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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.

Ellen: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...a 2015 graduate of Oberlin College, where I majored in biology and minored in chemistry. Having gone to small schools my whole life, I believe in the power of small group/individual interactions for learning. While memorization is important for certain things, I always appreciated understanding the "why" and "how" in school and I try to help my students achieve that level of understanding as well. I prefer to guide students through their problems to help...
Education & Certification
- Oberlin College - Bachelors, Biology, Chemistry Minor
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Trigonometry
- College Biology
- IB Chemistry HL
- +43 subjects

Lee: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...transitioning into a new career. My Engineering curriculum at Northwestern was heavily centered around Math, Chemistry, Biology and Physics, so I can work with a student on more than one class at a time. I also have a lot of experience with test prep and love working with students who need help with standardized tests. I'm a laid back individual, but I like to push my students. I know that every student is able to...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
- Northwestern University - Master of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT
- PSAT
- ASPIRE
- +41 subjects

Mark: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...to learn the information, because like it or not, even if the student is not interested in learning, I want to convey that in life we often are forced into tasks that are not always enjoyable. Whats important is to persevere and understand that there is no other option but to complete the task or learn the material and we can only gain from giving it our best effort. During free time I enjoy reading...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Current Undergrad, Bioengineering
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Current Grad Student, Bioengineering
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- College Physics
- Economics
- Test Prep
- +37 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
- Advanced Placement
- PSAT
- Public Speaking
- +67 subjects

Ben: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...in groups and one on one in both mathematic and theoretical concepts. I also have experience teaching musical lessons such as jazz bass, piano, and music theory to younger students. Experience in these different teaching environments has helped me cultivate a teaching style that identifies how to teach each individual student based on their learning style and personality. While working with students on topics from math to music theory to test prep, I hope to...
Education & Certification
- Oberlin College - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT
- Advanced Placement
- SAT Subject Tests
- +52 subjects

Shivam: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...passion for math. I have loved and excelled at it since elementary school. I'm doing a minor in mathematics at college because I enjoy the subject so much. I try to make sure my students walk away with something from each session. I hold myself to high standards which constantly allows me to grow as a tutor. I am excited to hear from you and help you achieve whatever goals you may have! If you...
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - Bachelor of Science, Computer Sciense
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- College Computer Science
- Algebra
- ACT Writing
- +23 subjects

Yesha: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...ACT prep. I have tutored kids of all ages and am familiar with different tutoring methods for each age group. More than that, what qualifies me for this job is that I am passionate about education. I have had a very successful school career, and I want to share that with all students. Education is empowering, and every student deserves to feel intelligent. Outside of tutoring and college, I love to read. I'm a big...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Current Undergrad, Integrative Biology Honors/ Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Advanced Placement
- SAT Subject Tests
- English
- +42 subjects

Katie: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...college students, working as an academic advisor, and teaching first year experience courses to new college students, focusing on topics like time management and study skills. I understand firsthand the importance of standardized tests as students make goals for their next 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...
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
- SSAT
- PSAT
- HSPT
- +40 subjects

Alex: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...algebra I & II, economics and Spanish, but also love to assist students with ACT, SAT, LSAT and GMAT test prep. One of the greatest investments you can make is in improving your college/grad school aptitude testing skills, as just a couple hours of study per week can yield enormous results in admittances and scholarships. On the weekend you might find me running with my dog, playing board games with my daughters, snowboarding, or just...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - Bachelor in Arts, International Relations
- University of Southern California - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
- University of Southern California - Masters in Business Administration, Real Estate
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- GRE 5-Week Prep Class
- SAT
- LSAT 5-Week Prep Class
- +88 subjects

Rebecca: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...because I want everyone to be able to perform academically at their highest possible level. I also think it is important that learning is not just for one assignment or one test, but rather that it sticks with you to build a solid foundation of knowledge and confidence that you can carry forward. My favorite subjects to tutor include English, SAT test preparation, math, and psychology. My approach to tutoring is to meet the student...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of Chicago SSA - Masters, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- PSAT
- SSAT
- ISEE
- +53 subjects

Levente: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...academically. While attending the University 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...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- College Algebra
- Algebra 3/4
- Science
- +30 subjects

David: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...tutored for many years and I have found that students may learn in different ways and all can excel. I like to present material in an engaging and relevant manner so that we can all learn and achieve success. One-on-one tutoring is an effective technique, particularly for explaining and modeling math, and I enjoy seeing students attitudes toward school brighten when they see immediate progress in their work. As a writing tutor, I like to...
Education & Certification
- Drake University - Bachelor of Science, Education, History
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT
- ISAT
- PSAT
- +37 subjects

Molly: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...to aiding them is three-fold. I will work to: 1. Review and reteach material from her school that has proven difficult. 2. Diagnostically assess for instructional gaps and then fill in gaps to bolster a strong subject area foundation. 3. Impart test-taking skills and strategies necessary for school success. I teach with the tenets of the Common Core State Standards in mind. As such, I do not aim to teach "tricks" for getting the right answer....
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Northwestern University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT
- PSAT
- ISAT
- +111 subjects

Adam: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...onset. The application of Dr. William Walsh's research, using nutrients like zinc, SAMe, or vitamins to improve mental illnesses is inspiring. I enjoy being able to improve the lives of people, and I like medical research because it enables me to help more people. I like what my life has become since graduating from college. I feel like I exist to serve people, and this is a good purpose for life. I hope to attain...
Education & Certification
- University of Nebraska at Lincoln - Bachelors, Biochemistry
- Medical college - PHD, Medicine
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Arithmetic
- AP Calculus BC
- Physiology
- +37 subjects

Pete: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...Wisconsin in Madison, I understand the gap that can form between teachers and students first hand. Combining a relational teaching style, and a strong value of education, I believe that the unique needs of every student deserve consideration and that it is the role of the tutor to find the perfect way to teach. It is my personal wish that if a student has a special need, I can fulfill it through flexibility, kindness, and...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - Bachelors, Honors English Literature and Mathematics Minor
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- ISEE
- SSAT
- SAT
- +80 subjects

Minu: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...in 18 years and love to go on road trips! I love dark chocolate and Thai food anytime, any day. My favorite subject to teach is Math, because I like to work with numbers! I strongly believe in incentives. I believe that setting small treats for each goal you reach will motivate you to do better, as long as you set your mind to it. I have a passion to teach and see others grow...
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Current Undergrad, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- College Biology
- Public Speaking
- Arithmetic
- +61 subjects

Sarah: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
I am a student at the University of Chicago, majoring in marketing and minoring in Business Analytics. I love tutoring and helping others. My specialties are in Business, Economics and test prep. I look forward to helping you reach your goals.
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Current Undergrad, Marketing
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- ACT Writing
- Social Studies
- ACT Reading
- +25 subjects

Masooma: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...believe that the most important way to help my students understand their material better is by simply being there for them every step of the way. This way, students can feel comfortable making and consequently recognizing their common mistakes, which we can then work on to eventually fully grasp the material. I recognize that each person is unique and learns differently, and so I always try various learning methods to find the best technique for...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- PSAT
- K-11th Grade Standardized Tests
- SAT
- +105 subjects

Prahith: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
I am a classroom teacher who has spent the last ten years tutoring/educating students with a variety of learning needs. I specialize in figuring out what specific learning strategies work for different students. I can help you go from good to great as I have consistently scored in the 99th percentile for several graduate school tests. ... It is more important that students learn how to solve problems rather than just memorizing facts or formulas. All students are smart in their own way and, teaching should be catered to how students best understand. Ultimately students should understand why what they are learning is important.
Education & Certification
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Bachelors, Economics
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- CLEP
- ASVAB
- SHSAT
- +103 subjects

Rachel: Chicago ACT test prep instructor
...ACT, GMAT, and GRE. Most of my tips will come from my own personal experience taking these tests or studying these subjects. I actually tutored a friend in GMAT prep this way, and he went from a 680 to a 760 in one month! My tutoring methods are completely student specific. I will listen to your problems and together we can brainstorm the best way to improve your scores or abilities. I do not believe...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelors, Economics
- University of Chicago Booth School of Business - Masters, MBA (Masters in Business Administration)
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT
- GRE
- ACT English
- +32 subjects