ACT Tutoring
The ACT, which is similar to the SAT I, is used for entrance into US Universities. We are very experienced at tutoring the ACT and the SAT and at helping students apply to US Universities.
ACT Tutoring
The ACT, which is similar to the SAT I, is used for entrance into US Universities. We are very experienced at tutoring the ACT and the SAT and at helping students apply to US Universities.
ACT
What is the ACT?
When applying to University in America, some students prefer to sit the ACT. The ACT is similar to the SAT I but has four sections: Critical Reading, English, Mathematics, and Science. There is an erroneous perception that the SAT I is 'more valid' than the ACT, as both are widely used and accepted. In fact, in 2011, the ACT surpassed the SAT for the first time in total number of test takers. Read about the ACT test format and question types below, or see our dedicated webpage on frequently asked questions comparing the SAT I vs the ACT.
Our Experience & Approach
There is considerably less practice material for the ACT than the SAT. Therefore, our tutors have developed ways to teach this exam with additional practice material. Our Head Tutor, Katherine Wiles, is experienced with helping parents to choose between the ACT and SAT and, along with your dedicated tutor, will advise on specialists for specific sections as needed.
ACT Test Format & Question Types
The ACT assesses the skills that are taught in all schools: reading, writing, mathematics, and science. It is scored out of 36 with the final or composite score determined by the average across the four sections. The English, Mathematics, and Reading sections also have subscores out of 18. The writing score does not affect the composite score.
EnglishThe first section is the 45-minute 75-question English test that covers usage, mechanics, and rhetorical skills. There are five full passages with various sections underlined and questions on the other side of the page.
MathematicsThe second section is the 60-minute 60-question mathematics test that examines pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, and elementary trigonometry. Calculators are permitted but with stricter requirements than the SAT. Computer algebra systems (TI-89s for example) are not allowed, but the standard graphing calculators TI-83 and TI-84 are permissible.
ReadingThe reading section is a 35-minute 40-question test with four 10-question passages. These passages are usually in each of the following four categories: prose fiction, social science, humanities, and natural science. Many international students find the prose fiction passage in particular the most challenging. The only true preparation for this section is to read more!
ScienceThe science section is a 35-minute 40-question test that contains six passages each followed by approximately 6 questions. There is usually only one conflicting viewpoints passage with the others some combination of data representation and research summary. The science section can be challenging to complete on time and so requires extensive preparation.
WritingThe writing (optional) is now 40 minutes long having recently increased from 30 minutes. Essays are given in response to a broad prompt which usually encompasses a social issue. The essay is assigned a score from 1 to 6 by two readers producing a final subscore ranging from 2 to 12.
Selected ACT Testimonials
Please see below some example ACT Testimonials that we have received. If you would like to hear more, you may be interested to read about our tutor guarantee or to read about Wentworth Tutors' philosophy and approach in a letter to parents from Dr Katherine Wiles, our Founder. Alternatively, some more ACT Testimonials can be found on our dedicated testimonials page, where you can filter by subject.
Selected Profiles of our ACT Tutors
Please see below some example profiles of the ACT Tutors that we represent. If you would like to hear more, you may be interested to read about our tutor selection criteria or to read about Wentworth Tutors' philosophy and approach in a letter to parents from Dr Katherine Wiles, our Founder. Alternatively, some more profiles of our ACT Tutors can be found on our dedicated tutors page, where you can filter by subject.