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Varsity Tutors would love to help you prepare for your upcoming ACT test date with one of our in-depth Portland ACT preparation options. You may have decided to take the ACT if you currently attend a local high school like St. Mary's Academy or Lincoln High School. The ACT is a standardized test that is usually taken by high school students who plan on attending a four-year university after they graduate.
However, it can be difficult to study for the ACT without any guidance. That's where Varsity Tutors in. We can set you up with to work with a private test prep instructor or get you started with a Portland ACT prep course if you'd like help preparing for your upcoming exam. Performing well on the ACT could help you get accepted into the universities that you apply to. A good score on the exam could also earn you more scholarship offers. To learn more about the ACT and how we can help you prepare for it, continue reading.
What's covered in Portland ACT prep from Varsity Tutors?
Your ACT preparation supplement will take you on a step-by-step academic journey through the material that you'll be tested on when taking the ACT. This will give you a chance to refresh your memory on the subjects that you haven't studied in a while and make academic progress where it's needed. The ACT was designed to assess how prepared the students who take it are to continue on with their studies at the collegiate level. To accomplish that goal, the exam is split into four required sections that focus on Math, English, Reading, and Science. The ACT also has an optional Writing section that test-takers can choose whether or not they complete.
The Math section of the ACT covers the math subjects that you would've likely learned about through your completion of the 11th grade. This means that you'll be tested on subjects like pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, among other things. You'll be asked to answer 60 multiple-choice math questions within a 60-minute time limit. This is a great section to sign up for test preparation assistance with if you aren't entirely confident with your mathematics skill set.
The next section of the ACT is based on Reading. You'll be asked to answer 40 multiple-choice questions within a 35-minute time limit. The section will contain a number of writing passages that you'll need to read through and then answer questions about. To perform well on the Reading section, you'll need to be able to identify central themes, make connections from different text passages, and realize the difference between facts and opinions, among other things.
Next, you'll take the English section. This part of the test is challenging because it asks you to answer 75 multiple-choice questions within a 45-minute time limit. That means you'll need to be able to work quickly to ensure that you don't run out of time on the day of your exam. You'll be asked to show your knowledge of things like grammar, correct punctuation, and other conventions of English language usage.
The last required section of the ACT covers Science. It focuses on subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science, among others. To do well on the ACT's Science section, you'll need to be able to manipulate and understand the meaning of data and problem-solve using your scientific knowledge and the scientific method. This is another excellent section to sign up for test preparation assistance with.
Finally, if you decide to do it, you may also take the ACT's Writing section. This part of the exam is a little different in that you won't answer any multiple-choice questions on it. Instead, you'll respond to a prompt that you're given with an essay. You'll have 40 minutes to complete your essay and will be graded based on the quality of your writing and the strengths of the arguments you make in your paper.
How can Portland ACT prep help you study for your upcoming exam?
When deciding which test prep option you want to pursue, you can choose between taking a course or working with a private instructor. If you take a course, you'll learn from an experienced educator who will lead you and a small group of peers through a series of live lessons. Your Portland ACT prep class will provide all of the benefits of the traditional classroom learning experience in a more convenient online setting. You can also work with your educator in a one-on-one setting if you're having a hard time understanding one of the topics that they go over. This ensures that you can easily get the help you need to keep up with your classmates if you ever feel like you're starting to fall behind. There are a variety of course options to choose from so you can easily find one that fits your scheduling needs as well.
Or, you may prefer to work with a Portland ACT tutor. This may be the right choice for you if you're someone who has previously excelled when working directly with your instructor. You and your educator can meet for a series of one-on-one study sessions that focus on your specific academic needs. You can work through these lessons at your own pace and can stop to ask for additional guidance whenever you need it. When you reach out to us to find a tutor, we'll happily do everything we can to match you with an educator who can work around your schedule. This flexibility makes it easy to sign up to work with a private tutor if you think that you would benefit from it.
How can I get started with Portland ACT preparation assistance?
Do you think that you would benefit from one of these Portland ACT prep offerings? If so, then the best way to get started is by reaching out to Varsity Tutors directly. We can help you pick the best learning option for your unique academic needs and then can get you started with it quickly. We hope to hear from you soon and look forward to helping you pursue your test goals.

Katherine: Portland ACT test prep instructor
...struggled with performing well on tests. I thought to myself, why was this happening? Students have so much pressure to perform well on standardized tests. We cram with flashcards, pull all nighters, and even sacrifice our social time to prove to the world that we retained what we learned that year. But are we *actually* learning? My goal as a tutor is to make your studies enjoyable. I love to use visual and real world...
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelors, Human Development & Family Studies
- Fairfield University - Current Grad Student, School Counseling
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Social Studies
- IB Psychology HL
- CLEP Introductory Psychology
- +65 subjects

Joy: Portland ACT test prep instructor
...a 6th grader, the thought of algebra was so frightening and intimidating that any reasoning disintegrated. So, we followed the mantra Algebra is not magic, reminding the student in times when she faltered that she can think through a math problem. As long as she felt grounded enough to access her innate understanding of the world around us, she progressed. Later on, my extensive experience in the classroom as a Jumpstart Corps Member taught me...
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Current Undergrad, Physiology and Neurobiology
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Neurobiology
- College Essays
- SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 1
- +99 subjects

Tessa: Portland ACT test prep instructor
...their lightbulb moments not by repeating facts until they're drilled in, but by helping my students understand precisely why the laws of science, the rules of grammar, and the events of history are the way they are, and by lifting the curtain on the intricacies of the subject matter. I believe that learning is, and ought to be, for its own sake. Math and philosophy, and their nuanced interactions, are my great passions. I've run...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Mathematics and History
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Arithmetic
- Reading
- English Grammar and Syntax
- +106 subjects

Marissa: Portland ACT test prep instructor
...help students improve their academic work, but also empower them to independently produce better results in the future. I have experience tutoring students in different age groups, from elementary school to graduate school. As a tutor at my college's writing center, I assisted in leading a workshop discussing best strategies for ESL tutoring. Having studied both Spanish and Japanese, I understand the difficulties of learning a new language and am excited to help students master...
Education & Certification
- George Washington University - Bachelors, Public Health
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- 9th Grade Reading
- 8th Grade Writing
- 12th Grade Reading
- +31 subjects

Alexander: Portland ACT test prep instructor
...helped students with mathematics (middle-school level through SAT prep), computer science (introductory web development and object-oriented programming), and English-Language Arts (reading comprehension with students grades 1-4). I've worked in environments ranging from a charter school in the South Bronx to a prep school in Connecticut. In mathematics in particular I have strong experience working with students who have learning disabilities. I'm near-fluent in German and Spanish, have a year of Chinese under my belt, and...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Python
- Spanish 1
- American Literature
- +80 subjects

Ellis: Portland ACT test prep instructor
...out the best in my tutees, in making them feel valued and respected. They reciprocate those feelings and become both challenged and motivated. The results show it. My education speaks for itself: Trinity College (B.A., CUM LAUDE), University of Pennsylvania Law School (JURIS DOCTOR). Education and the success of my tutees means everything to me. Our work together becomes a successful collaboration. I look forward to meeting you and working with you!... I would make the first session friendly and informal. I would make it clear that I was there as a collaborator, not to judge but to assist. When I am confident that I have established at least a threshold level of good will, I would address the subject matter, but I would do so gingerly. I would assess the tutee's competence, but do it in a manner that does not leave him or her feeling inadequate.
Education & Certification
- Trinity College Hartford CT - Bachelors, Modern Languages
- University of Pennsylvania School of Law - PHD, Law
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- 4th Grade Reading
- 8th Grade
- SAT Math
- +118 subjects

Michelle: Portland ACT test prep instructor
...Boston University in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Marine Biology. As a graduate student, I worked in a tissue engineering lab with the goal of advancing knowledge of current cell and tissue-based clinical therapies! I have a strong passion for learning about and teaching anything math or science related. These subjects are incredibly important in our everyday lives, and I can only hope to extend my passion and excitement to my students. I have...
Education & Certification
- Boston University - Bachelors, Biomedical Engineering
- Tulane University of Louisiana - Masters, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Earth Science
- Science
- Middle School Math
- +26 subjects

Abbey: Portland ACT test prep instructor
...study with some brilliant individuals at Quinnipiac University, where I majored in Health Science studies and dabbled in some laboratory investigation. Since then, I have transferred into Central Connecticut State University to pursue psychology and biology. I have some experience in assisting students in grasping new concepts while sitting in on some general chemistry classes in high school, and it's wonderful to spread a comprehension and a love for subjects that are traditionally perceived as...
Education & Certification
- Central Connecticut State University - Current Undergrad, Psychology/Business
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- High School Biology
- High School Chemistry
- English
- +12 subjects

Jessica: Portland ACT test prep instructor
...age. I remember forcing my younger siblings to sit for "lessons" - and I still enjoy creating those innovative, engaging lessons today! I am a certified English teacher for grades 7-12 and a certified Reading Specialist for grades K-12. I love working with students of all ages in order to highlight their potential and strengthen any areas of concern. My teaching experience includes teaching for over nine years at the high school level, I have...
Education & Certification
- Fairfield - Bachelor in Arts, English
- Sacred Heart - Master of Arts Teaching, Education/Reading
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- 1st Grade Reading
- English Grammar and Syntax
- ACT Writing
- +61 subjects

Lakia: Portland ACT test prep instructor
I am currently serving as the Assistant Principal for STEM Middle Academy in Springfield, MA. I look forward to working with you to achieve your academic goals.... I would try to relate the concept being taught to something familiar or tangible to get them excited/engaged.... I would use both formative and summative assessments to determine if students are learning the material.... I would highlight and narrate the positive growth they make and continue to encourage them to set goals.
Education & Certification
- Bowdoin College - Bachelors, English
- AIC - Current Grad Student, Education
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Study Skills
- Writing
- SAT Reading
- +31 subjects

Kim: Portland ACT test prep instructor
...Mathematics Department. I obtained both my Bachelor's and Master's of Arts degree from Rhode Island College and have worked as a Math Tutor and Teacher's Assistant throughout my time at RIC. Intellectually, I believe knowledge is fluid and requires practice to perfect. I enjoy showing my peers/students different ways of examining problems in order to achieve a well-rounded understanding of the material through derivation, never memorization. My main mission is to showcase my passion for...
Education & Certification
- Rhode Island College - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Science
- Microeconomics
- College Business
- +62 subjects

Bajram: Portland ACT test prep instructor
I'm currently a senior at Carnegie Mellon University, where I'm working on degrees in computational neuroscience and psychology. I'm really passionate about the fields of mathematics, computer science, biology, and psychology, as well as the intersection of them. I also have a passion for research, and have worked in research laboratories both in academia at Yale, CMU, and Jax, as well as in industry. In my spare time, I like...
Education & Certification
- Carnegie Mellon University - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT Writing and Language
- Computational Problem Solving
- Programming Languages
- +71 subjects

Landon: Portland ACT test prep instructor
...peers were able to excel without putting forth any effort. Meanwhile, I was spending countless hours reading, drilling flash cards, and reworking problems without receiving the same results. School just never came naturally for me, and I often felt incompetent, unmotivated and embarrassed to ask for help. Thankfully, I had wonderful teachers, mentors, and tutors along the way that helped me master the strategies and techniques that worked best for my studies and inspired me...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelors, Public Relations and Government
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Math
- Developmental Algebra
- American Literature
- +166 subjects

Theresa: Portland ACT test prep instructor
...experience has spanned a wide variety of students over several years: from serving as a teaching aide for high school students with special needs, to working as a teaching assistant for elementary, middle, and high school students at a gifted academic summer camp, to working as a full-time in-school tutoring fellow at an urban middle school. This is in addition to more than a decade of informal experience assisting friends and family academically as I've...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Current Undergrad, Government
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- High School English
- High School Writing
- Political Science
- +42 subjects

Lauren: Portland ACT test prep instructor
I am passionate about teaching; my mother said my brother was able to skip kindergarten because I taught him everything I was learning at school! I am a graduate of the University of Connecticut, where I earned a bachelor's degree in English; I also am a 15-year homeschooling "veteran." Most recently, I have worked in a private school teaching grammar, pre-algebra, and physical science. My hobbies include piano, hiking, and singing. ... I make sure they have a solid phonics foundation. Then, I make sure they ask themselves questions about the text, as they are reading. I do a follow-up quiz.
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelors, English
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Literature
- SAT Verbal
- ACT English
- +45 subjects

Jonathan: Portland ACT test prep instructor
I am a graduate of Fordham University, with a double major BA in Economics and French Language and Literature. I have been tutoring students in English, French, Math, and standardized test prep for over six years, and I especially love teaching in Economics, History, and Literature. My teaching style centers on understanding each student's unique way of learning, and adapting my approach to best fit their needs.
Education & Certification
- Fordham University - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Middle School Reading
- SAT Verbal
- SAT Reading
- +72 subjects

Cody: Portland ACT test prep instructor
...professional life teaching -- as a classroom teacher, substitute teacher, a special education paraprofessional and as a theatre teaching artist. I'm also a playwright and work for a nonprofit arts center in downtown Hartford. I'm passionate about education, and I love the experience of one-on-one teaching. It's my way of giving back to the incredible teachers that shaped my childhood and offered me the doors to the professional experiences I've been fortunate enough to have....
Education & Certification
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette - Bachelors, Theatre - Arts Administration
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- CAHSEE Mathematics
- Arithmetic
- Writing
- +86 subjects

Jordan: Portland ACT test prep instructor
...a curiosity and drive for knowledge in everything I do. Some of my earliest memories are of exploring the Boston Science Museum as a toddler, where I would spend hours upon hours running from exhibit to exhibit and playing at each interactive station. It is this very same curiosity which I hope to instill in my peers. Trust me, I know that learning about integrals, doing titrations, or reading "Moby Dick" isn't always going to...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Berkeley - Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- AP French Language and Culture
- SAT Subject Tests
- High School Biology
- +48 subjects

Alice: Portland ACT test prep instructor
...from elementary through college. I primarily tutor high school math and sciences but also have extensive experience in all forms of physics and higher mathematics including Calculus and Linear Algebra. Not only do I have experience as a tutor, I was also an instructional assistant in college and a camp counselor. I like to use real world examples to help students realize how math and science can be applied in everyday life.
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelor of Science, Theoretical and Mathematical Physics
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Pre-Calculus
- SAT Verbal
- Algebra
- +46 subjects

Cassandra: Portland ACT test prep instructor
...to college) in mostly math and science. As someone driven to become a professor, I love to teach and have a great passion for sharing my knowledge with others! I am most passionate about math and hard sciences, such as biology, chemistry, and physics and have most experience tutoring middle school, high school, and college students. My mission is to develop students' problem-solving skills so that they can get to the answers on their own...
Education & Certification
- Carnegie Mellon University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT Math
- SAT Writing and Language
- AP Biology
- +44 subjects