How ACT test prep courses are done varies from course to course and student to student. However, there are a few consistent.
ACT test prep courses are often additional courses students can sign up for and take outside of school. Occasionally, high schools offer these courses as electives or as a part of the required curriculum for Junior or Senior students.
There are a variety of ways to take an ACT class. In-person and online courses are the most common types, but hybrid options combine some or all of these features. In-person training helps you develop test-taking habits, while self-study is more about consistent practice, but it doesn’t usually improve strategies.
Once you’ve chosen a course format, consider what makes a good prep course and what you’re hoping to get out of the course.
What to Look for in an ACT Prep Course
Small-Group Classes
One great way to learn is with other students taking the test for the first time along with you. While you shouldn’t expect a course to be a support group for your fears or nervousness, it can be reassuring to have shared experiences with other students who are unsure of the test.
Keep in mind that group courses may not be for everyone. Some students feel more comfortable when not in front of their peers. If this is the case, an online course or one-on-one tutoring may be a better option.
Content-Specific Sections
Not only does each ACT subject cover different material, but many require different test-taking tactics. For instance, a good strategy on one section could hurt your score on another portion of the exam. This is why it’s important to find an instructor who is knowledgeable about how the test works and the best ways to study for different subjects.
Useful Resources
An ACT course should not stop after you leave class. Instead, courses should offer homework, prep books, review videos, and more to help the student continue progressing.
A Focus on Real Test Conditions
Whether it’s teaching time management techniques, offering practice exams, or implementing timed drills during class, a good course will give students an opportunity to engage with actual test conditions. This preparation can help students feel more calm and confident on test day.
What to Expect from ACT Prep Courses
Many parents and students understand that ACT and SAT prep is important, and prep courses are a great way to do just that. However, to get the most out of the course, students should determine what they hope to gain. Establishing these goals and sharing them with the course instructor will help students maximize their time.
Better Understand a Specific Subject
ACT prep courses focus on boosting the test areas that students struggle with most. Classes can help you pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses so you know where to put more effort. They also provide both physical and virtual study materials, which is helpful because not all textbooks cover what’s important for the ACT.
Improve ACT Scores
ACT courses should improve your test scores by teaching you about different question types that appear on the exam, identifying them, and then showing you strategies that work for each subject. The best courses are personalized according to what areas of the exam the student struggles with most, so they prioritize what each student needs the most work on.
Learn Special Strategies and Techniques
ACT exam classes teach valuable test-taking techniques that will help you succeed on the ACT and in future standardized tests. Using test-taking techniques that work for you will reduce the pressure of trying to figure out the right answer.
Some questions are testing specific knowledge, while others might be testing how well students can apply what they know to new problems. By anticipating which type of question a particular section will ask, students are better prepared when it comes time to answer.
Students shouldn’t feel the need to limit themselves to just one goal. No matter how many goals they have, setting goals helps remind students about what they’re aiming for. This will keep the student motivated and allow them to better advocate for themselves in the classroom, in college, and in their future work life.
ACT Prep Courses with The Learning Team
The Learning Team has several course options for students preparing for the ACT. We provide ACT prep workshops, practice tests, and one-on-one tutoring options for all ACT test-takers.
The Learning Team dedicates itself to helping students achieve their goals and get accepted to their dream college or university. We work closely with students and parents to determine which test prep options are best for them.
In this process, our test prep experts adapt their curriculum to best accommodate the student’s needs. Our academic coaches equip students with specific test knowledge, problem-solving skills, and techniques to master specific question types and answer patterns.
Another way we center our services on our students’ success is by scheduling our ACT Workshops according to the official test dates. This gives students a chance for a thorough review in the weeks leading up to the test. It allows students time to ask last-minute questions, ease their nerves, and clarify strategies for success.
If you’re seeking an ACT prep opportunity to help your student achieve their best possible score, The Learning Team can help!
