We offer personalized test prep programs for the ACT® test taught by passionate and experienced instructors. Choose to attend classes in person at one of our four tutoring centers located throughout Dallas-Fort Worth or live online across the country.
Why Take the ACT Test?
The ACT test is used for admission and scholarships decisions by colleges around the country. The test has English, Math, Reading, and Science sections, along with an optional essay. The test is scored from 1-36. Students should generally begin taking the ACT test in the winter and spring of 11th grade.
KD College Prep offers three options for students looking for online or in-person preparation for the ACT test: test prep courses, one-on-one tutoring, or a combination of the two. To find the best fit for your teen, sign up for a free consultation with our college prep experts.
What Is a Good ACT Score?
A perfect score on the ACT test is a 36 composite score, but you don’t have to be perfect to get into your dream college. Your score goal will depend on where you want to apply to college. The national average composite score is about 21. But if you want to go to a highly competitive school like Harvard, you will need a score in the 33-35 range. Read more about what is considered a good ACT score.
Test Prep Courses for the ACT Test
Since 1992, KD College Prep has helped students prepare for the ACT test. We offer a variety of in-person and live online test prep programs for 7th-12th grade students.
Lessons
Core Lessons
The journey to mastering the ACT test begins with the instructor-led 14 core lessons, which include strategic reading, passage analysis, grammar and usage, algebra, data analysis, geometry, trigonometry, and more. These lessons cover approximately 80% of the content found on the ACT test. Our degreed, experienced instructors will use our proprietary curriculum to coach students to their highest possible ACT scores.
Intro Lessons
Students in 9th grade have access to on-demand Intro Lessons (English/Reading and Math/Science). These two lessons build upon the core lessons by introducing the basic content and format of the ACT test.
Bonus Lessons
As they progress through the program, 10th-12th grade students also attend two sets of six additional lessons (English, Math A, Math B, Reading, Science A, and Science B), all of which provide in-depth instruction for the unique content found on the ACT test.
Ongoing Practice
Practice Workshops
Get extra practice, gain confidence, and work toward mastery in instructor-led workshops. Verbal and Math Workshops are offered weekly with new material introduced each Saturday. We recommend four hours of practice workshops per month.
Bonus Workshops
Bonus Workshops specifically formatted for the ACT Test are scheduled at critical times of the year when students have greater availability or a greater need for practice. These workshops provide additional practice for the question types and pacing found on the ACT test. These sessions are in a “quiz-and-review” format and are offered before each national ACT test date and during spring break holidays.
Note: Students do not have to complete the Bonus Lessons for the ACT test before attending the Bonus Workshops.
Practice Tests with Instructor-Led Reviews
Maximize improvement by taking full-length practice tests and reviewing each test in an instructor-led, small-group session.
By analyzing performance and missed questions, students are able to learn from their mistakes and improve performance on future tests.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When should I take the ACT test?
It’s usually best for students to wait until the 11th grade to start taking the official ACT test. Preparing for the test often begins in the 11th grade, although some high-performing students may be ready to start the test prep process as early as 7th or 8th grade. At KD, our goal is for students to have finished their national testing by the end of the 11th grade, allowing them to focus on the college application process in 12th grade. In some cases, a student may need to continue testing in 12th grade for a variety of reasons. At KD, we continue to serve all students until they reach their testing goals or until high school graduation.
How many times can I take the ACT test?
There is no limit to the number of times you can take the ACT test, but we recommend students plan to take the official test at least twice. We also offer full-length practice tests to our students to simulate the testing experience, help build endurance, and give a good estimate of how they will perform on test day.
How are ACT scores calculated?
The highest possible score on the ACT test is a composite score of 36, and the lowest score is 1. The test consists of four main sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Each main section is scored based on the number of correct answers (there is no penalty for wrong answers). Section scores are then converted to an overall composite score. There is also an optional essay section. Essays are scored on a scale of 2 to 12 and do not contribute to your composite score. Read more about how to interpret an ACT score report.
How long is the ACT test?
The ACT test is about two hours and 55 minutes long and consists of a total of 215 questions. Here’s a breakdown of length by each section:
- English: 45 minutes, 75 questions
- Math: 60 minutes, 60 questions
- Reading: 35 minutes, 40 questions
- Science: 35 minutes, 40 questions
- Essay (optional): 40 minutes, 1 writing prompt
How do I improve my ACT score?
One of the best ways to raise your ACT score is to sign up for a test prep program that will meet your needs. For nearly 30 years, KD College Prep has helped students reach their ACT test score goals. We’ve built a proprietary curriculum from extensive knowledge of what to expect on the test. Students can attend test prep activities in person or live online. We also offer self-paced or one-on-one tutoring options to best meet each student’s needs. Want to learn more about our test prep programs? Sign up for a free consultation to meet with a college prep advisor.
What is the difference between the SAT and ACT test?
The SAT and ACT tests are both widely accepted by most colleges, and the major differences between the two tests are their scoring methods, test format and content, and timing. Below is a general overall comparison of the two tests.
Overall, the tests have more similarities than differences, and we typically recommend that a student take both tests to find out which one best aligns with his or her strengths.
Different Scoring Methods
- ACT Score Range: 1 to 36 points
- SAT Score Range: 400 to 1600 points
Different Test Sections
- ACT Test Sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science (plus an Optional Writing section)
- SAT Test Sections: Reading, Writing & Language, Math – No Calculator and Calculator (Please Note: Optional Essay section is no longer offered)
Differences in Timing & Content
In terms of overall timing, the SAT test is about five minutes longer than the ACT test. However, there are some important differences in terms of section timing and the different content you’ll find on each the test. To learn more specific information about these differences, read our post, “The Differences Between the SAT and ACT Tests.”
How many hours per day should I study for the ACT test?
The amount of time you decide to study for the ACT test will depend on your availability and overall schedule. Some students can dedicate time weekly throughout the school year to prepare for tests, while others decide to prepare on the weekends, during summer break, or during extracurricular off-seasons. Our flexible class schedules make it easier to find time to prepare. Can’t find a schedule that works? Schedule a consultation with an advisor to create your own test prep plan.
Is one month enough time to prepare for the ACT test?
If you only spend a few weeks studying for the ACT test, it is not likely that you’ll see a significant score improvement. Our highest scoring students dedicate several months (and even years) to preparing for the ACT test. That’s why we recommend that students begin preparing for tests as early as possible to maximize their chances of reaching their test score goals. Remember, a good test score may be the ticket to get into your dream college or receive scholarships. Planning early usually leads to the best results.