BYU is more selective and typically looks for ACT scores of 28-32, with most admitted students in the 29-31 range. A score of 30+ significantly strengthens your application. Since BYU receives many applications from high-performing students, a competitive score here puts you in the top 10% nationally.

The ACT Science section tests your ability to interpret data, graphs, and scientific reasoning—not memorized science facts. You'll analyze 6-7 passages with charts, tables, and experiments in just 35 minutes, which makes pacing the biggest challenge. Many students find this section unique and difficult because it requires quick pattern recognition and logical thinking rather than biology or chemistry knowledge.

Both tests are equally accepted by colleges nationwide, but the ACT has historically been more popular in Utah and the Mountain West region. Many Utah students find the ACT's straightforward format and faster pacing suit their strengths, though some prefer the SAT's longer reading passages and different math approach. The best choice depends on your individual strengths—some students score significantly higher on one test than the other.

Most students benefit from 3-4 months of consistent ACT prep, with 8-10 hours per week of focused study. If you're aiming for a significant score improvement (5+ points), you may want to start earlier. Juniors in Ogden typically begin prep in spring or fall of senior year, giving them time to take the test multiple times if needed before college applications are due.

Most students improve 2-5 points with focused prep, and students working with personalized tutoring often see improvements on the higher end of that range. Larger improvements (6+ points) are possible if you identify specific weak sections—for example, many students dramatically improve their Science section score once they understand it's about data interpretation, not content knowledge. Your starting score and the amount of time you invest make a significant difference in your potential improvement.

The ACT is faster-paced than the SAT, so strategic time management is critical. For Math (60 minutes for 60 questions), aim to spend about 1 minute per question; for Reading (35 minutes for 40 questions), skim passages first then answer questions. The Science section (35 minutes for 40 questions) requires quick data analysis—focus on understanding the question type before diving into the passage. Practicing with timed sections helps you develop the right pace for each section.

Most colleges no longer require the ACT Writing section, and many don't even look at it. Unless a specific program you're targeting requires it, skip the Writing section to save 40 minutes and focus on maximizing your composite score. Check your target colleges' websites to confirm their Writing requirements before test day.