close by! We can pick coffee shops or public work areas...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelors, Economics
- University of Chicago Booth School of Business - Masters, MBA (Masters in Business Administration)
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT
- Math
- GMAT Quantitative Reasoning
- +32 subjects

Jamila: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...material, as well as the confidence level and understand to tackle the most difficult of questions with ease. My favorite subject to tutor is writing. I find that a large portion of students struggle with feeling that they aren't very skilled at writing. I firmly believe that is untrue, and that everyone has their own unique style and skillset to bring to the table. My goal is to discover that style, and make sure they...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelors, Theater Studies
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Writing
- Social Studies
- High School Level American Literature
- +22 subjects