Test Prep - ACT Preparation - College Entrance Exams | Sylvan Learning

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Sylvan has the answers to your ACT® questions.

Save $100 now on Sylvan's SAT or ACT prep courses.

Sylvan's college test preparation experts are available to answer your questions and concerns about the ACT. If you have a question that's not answered here, or you would like to learn more about the strategies and techniques that can improve your teenager's ACT score, contact us today!

What is the ACT?
What is a good score on the ACT?
What score do I need to get into my first college choice?
What is the difference between the SAT and ACT?
Should I take the SAT or ACT?
When is the best time to take the ACT?
When is the best time to prepare for the ACT?
Is the ACT easier on some dates?
How many times can/should I take the ACT?
How many times is the ACT offered each year?
How do I sign up for extended time on the ACT?
How do I register for the ACT?
When will I get my scores?
Do I get a copy of my test with my scores?

What is the ACT®?

The ACT is a national college admission examination that consists of subject area tests in English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and an optional essay. The ACT is an alternative to the SAT, and results accepted by all U.S. colleges and universities. Actual testing time is 2 hours and 55 minutes.

What is a good score on the ACT?

There is no such thing as a good score or a bad score on the ACT. Every score needs to be judged versus how it compares to your GPA and to the median scores of students accepted by the colleges that you want to attend.

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What score do I need to get into my first college choice?

To get an idea of how your score stacks up, take a look at the median scores of some popular colleges and universities. Remember, these aren't cut-offs or guarantees. If your score is higher than a school's median, it doesn't guarantee you will get in. Likewise, if your score is lower than a school's median, it doesn't mean you won't be accepted.

What is the difference between the SAT and ACT®?

The ACT tests a broader range of material than the SAT Reasoning Test (in some ways it is similar to the SAT Subject Tests) and some students perform better on it than they do on the SAT. Almost all colleges will accept either SAT or ACT scores (although some states prefer one over the other), so taking the ACT in addition to the SAT can give you another shot at improving your odds. If you do poorly on the ACT you can simply choose not to report your score. (Make sure that you don't sign up to send your score to any college automatically).

Should I take the SAT or the ACT®?

Colleges and universities will accept scores from either the SAT or ACT, so you'll need to determine which test will result in the best score for you. Contact your local Sylvan to schedule a free practice test. After the practice test, we'll review your results and help you determine the right test for you.

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When is the best time to take the ACT®?

Generally, students will first take the ACT in the spring of junior year, and then take it again in the fall of senior year.

When is the best time to prepare for the ACT?

This depends on where you are in your high school career, whether you will need to take any SAT Subject Tests, and your own personal test preparation schedule. The following are the three most popular times for students to prepare:

1. Summer before junior year: There are many advantages to preparing at this point if you have completed the necessary coursework to attempt the ACT® early. First, you will have the benefit of specialized preparation for each ACT that you take. In addition, many students who start early will build on their testing knowledge and increase their comfort with the test as they progress. Also, for some students, the most important reason for preparing before junior year is simply to use some of the free time over the summer. But remember, this option is not best for everyone. Fall tests are generally taken by seniors.
2. Leading up to spring of junior year: This is when most students will take the ACT for the first time. The April test is the most popular test of the year. The June is the third most popular. Spring of junior year is when many students are academically prepared and still have the opportunity to retake the test in the coming fall.
3. Summer before senior year: Although college application deadlines are right around the corner, preparing for the ACT in the fall of the senior year is very popular. The October test is the second most popular test of the year. Some states provide an additional opportunity to take the test in September, which is just as viable a test as October depending on your schedule. Refer to the Registering for the ACT Assessment booklet, or go online to act.org for the most up-to-date information on test dates in your state.

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Is the ACT® easier on certain test dates?

No, this is a myth. Tests on all dates are of the same level of difficulty; there is no reason to take these tests on one date over another in the hopes that one will be easier. Your only consideration should be taking all necessary tests at the times that allow you to do your best - test preparation or no test preparation.

How many times can I take the ACT®?

Many students and parents are under the impression that repeating the ACT is not a good idea. They often feel that multiple scores will "look bad" or that good scores will merely be averaged with weaker scores. Both points are incorrect. First of all, you have the ability to submit your highest scores. If you have taken the ACT multiple times, ACT will only send colleges the score from the date you specify.

In addition, virtually all colleges use students' highest scores in evaluating their applications. They choose the highest scores in one of two ways. Some schools combine the highest English, Math, Reading or Science scores from one test date with the highest English, Math, Reading or Science scores from another test date. If that's the case, then you can send multiple test results (if you have taken the ACT multiple times) to that school. Other schools take the highest composite score from a single test date. Ask your college counselor or call a college directly to find out the school's policy. In no case, however, is repeating the test detrimental. Most students now take the ACT two or three times, which is adequate for a well-prepared test-taker.

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How many times is the ACT® offered each year?

The ACT is offered nationally five times a year in February, April, June, October and December. The February test date is not offered in the state of New York. There is an additional date offered in September in the following states: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas and Washington.

How do I sign up for extended time on the ACT®?

If you have a documented physical or learning disability and normally receive extra time on your tests in school, then you are eligible to get extra time on the ACT as well. If you have a physical or learning disability and feel that you need extra time on the ACT, but you do NOT normally receive extra time in school, then you must request an exception. In either case, there are a number of steps that you and/or your parents must take, so it is a good idea to get started early by finding out who your school's Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities is and consulting with him.

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How do I register for the ACT®?

You can register online at act.org or complete the registration application by mail. Your school guidance or college counseling department should have current copies of the Registering for the ACT Assessment booklet. The booklet has detailed information on registration fees and procedures as well as the current testing dates and deadlines. If you have taken the ACT before, then you can re-register by phone at 1-800-525-6926.

When will I get my scores?

Scores are mailed four to seven weeks after the test is taken. The ACT provides services for a fee to help rush the scores, but cannot do anything in fewer than three weeks. For rush reporting, call (319)-337-1313.

Do I get a copy of my test with my scores?

Only if you request and pay for it, and you can get it only for the December, April and June test dates. If you sign up for any of these test dates, Sylvan's college test preparation experts recommend getting a copy of your test. You'll receive a copy of your exam about eight to 12 weeks after your test date, and it can be useful in helping you assess what you did right and wrong. For any other test date, there is no way to obtain a copy of your exam. Check the Registering for the ACT Assessment booklet or act.org for any changes to this schedule.

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