Making sure your child is prepared for the SAT and ACT is on a lot of parents’ minds. Setting your college-bound student up for success is an opportunity most parents want for their children.
Googling, “Best SAT and ACT Prep Courses” and purchasing teaching resources like study guides can help. But you should consider investing in a private tutor to put your student on the right track.
Studies show that high school juniors who have taken an ACT practice test:
Without a Tutor:
- Scores range from 16 to 28
- 900 to 1350 for the SAT
With a Tutor for 12 to 16 Hours:
- Scores improved 3 to 5 points on the ACT
- +100 to 140 higher scores in the SAT
ACT and SAT Prep Experts are available to help students improve their learning styles and ultimately their test scores.
What’s the Difference Between SAT and ACT
The main differences between the SAT and ACT are:
SAT |
ACT |
|
| Reason | Some colleges use SAT scores for admissions & merit-based scholarships | Some colleges use ACT scores for admissions & merit-based scholarships |
| Test Structure |
Reading Writing Math |
Reading English Math Science/Reasoning Essay (optional) |
| Length | 3 hours |
2h 55min (no essay) 3h 40min (w/ essay) |
| Reading | 5 passages | 4 passages |
| Science | N/A | 1 section testing critical thinking skills, not particularly science |
| Math |
Arithmetic Algebra 1 & 2 Geometry, Trig, Data Analysis |
Arithmetic Algebra 1 & 2 Geometry, Trig, & Statistics |
| Equipment Policy | Can’t use a calculator on some sections | You can use a calculator on all math problems |
| Essays | N/A | Optional essay that evaluates and analyzes complex questions |
| Score | 400 to 1600 | 1 to 36 |
The ACT consists of 4 major sections as well: English, Reading, Math (Calculator), and Science. A perfect score on the ACT is 36 and the best score on each section is 36. The four scores earned in each section will be averaged together to give you one final score.
SAT and ACT Preparation
Students should begin preparing for the SAT or ACT as soon as the summer after their sophomore year of high school.
Junior year is when official SAT and ACT exams begin. Students can then apply to colleges during the summer before their senior year.
Booking a practice exam 3 to 6 months away from the real test is recommended.
Once they’ve determined a practice test day, they should set a target for their score.
It’s helpful for your student to find the average testing scores of the colleges they wish to apply to.
They’ll find these scores under the “College Admissions” tab on any given universities website.
Benefits of Getting a Tutor for SAT and ACT
SAT and ACT test prep courses with a private tutor offer your student these benefits:
1. Personalized Learning Experience
A private tutor customizes their services to the student’s needs, not the other way around.
Students receive a personalized lesson plan and learning experience based on what they already know. Then they find areas of improvement and can focus on learning more about those subjects.
2. Academic Performance Improvement
The SAT and ACT topics that your student will be tested on are relevant to their regular, class curriculum.
Tutoring services help students understand the subjects they’re struggling with to ultimately improve their overall academic performance in school.
3. Encourages Questions
Private tutoring allows the student to have the tutor’s full attention where questions are always encouraged. Students are more likely to ask questions during tutoring sessions because they feel more comfortable in a smaller group.
Students may also feel less pressured to give correct answers, which allows the tutor to address their misconceptions more effectively.
4. SAT and Act Review Boosts Confidence
Investing in an SAT and ACT prep tutor can boost your student’s confidence even after finishing school.
If your student is getting the grades they are striving for, it boosts their confidence and motivates them.
5. Helpful Study Skills & Habits
Prepping for the SAT and ACT with a tutor instills helpful study habits in your student.
Questions commonly asked by parents are:
- Is hiring a SAT/ACT Tutor worth the money?
- What does a private tutor do for my child?
Conclusion
The best SAT and ACT prep starts early, giving your student enough time to enhance their studies without feeling pressured.
Various subjects are on both the SAT and ACT, and it doesn’t matter which section your student needs help with.
From reading, critical thinking, writing, math, and/or science, an experienced private tutor can improve your student’s skills. All the while, helping them get admitted to the university of their dreams, and ultimately add to their future success.
To read more tips on how to help your kids with their academic endeavors, check out our post on 5 Things To Consider Before You Hire A Private Tutor For Your Child and the Benefits of a Tutor for SAT and ACT Preparation.
Our super author here at Famous Parenting and an absolute wealth of knowledge. She has studied many topics including creative writing, psychology and journalism but her real passion lies in raising her 3 children. Between working from home, homeschooling her youngest 2 children and navigating the world of teenagers she is a guru for parents.
