Where to Best Prepare for the ACT Test
As high school students start to think about applying to and attending college, one of the first things they will consider is standardized tests: which one to take, when to take it, and most importantly how to prepare. The ACT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities as part of their admissions decision. It is a multiple-choice test with four sections plus an optional essay. The ACT, which has been around since 1959, is administered by a nonprofit organization of the same name.
The test, designed for students in the 10th, 11th and 12 grades, is comprised of four sections: English, mathematics, science and reading. Each section is worth up to 36 points, and a student’s composite score is an average of these four scores—making 36 the highest possible score. There is also an optional essay that is scored separately. (Although the essay is optional, it is highly recommended that students complete it. It will strengthen their college applications, plus many colleges/universities require it.) The total test time for the four sections is 2 hours 55 minutes with a total of 215 questions—less than one minute per question, making time management a critical component of success. An additional 40 minutes is allotted for the essay.
Students are often anxious and overwhelmed by the prospect of taking the ACT, knowing how important the score is in helping them gain admission to their desired university. Furthermore, preparing for this exam is very different than preparing for a subject in school. There are a number of resources available to students to help them get ready for the ACT, including test preparation books, online resources, group classes and individual tutoring.
Students who are extremely independent, disciplined and confident in their preparation abilities, can purchase an ACT prep book and prepare for the test on their own. This is an economical solution and also gives the student flexibility to work at his or her convenience. Similarly, online learning materials or online programs and group classes are other options for preparing for these tests. But do these methods really give your student the greatest advantage in excelling on the ACT?
Why Private Tutoring at an Academic Tutoring Center Works
Private Tutors
Hiring a private tutor is probably the most effective method of ACT test prep to ensure that students achieve their highest possible score. Highly trained ACT tutors are able to work with students individually, assessing their learning styles and focusing on strengthening areas where the student struggles. The tutors will teach proven strategies for test success, keep students on track in terms of having adequate time to prepare for all four sections of the test plus the essay, assess students’ learning styles and instruct accordingly, and monitor the student’s progress through practice questions and full length practice tests.
Best of Both Worlds
For busy students, being able to work with a private tutor offers the best of both worlds: Like doing self test prep with a book or online program, there is flexibility in terms of when sessions are scheduled, as opposed to an ACT course in which classes are only offered at specific times. Additionally, with a private tutor, students will also receive more individualized attention and assistance. Highly qualified tutors are able to work at their students’ pace and learning style to give them the tools necessary to be successful. Tutors will also develop strong relationships with your students, helping to boost their self esteem so that when they walk into that testing room, they are confident in their ability to be successful.
Does Tutoring at Home Work?
Families may believe that having an ACT tutor come to the home is convenient and easy. But when you’re investing in a private tutor, the environment where the tutoring takes place matters almost as much as the quality of the tutor. There can be all sorts of distractions at home: siblings, electronics, snacks, noise, pets… the list is endless. While students attempt to drown all that out, the fact is that the potential for interruption never ceases.
Tutoring at an Academic Tutoring Center
At an academic tutoring center, such as Synergy Academics in West Hills, CA, students are able to work with their ACT tutors at private desks with partitions to keep them separate from other students. There are far fewer distractions than at one’s home. Resources are available onsite such as reference books, computers, practice tests and more. Furthermore, the environment at a tutoring center is conducive to studying and learning. The staff is very positive and supportive. Everyone there is striving for academic excellence and there isn’t the pull or temptation to put aside studying or test prep to go do something else.
Synergy Academics in West Hills, CA offers comprehensive one-on-one ACT tutoring test prep. Our office matches students with our highly professional ACT test prep tutors for a series of sessions to ensure the students are fully prepared by test day to achieve the highest score possible. Tutors will not only teach strategies and go over hundreds of practice questions, but will monitor the students taking fully timed practice tests and making sure that their scores are steadily improving. Students come to Synergy’s state-of-the-art tutoring facilities, where they are able to work at private desks with their tutors as well as take advantage of all the resources available to them. Not only are students better prepared for the ACT after working with a Synergy ACT prep tutor, but they are also more confident in their abilities which translates into higher scores and overall success. Call us today if you would like more information or to sign up with one of our tutors, (818) 888-8665.
