ACT Test Prep

One-On-One ACT Test Preparation

One-To-One ACT Test Preparation allows for a personalized, data-driven process to cater to the student's strengths and weaknesses.

Group ACT Test Preparation

Group ACT preparation offer two formats to best meet the student's need, both provide comprehensive coverage of test content, mocks tests, and homework.

Individual One-on-One ACT Test Preparation

Our tutoring process is personalized and data-driven. We begin with a free consultation and a diagnostic ACT test to understand the student's current level and set realistic goals. Each student is then matched with an excellent tutor, handpicked to best serve the needs of that student.

Whether you need an intensive week-long preparation or a longer-term study plan, our experienced tutors use a proven methodology to help you understand the structure, content, and strategies required to perform well on the ACT test.

Group Classes for ACT Test Preparation

We offer two formats for our group classes. The first is an intensive one-week prep class, which takes place the week leading up to the ACT. The second is a longer-term class that meets once a week for 8-10 weeks. Both structures offer comprehensive coverage of test content, mock tests, and homework assignments to ensure students are thoroughly prepared.

ACT Group Class Schedule

January 10, 20247-8pm	Free Info Session -- Standardized Tests & the Digital SAT: What You Need to Know NPHS Media Center Are you behind on standardized testing? Are standardized tests really optional? Join Pollak Tutors for an informational session that will answer these and every other question you might have about standardized testing.	Sign Up
January 16th, 20247-9 pm	ACT: How to Beat the ACT Science Section NPHS Media Center NPHS PTSA Give Back Event - 20% goes back to PTSA	Sign Up
February 13th, 20247-9 pm	April ACT 8 Week Group Session New Providence Office 8-week ACT Prep Group Sessions leading up to the 4/13 ACT. Classes will run every Tuesday (2/13-4/9) from 7-9 pm.	Sign Up

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Frequently Asked Questions about ACT Test

How is the ACT scored?

Each section of the ACT is scored from 1-36. From those scores, a student receives a composite score, which is the average of the scores in the English, Math, Reading, and Science tests. If the average ends in .50 or .75, the composite score is rounded up. For example, consider a student with the following scores:

English:29
Math:29
Reading:30
Science:30
Average:29.5
Composite:30
(29.5 Rounded Up)

What does it mean to “superscore” ACT scores?

Many colleges and universities “superscore” the SAT or ACT. For the ACT, a student’s superscore is the highest score in English, Math, Reading, and Science from any date the student took the exam. For example, suppose a student scored had the following test scores on the ACT:

April Test:

English:20
Math:20
Reading:30
Science:30
Composite:25

June Test:

English:30
Math:30
Reading:20
Science:20
Composite:25

Superscore:

English: (June)30
Math: (June)30
Reading: (April)30
Science: (April)30
Composite:30

As you can see, taking the test more than once can have a significant impact on your total score. With the ACT example above, the student never scored above a 25 on an individual test but with superscoring wound up with a composite score of 30.

Each college has its own individual policy regarding superscoring. Be sure to check with the admissions office to find out whether superscoring is possible.

Is there a guessing penalty on the ACT?

Students taking the SAT used to be penalized -.25 points for a wrong answer. That has never been the case with the ACT and the SAT disbanded the practice with its redesign in 2016. Answer every question when taking the test. There is no penalty for guessing.

Do colleges accept both the SAT and ACT?

Yes. Every college accepts both tests. Students should take whichever test suits them best.

Do I need to take the ACT Writing (Essay)?

Probably not. The only schools that require the writing section are the following:

United States Military Academy (West Point)
Martin Luther College

A handful of schools do recommend the essay, but the list is diminishing each year. Check the college’s website or call the admissions office if you aren’t sure of a school’s policy.

Which test should I take - the ACT or SAT?

The best way to figure out the right test for you is to take a full diagnostic test of each test. We offer proctored exams in Harrington Park, NJ and New Providence, NJ. Click here to see when the next test will be administered near you. (Link to mock testing calendar).

How do I register for the ACT?

Visit www.act.org, and press the button that says “Register for the ACT.” Allow about 30-40 minutes to complete the registration process. You’ll need a credit card to pay for the registration.

What is the structure of the ACT?

Students should expect to be in the testing center for about 3 and a half hours to account for the breaks, reading of instructions, etc. That includes 2 hours and 55 minutes of testing. There is a 10-minute break between the math and reading sections.

English (75 questions)45 minutes
Math (60 questions)60 minutes
Reading (40 questions)35 minutes
Science (40 questions)35 minutes

Wait, there’s a fifth section on the ACT?

Both the SAT and ACT sometimes include a fifth section. The proctor reads instructions that explain that scored questions can come from any portion of the test. Historically, the fifth section has not counted as part of a student’s score. These sections are used for the testing companies to experiment with different types of questions or assess difficulty levels. It is unlikely that these sections will count towards a student’s score. However, blowing them off is a bad idea. That could delay the scoring process or even launch an investigation about cheating on the other sections.

Most colleges are test optional, should I even take the SAT or ACT?

Every college has its own policy regarding test scores. The first thing to do when assessing whether a student should take the SAT or ACT is to check the schools the student is applying to and figure out their testing policies. If any of those schools require the SAT or ACT, then the student should definitely test.

Even if the student doesn’t plan to submit scores as part of the admissions process, test scores can be necessary or helpful for class placement or scholarships. For example, even though the University of California no longer allows students to submit scores as part of the admissions process, a student who doesn’t submit scores may need to take a remedial English course prior to beginning school. An ACT English + Reading score of 63 or better or an SAT score of 680 or better on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section will satisfy the English Language Writing Requirement.

How much should I prepare before my first test?

We recommend between 15 and 20 hours of focused prep time before the first test. Our tutoring sessions are typically 1.5 hours each, which allows enough time to review homework in depth and also push forward on targeted drills to address any deficiencies a student might have.

Should I sign up to take real SAT or ACT to see where I’m at?

No! We offer proctored mock exams, and most test prep companies do as well. You can get the same information and the same experience by taking a mock exam, and the results won’t ever show up on an official report.

Which test should I take, the ACT or SAT?

Every student should take a full SAT and full ACT as a diagnostic tool. The majority of students will perform similarly on both tests and can use their experience during the mock exams to help guide their decision. Some students will perform significantly better on the SAT or ACT and should let those results to make the final decision.

Should I take the test more than once?

Almost definitely. With so many schools superscoring, most students will benefit from taking the test more than once. The majority of our students take the test two or three times.

When is the best time to take the test? Is one test date easier than the others?

The best time to take the test is whenever it fits best with the student’s schedules. The most common timelines are:

Preparing in the summer and taking your first test early in the fall (September ACT, August or October SAT) - this is a good timeline for recruited athletes and students who had high scores on their sophomore PSAT
Beginning prep around the holidays in December and taking the first test in the spring (March/May SAT, April/June ACT) – this is our most common timeline
Waiting til late in the year junior year and taking the first test after the school year is over (June/August SAT or June/July ACT) – this is best for students who take Algebra 2 as a junior.

How Long are tutoring sessions?

For standardized tests, we recommend 90-minute sessions. This allows the tutor enough time to review homework in great depth and then teach narrowly tailored lessons to address any academic deficiencies that show up during testing.

Do you have a cancellation policy?

Yes – Our teachers have busy schedules, so we request that you notify us of a cancellation at least 24 hours prior to the start time of a schedule tutoring session. If we are notified with less than 24 hours notice, we will charge you for the session.

What should I expect when I go take the test?

Read Our Article Here

What should I wear when I test?

Studies show that students who dress in clothing they deem more professional perform better on tests. Does this mean you should wear a suit to the SAT? Probably not. But you’ll probably perform better if you ditch the PJs or joggers and replace them with something a little nicer.

What should I bring to the ACT?

By far the two most important items to bring are

Your admission ticket
A picture ID

If you don’t have those, you’re not getting in to the test.

Beyond that, you should bring the following items:

Number 2 pencils — You cannot use mechanical pencils on the SAT or ACT.
A good eraser
An approved calculator — see: ACT Policy
A watch — we like the testing timer, which is designed specifically for the SAT and ACT.
A healthy snack
Water

Yali B.
Scarsdale, NY

Working with Rob was an absolute pleasure! His approach to the material was creative and non-intimidating. He helped me learn from my mistakes to ultimately improve my scores. In addition, the skills I developed through studying with Rob helped me transform into a stronger and more confident high school student. I plan to take these skills to college and beyond!

ACT Preparation

We offer both one-on-one and group classes for ACT test preparation.

SAT Test Prep

One-On-One ACT Test Preparation

Group ACT Test Preparation

Individual One-on-One ACT Test Preparation

Group Classes for ACT Test Preparation

ACT Group Class Schedule

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