Most Louisiana state universities aim for composite scores in the 20-24 range for general admission, though this varies by program. Southern University typically looks for scores around 18-22, while more selective programs may prefer 24+. Since Louisiana has 25 school districts with varying college-going rates, it's worth checking specific university websites for your target school's middle 50% range to set a realistic goal.

The ACT Science section (35 minutes, 40 questions) doesn't require deep science knowledge—it's really about interpreting data, graphs, and experimental results quickly. You'll see passages on biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science, but success depends on reading comprehension and logical reasoning skills more than memorized facts. This section trips up many students because the pace is fast and the format is unfamiliar compared to traditional science classes.

Most students benefit from 3-4 months of consistent ACT prep, starting in sophomore or junior year. If you're aiming for a 28+ (top 10%), plan for 40-60 hours of focused study. For students targeting 32+ (highly selective schools), 80-100+ hours over 4-5 months is more realistic. The key is starting early enough to take practice tests, identify weak areas, and build test-taking stamina before test day.

With personalized 1-on-1 instruction, most students improve 2-4 composite points over 2-3 months of consistent work. Students who start with lower scores (18-22) often see larger gains, while those already scoring 28+ typically improve 1-2 points as they refine strategy and eliminate careless errors. The biggest improvements come from targeted work on your weakest section—many students see dramatic gains on Science or Reading once they learn the specific strategies that section requires.

ACT pacing is tighter than the SAT, so strategy matters. On English (45 min, 75 questions), you have about 35 seconds per question—read quickly and trust your instincts. Math (60 min, 60 questions) requires knowing when to skip hard problems and come back. Reading and Science (35 min each, 40 questions) demand skimming skills; many students benefit from reading the questions first, then the passage. A tutor can help you find your optimal pace for each section based on your strengths.

Most colleges don't require the ACT Writing section anymore, so it's optional. Check your target schools' requirements before deciding—LSU and most Louisiana universities accept the composite score without Writing. If you're applying to highly selective schools or specific programs that request it, the Writing section takes an additional 40 minutes. For most Baton Rouge students aiming at in-state schools, skipping Writing lets you focus energy on the four main sections.

Both tests are equally accepted by colleges nationwide, including LSU and other Louisiana universities. The ACT tends to suit students who prefer straightforward questions and faster pacing, while the SAT works better for those who like more time per question. Many Baton Rouge students take a practice test of each to see which format feels more natural. Some students even take both tests to submit their stronger score, since colleges accept either one.