The ACT Science section tests data interpretation and scientific reasoning—not actual science knowledge. You'll spend 35 minutes analyzing graphs, tables, and experimental setups from unfamiliar topics. The tight pacing (about 52 seconds per question) combined with dense information makes this section uniquely difficult for many students, even those strong in science classes.

Both tests are equally accepted by colleges, but the ACT remains slightly more popular in Utah. The ACT's emphasis on speed and its coverage of trigonometry aligns well with how many Utah high schools teach math. However, some students perform better on the SAT depending on their pacing strengths and math background—it's worth taking a diagnostic to see which test plays to your strengths.

Most students benefit from 2-3 months of consistent ACT prep, with 8-10 hours per week of focused study. If you're aiming for a significant score improvement (10+ points), plan for 3-4 months. Starting in the spring of junior year gives you time to take the test multiple times and still have scores ready for senior year college applications.

With personalized 1-on-1 instruction targeting your weak sections, most students improve 3-5 points on their composite score. Larger improvements (6-10+ points) are possible if you start with a lower baseline score or focus intensively on one or two sections like Science or Math. Improvement depends on your starting score, consistency with practice, and how specifically tutoring addresses your gaps.

The ACT moves faster than the SAT—you have roughly 1 minute per question. Practice timed sections repeatedly to build automaticity, especially in Math (60 minutes for 60 questions) and Science (35 minutes for 40 questions). Many students benefit from learning strategic skipping: answer what you know quickly, skip harder questions, and return if time allows. Tutors can help you identify which question types to prioritize based on your strengths.

Most colleges no longer require the ACT Writing section, so it's optional. Check your target schools' requirements—BYU and University of Utah don't require it. Skip it unless a specific school you're applying to requires it, as it adds 40 minutes to your test day and most admissions offices don't weight it heavily in decisions.

With Utah's strong education system and Provo's well-funded school districts, many local students score above the national average of 21. However, competition for selective schools like BYU is intense—students aiming for top schools typically need 28+. Knowing where you stand compared to peers and your target school's average helps you set realistic improvement goals.