Achieve a top score with Award-Winning ACT English Prep
Achieve a top score with Award-Winning ACT English Prep
Everything you need to crush the ACT English. Live prep classes, practice tests, 1-on-1 expert tutoring, and AI-powered diagnostics to help you reach your target score.
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No obligation. Takes ~1 minute.
Instructors from
- YaleUniversity
- PrincetonUniversity
- StanfordUniversity
- CornellUniversity
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Award-Winning ACT English Prep Classes
Short-term classLiveBuilding Blocks of 7th Grade Reading & Writing
The school year moves quickly, with so many skills to cover and even more opportunities for learning gaps to emerge. But reading and writing are building block subjects: not only are advanced skills built atop fundamentals, but a student’s ability to read and write is essential for their success in other classes, too. It is therefore critical for students to address and fill reading learning gaps quickly and to continually strengthen these foundations for future learning. That’s why Building Blocks of 7th Grade Reading & Writing meets weekly to give learners the instruction and repetition they need to master building block skills permanently. Each week, an expert instructor will lead students through engaging demonstrations and exercises designed to fill in learning gaps and solidify understanding of the 7th grade literacy skills–such as distinguishing between connotations of similar words, determining and analyzing an author’s point of view, and writing argumentative essays–most essential for success the rest of the school year and beyond.
Short-term classLiveBuilding Blocks of 8th Grade Reading & Writing
The school year moves quickly, with so many skills to cover and even more opportunities for learning gaps to emerge. But reading and writing are building block subjects: not only are advanced skills built atop fundamentals, but a student’s ability to read and write is essential for their success in other classes, too. It is therefore critical for students to address and fill reading learning gaps quickly and to continually strengthen these foundations for future learning. That’s why Building Blocks of 8th Grade Reading & Writing meets weekly to give learners the instruction and repetition they need to master building block skills permanently. Each week, an expert instructor will lead students through engaging demonstrations and exercises designed to fill in learning gaps and solidify understanding of the 8th grade literacy skills–such as writing well-developed arguments and narratives, identifying and using rhetorical structures, and reading for theme and main idea–most essential for success the rest of the school year and beyond.
Short-term classLiveACT 4-Week Prep Class
The ACT 4-Week Prep Class is designed to prepare students to take the ACT by equipping them with skills and test-taking strategies to improve their score. The course will cover content and strategies for English, Math, Reading, Science, and the optional essay. Upon completion of the course, students should have an understanding of the ACT exam structure, general and section-specific test-taking strategies, and the ability to identify and handle difficult or tricky questions.
Short-term classLiveLearn to Love Public Speaking
Many people would list public speaking among their biggest fears, alongside sharks, snakes, and heights. But it doesn’t have to be that way! With practice and confidence, your student can learn to love public speaking. In weekly sessions, they’ll learn how to confidently prepare for and deliver speeches, and how to initiate and lead conversations. Each week will focus on a different technique or type of speech, led by an expert instructor who–by nature of the job–has learned to love public speaking.
Short-term classLiveBuilding Blocks of 1st Grade Reading
The school year moves quickly, with so many skills to cover and even more opportunities for learning gaps to emerge. But reading is a building block subject: fluency is necessary for comprehension, and comprehension is necessary for just about all other learning in a student’s life. It is therefore critical for students to address and fill reading learning gaps quickly and to continually strengthen these foundations for future learning. That’s why Building Blocks of 1st Grade Reading meets weekly to give learners the instruction and repetition they need to master building block skills permanently. Each week, an expert instructor will lead students through engaging demonstrations and exercises designed to fill in learning gaps and solidify understanding of the 1st grade reading skills–such as reading to determine how characters respond to events, compare and contrast versions of stories, use context clues to determine word meanings, and understand and comprehend text–most essential for success the rest of the school year and beyond.
Short-term classLiveCreative Writing Workshop
Few things have more power than the written word. In these weekly sessions, young authors will learn to harness that power in all its forms, from poetry to journalism, from memoirs to plays and songs, and much, much more. Each week, learners will examine a different element and use of creative writing and then put it into practice as they build their own writing portfolio.
Short-term classLiveBuilding Blocks of 3rd Grade Reading
The school year moves quickly, with so many skills to cover and even more opportunities for learning gaps to emerge. But reading is a building block subject: fluency is necessary for comprehension, and comprehension is necessary for just about all other learning in a student’s life. It is therefore critical for students to address and fill reading learning gaps quickly and to continually strengthen these foundations for future learning. That’s why Building Blocks of 3rd Grade Reading meets weekly to give learners the instruction and repetition they need to master building block skills permanently. Each week, an expert instructor will lead students through engaging demonstrations and exercises designed to fill in learning gaps and solidify understanding of the 3rd grade reading skills–such as determining and describing text structure, understanding word relationships and nuances in word meaning, and using context clues to deduce vocabulary meaning–most essential for success the rest of the school year and beyond.
One-time classLiveWriting Immersive Settings
Creating vivid and believable worlds is essential for captivating narratives, but how do you build environments that truly engage readers? Join author Carly Stevens to discover the techniques for crafting detailed and authentic settings in your writing. You’ll learn to incorporate sensory details, develop unique cultures and histories, and seamlessly integrate setting with plot and character. Through practical exercises and expert feedback, you’ll enhance your ability to transport readers into your stories. By the end of this class, you’ll have the skills to create rich, immersive environments that elevate your storytelling and captivate your audience.
Short-term classLiveBuilding Blocks of 2nd Grade Reading
The school year moves quickly, with so many skills to cover and even more opportunities for learning gaps to emerge. But reading is a building block subject: fluency is necessary for comprehension, and comprehension is necessary for just about all other learning in a student’s life. It is therefore critical for students to address and fill reading learning gaps quickly and to continually strengthen these foundations for future learning. That’s why Building Blocks of 2nd Grade Reading meets weekly to give learners the instruction and repetition they need to master building block skills permanently. Each week, an expert instructor will lead students through engaging demonstrations and exercises designed to fill in learning gaps and solidify understanding of the 2nd grade reading skills–such as reading to determine main idea, understanding non-literal vocabulary and using context and root words to determine meaning–most essential for success the rest of the school year and beyond.
Semester classLiveACT 8-Week Prep Class
Eight weeks. Four sections. One expert instructor. This comprehensive ACT prep course is built for students who are serious about maximizing their score and want a structured, proven path to get there. Each weekly session blends targeted test-taking strategy with the core content knowledge the ACT actually tests, so you're not just learning tricks, you're building real skills. Add in a full-length study schedule that keeps you accountable week over week, and you'll walk into test day feeling prepared, confident, and ready to perform at your best.
Short-term classLiveBuilding Blocks of 6th Grade Reading & Writing
The school year moves quickly, with so many skills to cover and even more opportunities for learning gaps to emerge. But reading and writing are building block subjects: not only are advanced skills built atop fundamentals, but a student’s ability to read and write is essential for their success in other classes, too. It is therefore critical for students to address and fill reading learning gaps quickly and to continually strengthen these foundations for future learning. That’s why Building Blocks of 6th Grade Reading & Writing meets weekly to give learners the instruction and repetition they need to master building block skills permanently. Each week, an expert instructor will lead students through engaging demonstrations and exercises designed to fill in learning gaps and solidify understanding of the 6th grade literacy skills–such as evaluating an author’s claims and evidence, interpreting figures of speech, and applying proper grammatical structures in writing–most essential for success the rest of the school year and beyond.
Short-term classLiveBuilding Blocks of 4th Grade Reading & Writing
The school year moves quickly, with so many skills to cover and even more opportunities for learning gaps to emerge. But reading and writing are building block subjects: not only are advanced skills built atop fundamentals, but a student’s ability to read and write is essential for their success in other classes, too. It is therefore critical for students to address and fill reading learning gaps quickly and to continually strengthen these foundations for future learning. That’s why Building Blocks of 4th Grade Reading & Writing meets weekly to give learners the instruction and repetition they need to master building block skills permanently. Each week, an expert instructor will lead students through engaging demonstrations and exercises designed to fill in learning gaps and solidify understanding of the 4th grade literacy skills–such as using context clues to get “unstuck” while reading, reading for the main idea of a text, and writing conclusions and clear event sequences–most essential for success the rest of the school year and beyond.
Top-Rated ACT English Prep Instructors
Ilesh earned a perfect 36 on the ACT while studying Industrial Engineering at Georgia Tech — a discipline built on finding the most efficient path through a complex system, which is exactly how he app...
Education & Certificates
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering
ACT Scores
John's background in English and drama — capped by a 36 ACT composite — gave him an unusually precise understanding of how language functions at the sentence level, which is exactly the skill ACT Engl...
Education & Certificates
University of St Thomas
Bachelor of Fine Arts, English/Drama
American Academy of Dramatic Arts
Associates, Acting
ACT Scores
Chemical engineering at Washington and Lee trained Alex to break complex systems into repeatable rules — and ACT English is exactly that: a finite set of grammar and rhetorical decisions the test recy...
Education & Certificates
Washington and Lee University
Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering
ACT Scores
I am currently a resident physician at Northwestern Hospital.
Education & Certificates
Thomas Jefferson University
PHD, PhD: Molecular Pharmacology and Structural Biology; MD: Medicine. Currently a Resident in Radiation Oncology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. C
Swarthmore College
Bachelors, Biology, Psychology
ACT Scores
Northwestern's MD/MBA program demands the kind of writing precision that ACT English tests directly — Anna reads every sentence for function, not feel, and that's the diagnostic lens she brings to pre...
Education & Certificates
Northwestern University
Bachelor in Arts, Anthropology
Northwestern University
Graduated (Honors Program in Medical Education)
ACT Scores
Medical training at Baylor College of Medicine sharpened Sugi's ability to read dense, complex text and extract precise meaning under pressure — exactly the cognitive skill ACT English's rhetorical sk...
Education & Certificates
Rice University
Bachelor's degree in Cognitive Science and Biochemistry & Cell Biology
Baylor College of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine, Ophthalmic Technology
ACT Scores
Elliot's PhD in neuroscience at Vanderbilt trained him to analyze how cognitive systems process language — and that framework maps directly onto what ACT English actually tests: not whether a sentence...
Education & Certificates
Hampshire College
Bachelor in Arts, Cognitive Science
Vanderbilt University
Doctor of Philosophy, Neuroscience
ACT Scores
I am a Neuroscience and Behavior major at Columbia University. Although my major is centered in the STEM field, I am also passionate about human rights work, global engagement, and local outreach. Whi...
Education & Certificates
Columbia University in the City of New York
Bachelor in Arts, Neuroscience
ACT Scores
Chemical engineering at Michigan trains students to solve problems by breaking them into discrete, manageable systems — and Edward applies that same structured thinking to ACT English prep, where 75 q...
Education & Certificates
University
Bachelor's
ACT Scores
I am available to tutor a range of middle school and high school subjects, but I am most excited about tutoring test prep. I remember how stressful preparing for college can be and I am eager to do my...
Education & Certificates
University of Michigan
Bachelor in Business Administration, Business
ACT Scores
Frequently Asked Questions
The most challenging areas tend to be punctuation rules (especially comma usage and semicolons), rhetorical skills questions that require understanding author intent and organization, and identifying sentence fragments versus run-ons under time pressure. Many students also struggle with verb tense consistency and pronoun agreement because these errors can be subtle. A tutor can help you recognize patterns in your mistakes and develop quick mental checks to catch these errors during the test.
The ACT English section gives you 45 minutes for 75 questions, which means you need to average about 36 seconds per question. Many students waste time by reading every word carefully; instead, focus on the underlined portions and immediately identify what's being tested (grammar, punctuation, or rhetoric). Practicing with timed passages helps you develop a rhythm and recognize question types instantly. A tutor can teach you which questions to tackle first and when to make educated guesses to stay on pace.
The ACT heavily tests comma usage, subject-verb agreement, pronoun-antecedent agreement, verb tense consistency, and sentence fragments. You'll also see questions on modifiers (misplaced or dangling), parallel structure, and apostrophe usage. Rather than memorizing every grammar rule, focus on understanding the core principles—like how commas separate independent clauses or how verbs must match their subjects. A tutor can prioritize these high-frequency rules and show you how to spot them quickly in context.
Rhetorical skills questions ask you to evaluate how effectively an author uses language, organizes ideas, or supports an argument—not just identify grammar errors. These include questions about word choice, sentence placement, paragraph organization, and adding/deleting sentences. They're harder because they require reading comprehension and critical thinking, not just rule-checking. Tutors help you develop a strategic approach: read for the author's purpose and tone, then evaluate whether each answer choice strengthens or weakens that purpose.
Rather than taking full practice tests repeatedly, focus on timed drills with individual passages (5-8 questions each) to build speed and accuracy without fatigue. After completing a passage, review every single question—not just the ones you missed—to understand why correct answers work and why distractors are tempting. Track which question types (grammar, punctuation, rhetoric) and topics (commas, verb tense, etc.) trip you up most. A tutor can help you analyze these patterns and create a targeted study plan that focuses on your weakest areas.
Score improvement depends on your starting point and effort level. Students who are consistently missing 15-20 questions often see 3-5 point improvements within 4-6 weeks by mastering high-frequency grammar rules and developing faster pacing strategies. Students scoring lower may see larger gains by building foundational grammar skills. Those already scoring 32+ often need deeper work on rhetorical skills and test-taking strategy. A tutor can assess your specific weaknesses and give you a realistic timeline based on your goals and availability.
Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about grammar rules or feeling rushed through passages. Tutoring builds confidence by helping you recognize question patterns, master the most-tested rules, and develop a reliable strategy you can trust under pressure. When you know exactly what to look for and have a consistent approach to each question type, the section feels less overwhelming. Tutors also help you practice timing strategies in low-pressure settings, so the actual test feels familiar rather than threatening.
Look for tutors who understand both the grammar content and the test's unique format—someone who can explain why an answer is correct and why the ACT is testing that concept. They should be able to diagnose your specific weak areas (Do you struggle with commas? Rhetorical skills? Pacing?) rather than teaching generic grammar. Experience with timed practice and test-taking strategy is crucial. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in ACT English and can tailor their approach to your learning style and goals.
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