ACT Info
How do I sign up for official ACT?
Registration for the Official ACT is done through ACT Student Organization. You can register for the exam through their website: actstudent.org.
ACT Test Preparation 101
Though the ACT is a less familiar name to some than the SAT, it is now taken by more students each year and is accepted at all major colleges and universities. The ACT is composed of four multiple-choice sections—English, math, reading, and science reasoning—and one optional essay section, each scored out of 36 points. As a reasoning test, the ACT seeks to measure a student’s reasoning abilities more than their content knowledge; still, the content is not easy.
The other major challenge of the ACT is pacing. Students who have never previously had timing issues on standardized tests may find themselves rushing to finish the ACT. We tutor students to help them move efficiently through the test.
The best way for you to find out whether the ACT is better suited to your strengths and weaknesses is simply to take a real practice test. After taking the test, we will follow up with you to understand the results and strategize for test prep. While most students score similarly on the SAT and ACT, there are notable exceptions to that rule.
ACT Changes Rescoring Policies
In the past, a student could request ACT essay rereading and rescoring for a $50 fee, which was refunded if the score increased. Given the absurdity of grading, many refunds were issued. Now, for a $40 fee, the Score Verification Service will simply confirm that the essay hasn’t been mis-scanned.
ACT Is Beating SAT Among Top Scorers
ACT’s class of 2016 report confirms that the test gained 166,000 test takers, the largest increase in 50 years. Furthermore, 23% more 2016 graduates took the ACT than the SAT.
ACT Writing Requirements
Although some colleges have dropped the ACT essay requirement, we still recommend that students make the essay part of their testing plans.
Our approach is, of course, personalized. We use the initial diagnostic to craft an individualized course of action focusing primarily on shoring up strengths and giving most attention to areas that need help.
Parents are critically important to the process as well. Your educational consultant will regularly communicate with you via progress reports, answer your questions, and let you know how you can support your child.
Colin C. - Class of 2019
Colin C. - Class of 2019
Cindy W. - Parent
Cindy W. - Parent
Andrea C. - Paris Parent
Andrea C. - Paris Parent
Ron and Chula W. - Parents
Ron and Chula W. - Parents
Nazich M. - Mother of 11th and 12th graders
Nazich M. - Mother of 11th and 12th graders
Jim F. - Parent
Jim F. - Parent
Justin A. - Class of 2018
Justin A. - Class of 2018
Diane B. - Paris Parent
Diane B. - Paris Parent
Shelby S. - Saint Mary’s Class of 2022
Shelby S. - Saint Mary’s Class of 2022
Olivia N. - UCSB Class of 2017
Olivia N. - UCSB Class of 2017
Daniel W. - Class of 2019
Daniel W. - Class of 2019
Main Location
Optimum Educational Solutions
25A Crescent Drive #141,
Pleasant Hill
CA 94523