Prep for the ACT^® Test

Your grade level, learning preferences, schedule/availability, and score goals will help you determine which prep program is best for you. Our experienced team of advisors is available to help give recommendations based on such factors.

KD’s signature test prep option is the Complete™ Program for 9th-12th grade. This program gives students access to our proprietary curriculum, flexible class schedules, the KD Student Portal, and numerous activities. With this option, we don’t charge an annual fee: you pay once to prep until high school graduation, if needed.

Most high school students are very busy with homework and extracurricular activities and may not have the available time to attend in-person prep classes. Luckily, KD provides a wide range of live-online and self-paced prep activities such as lessons, workshops, and practice tests that your student can complete at home using a combination of on-demand and virtual test review processes.

Results matter, and we are focused on providing the resources and instruction necessary to help students achieve their SAT score goals. KD students typically see a 100-400 point increase in their SAT test scores. Read on to find out how our test prep programs helped students reach their target test scores.

“I want to thank KD College Prep for helping me get the score I needed to receive over $464,000 in scholarships, including two full rides. I started the program the summer going into my junior year. I had an excellent GPA but struggled on standardized tests. Taking the test prep classes throughout junior year and taking practice tests got me more prepared each time I took the test. I achieved my best score the summer going into my senior year. That score allowed me to apply to my top schools as soon as early decision opened. I am so grateful to Karen Dillard and the extra practice and proctored exams! My parents are grateful too—for the small investment they got a great return.” Saadia P. – Class of 2022

“The resources that KD offers have greatly prepared me for the college admissions process. Without KD, I would not have been this prepared and confident… I am a rising senior, and I ended up receiving a 1570 on my SAT® test (third time) and a 35 on my ACT® test (first time). I remember the first ever practice test I took for the SAT test was a 1230 (about 1.5 yrs ago) and the first ever practice test I took for the ACT test was a 31 or 32 (about 6 months ago).” Elise P. – Class of 2022

“I just wanted to say thank you to KD for all the help and support you’ve given over the past couple years! I was able to get the scores I wanted for the PSAT, SAT®, and ACT® tests. The resources were very helpful, and the individualized assistance I received from teachers were what really supported my learning. Special thanks to Ms. Barwick and Mr. Hoffman!” Advika R. – Class of 2022

Our goal for all KD students is to finish national testing by the end of the 11th grade, giving students more time for the intensive college admissions process before they begin 12th grade. However, students may need to continue to test into their 12th grade year for a variety of reasons such as higher test scores for scholarship levels, admissions into honors colleges, or highly-competitive degree plans.

KD’s general recommendation for taking the ACT test is during the spring of a student’s 11th grade year. The ACT test contains slightly more advanced math concepts. Taking the test in the spring semester of 11th grade allows students to advance farther through their high school math courses, thus gaining more specific knowledge about what they might see on the test.

Preparation for the test can begin as early as 9th grade, although some high-performing students are ready to begin in 7th or 8th grade.

With the Complete™ Program, there is no annual fee. KD works with students until they achieve their testing goals or until high school graduation.

Of course, but instructor-led activities in a classroom environment can eliminate stress, teach you effective testing strategies, and may lead to better results. With the Complete Program, we take the guesswork out of test prep. We provide a clear path for students to follow, and students who follow our program and recommendations benefit most from having this level of guidance and structure through the testing process.

It really does depend on the student and his or her starting point. With consistent practice and guided instruction, our students often see a significant improvement with their scores. Keep in mind that participation is a necessary aspect of our test prep programs. Students who start early and engage in our activities on a regular basis are the ones who garner the best results.

Some students dedicate time daily throughout the school year to prepare for tests, while others decide to prepare on the weekends, during summer break, or during extracurricular off-seasons. The bottom line is that the amount of time you will need to set aside to study for the ACT test will depend greatly on your schedule, your score goals, and when you begin.

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.

A perfect score on the ACT test is a 36. The test consists of four main sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Each section is scored from 1-36 and then averaged for the composite score. The good news? 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 average national score is between 20 and 21. But if you’re dreaming of attending an Ivy League school, you’ll need to score between 32 and 36. Read more about what is considered a good ACT score.

Most students won’t see a significant score increase if they only spend a few weeks preparing for the ACT test. Waiting until the last minute (or “cramming”) usually creates more anxiety, chaos, and sometimes less-than-desired results. We generally recommend that students begin preparing for tests earlier rather than later. Sometimes it’s a delicate balancing act between starting too early and starting too late. Planning early usually leads to the best results. Our experienced team of advisors can help with specific recommendations for your student.