ACT and SAT Prep HQ
ACT and SAT Prep HQ
ACT and SAT Prep HQ
Your Expert Guide to
Navigating ACT and SAT Prep
Your Expert Guide
to Navigating
ACT and SAT Prep
Your Expert Guide to
Navigating ACT and SAT Prep
Discover the latest changes, essential comparisons, and
expert insights on the ACT and SAT for 2024-2025.
Discover the latest changes, essential
comparisons, and expert insights on the
ACT and SAT for 2024-2025.
Discover the latest changes, essential comparisons, and
expert insights on the ACT and SAT for 2024-2025.
Essential Differences Between the
ACT and SAT Through February 2025
Essential Differences
Between the
ACT and SAT Through
February 2025
Essential Differences Between the
ACT and SAT Through February 2025
ACT
Pencil-and-paper
4 SECTIONS
English (Grammar)
Math (Up to Pre-Calculus)
Reading (Long Passages)
Science (Reading Graphs)
Duration
3.5 Hours
ACT
Pencil-and-paper 2025
3 SECTIONS
English (Grammar)
Math (4 choices per question)
Reading (Long Passages)
Science (Optional)
Duration
2.5 Hours
Fewer questions,
more time per
problem
SAT
Digital
2 SECTIONS
Reading and Writing
Math (Up to Trigonometry)
First module of each section
is the same for everyoneSecond module of each
section is ADAPTIVE
Duration
2.5 Hours
ACT
Pencil-and-paper 2025
3 SECTIONS
English (Grammar)
Math (4 choices per question)
Reading (Long Passages)
Science (Optional)
Duration
2.5 Hours
Fewer questions,
more time per
problem
ACT
Pencil-and-paper
4 SECTIONS
English (Grammar)
Math (Up to Pre-Calculus)
Reading (Long Passages)
Science (Reading Graphs)
Duration
3.5 Hours
ACT
Pencil-and-paper 2025
3 SECTIONS
English (Grammar)
Math (4 choices per question)
Reading (Long Passages)
Science (Optional)
Duration
2.5 Hours
Fewer questions,
more time per
problem
ACT
Pencil-and-paper
4 SECTIONS
English (Grammar)
Math (Up to Pre-Calculus)
Reading (Long Passages)
Science (Reading Graphs)
Duration
3.5 Hours
SAT
Digital
2 SECTIONS
Reading and Writing
Math (Up to Trigonometry)
First module of each section
is the same for everyoneSecond module of each
section is ADAPTIVE
Duration
2.5 Hours
SAT
Digital
2 SECTIONS
Reading and Writing
Math (Up to Trigonometry)
First module of each section
is the same for everyoneSecond module of each
section is ADAPTIVE
Duration
2.5 Hours
Should know?
Should know?
Should know?
What Every Parent
What Every Parent
What Every Parent
Get clarity on which test your child needs, the key similarities, and how test scores can impact college admissions and scholarships.
Get clarity on which test your child needs, the key similarities, and how test scores can impact college admissions and scholarships.
Get clarity on which test your child needs, the key similarities, and how test scores can impact college admissions and scholarships.
Test Similarities
Test Similarities
Test Similarities
Both the ACT and SAT cover similar content areas and require comparable strategies for success. Colleges do not have a preference between ACT or SAT scores—either can be submitted.
Both the ACT and SAT cover similar content areas and require comparable strategies for success. Colleges do not have a preference between ACT or SAT scores—either can be submitted.
Both the ACT and SAT cover similar content areas and require comparable strategies for success. Colleges do not have a preference between ACT or SAT scores—either can be submitted.
Test
Requirements
If your child attends a public school in the State of Illinois, the ACT is the required test they need to take.
Test
Requirements
If your child attends a public school in the State of Illinois, the ACT is the required test they need to take.
Scholarship
Opportunities
Scholarship
Opportunities
Submitting your test scores can be one of the easiest ways to qualify for scholarships, potentially opening doors to financial aid opportunities.
Submitting your test scores can be one of the easiest ways to qualify for scholarships, potentially opening doors to financial aid opportunities.
Setting Yourself
Apart
Strong test scores can be an effective way to distinguish your child from other applicants, providing an advantage in the competitive college admissions process.
Setting Yourself
Apart
Strong test scores can be an effective way to distinguish your child from other applicants, providing an advantage in the competitive college admissions process.
College Admission
Policies
Some schools still require standardized test scores, while many have adopted test-optional policies. A few institutions may not consider test scores at all. These policies are subject to change, so it’s essential to stay informed.
College Admission
Policies
Some schools still require standardized test scores, while many have adopted test-optional policies. A few institutions may not consider test scores at all. These policies are subject to change, so it’s essential to stay informed.
Test
Requirements
If your child attends a public school in the State of Illinois, the ACT is the required test they need to take.
Scholarship
Opportunities
Submitting your test scores can be one of the easiest ways to qualify for scholarships, potentially opening doors to financial aid opportunities.
Setting Yourself
Apart
Strong test scores can be an effective way to distinguish your child from other applicants, providing an advantage in the competitive college admissions process.
College Admission
Policies
Some schools still require standardized test scores, while many have adopted test-optional policies. A few institutions may not consider test scores at all. These policies are subject to change, so it’s essential to stay informed.
PROS
PROS
PROS
CONS
CONS
CONS
and
Understand the Differences
Understand the Differences
Understand the Differences
Discover the key factors that can help you
decide which test aligns best with your
child’s strengths and goals.
Discover the key factors that can help you
decide which test aligns best with your
child’s strengths and goals.
Discover the key factors that can help you
decide which test aligns best with your
child’s strengths and goals.
ACT
PROS
More Direct
Questions feel very
straight-forward
Easier to Read
The average Reading passage
grade level is 11.5
More Questions
With more questions, there
are more questions you can
getwrong and have comparable
scores.
CONS
Higher Level of Math
Has math problems up through
Pre-Calculus
Science Section
Many students are not a fan
of the science section
Longer Test
This will be changing as 2025
progresses, but it is definitely
a disadvantage currently
ACT
PROS
More Direct
Questions feel very
straight-forward
Easier to Read
The average Reading passage
grade level is 11.5
More Questions
With more questions, there
are more questions you can
getwrong and have comparable
scores.
CONS
Higher Level of Math
Has math problems up through
Pre-Calculus
Science Section
Many students are not a fan
of the science section
Longer Test
This will be changing as 2025
progresses, but it is definitely
a disadvantage currently
ACT
PROS
More Direct
Questions feel very
straight-forward
Easier to Read
The average Reading passage
grade level is 11.5
More Questions
With more questions, there are more questions you can
get wrong and have comparable scores.
CONS
Higher Level of Math
Has math problems up through Pre-Calculus
Science Section
Many students are not a fan of the science section
Longer Test
This will be changing as 2025 progresses, but it is definitely a disadvantage currently
ACT
PROS
More Direct
Questions feel very
straight-forward
Easier to Read
The average Reading passage
grade level is 11.5
More Questions
With more questions, there
are more questions you can
getwrong and have comparable
scores.
CONS
Higher Level of Math
Has math problems up through
Pre-Calculus
Science Section
Many students are not a fan
of the science section
Longer Test
This will be changing as 2025
progresses, but it is definitely
a disadvantage currently
What's New?
What's New?
What's New?
Get the latest information on changes, updates
and new developments for the upcoming test season
Get the latest information on changes,
updates and new developments for
the upcoming test season
Get the latest information on changes, updates
and new developments for the upcoming test season
Switch to the ACT!
Switch to the ACT!
Switch to the
ACT!
Starting in 2025, Illinois public school students
must take the ACT to graduate.Starting in 2025, Illinois public school
students must take the ACT to graduate.Starting in 2025, Illinois public school
students must take the ACT to graduate.The ACT will be provided free of charge during
the spring of their junior year.The ACT will be provided free of charge
during the spring of their junior year.The ACT will be provided free of charge
during the spring of their junior year.This shift simplifies the graduation process and
ensures consistency for all students.This shift simplifies the graduation process
and ensures consistency for all students.This shift simplifies the graduation process
and ensures consistency for all students.
April - July 2025
Starting in spring 2025, students can choose
between a shorter digital version of the ACT
and the traditional pencil-and-paper format.The digital version offers a more efficient
testing experience, while the paper version
remains consistent with previous years.Both formats will be available from April to
July 2025, allowing students to select the
option that best fits their preferences and
test-taking style.
September 2025 and Beyond
Starting in September 2025, the ACT will be
offered in two shorter formats: digital
and revised pencil-and-paper.Both formats are designed to reduce
testing time while maintaining high
standards.Students can choose the format that suits
them best, offering greater flexibility and
accessibility in the testing process.
Now Through Feb 2025
The ACT will continue to be offered in its
traditional pencil-and-paper format through
February 2025.This familiar testing method provides a
consistent and reliable experience for
students.Many students prefer the paper-based
format, a trusted standard in standardized
testing for decades.
What About the PSAT/NMSQT?
Juniors can still take the PSAT/National Merit
Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) in the fall
to qualify for National Merit Scholarships and
other academic recognition.The test dates are October 9th (District 202),
October 18th (District 203), and
October 23rd (District 204).This exam provides valuable scholarship
opportunities and serves as excellent
preparation for future standardized tests like
the SAT.
What About the
PSAT/NMSQT?
What About the
PSAT/NMSQT?
Juniors can still take the PSAT/National Merit
Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) in the fall
to qualify for National Merit Scholarships and
other academic recognition.Juniors can still take the PSAT/National Merit
Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) in the fall
to qualify for National Merit Scholarships and
other academic recognition.The test dates are October 9th (District 202),
October 18th (District 203), and
October 23rd (District 204).The test dates are October 9th (District 202),
October 18th (District 203), and
October 23rd (District 204).This exam provides valuable scholarship
opportunities and serves as excellent preparation
for future standardized tests like the SAT.This exam provides valuable scholarship
opportunities and serves as excellent
preparation for future standardized tests like
the SAT.
Now Through Feb 2025
Now Through
Feb 2025
The ACT will continue to be offered in its
traditional pencil-and-paper format through
February 2025.The ACT will continue to be offered in its
traditional pencil-and-paper format through
February 2025.This familiar testing method provides a consistent
and reliable experience for students.This familiar testing method provides a
consistent and reliable experience for
students.Many students prefer the paper-based format,
a trusted standard in standardized testing
for decades.Many students prefer the paper-based
format, a trusted standard in standardized
testing for decades.
April - July 2025
April - July 2025
Starting in spring 2025, students can choose
between a shorter digital version of the ACT
and the traditional pencil-and-paper format.Starting in spring 2025, students can choose
between a shorter digital version of the ACT
and the traditional pencil-and-paper format.The digital version offers a more efficient testing
experience, while the paper version remains
consistent with previous years.The digital version offers a more efficient
testing experience, while the paper version
remains consistent with previous years.Both formats will be available from April to
July 2025, allowing students to select the option
that best fits their preferences and test-taking style.Both formats will be available from April to
July 2025, allowing students to select the
option that best fits their preferences and
test-taking style.
September 2025
and Beyond
September 2025
and Beyond
Starting in September 2025, the ACT will be
offered in two shorter formats: digital
and revised pencil-and-paper.Starting in September 2025, the ACT will be
offered in two shorter formats: digital
and revised pencil-and-paper.Both formats are designed to reduce testing time
while maintaining high standards.Both formats are designed to reduce
testing time while maintaining high
standards.Students can choose the format that suits them
best, offering greater flexibility and accessibility
in the testing process.Students can choose the format that suits
them best, offering greater flexibility and
accessibility in the testing process.
Ready for Personalized,
Expert Test Prep Guidance?
Ready for Personalized,
Expert Test Prep Guidance?
Ready for Personalized,
Expert Test Prep Guidance?
Let’s connect and explore how I can support your
child’s test prep with expert insights and strategies.
Let’s connect and explore how I can support your
child’s test prep with expert insights and strategies.
Let’s connect and explore how I can support your
child’s test prep with expert insights and strategies.
These Are the Schools Where Our Students Have Been Accepted!
These Are the Schools Where Our
Students Have Been Accepted!
These Are the Schools Where Our
Students Have Been Accepted!
Affordable &
Flexible Test
Prep Solutions
Affordable &
Flexible Test
Prep Solutions
Affordable &
Flexible Test
Prep Solutions
Explore our range of pricing options designed
to fit your budget, with personalized packages
to ensure your child gets the support they need.
Explore our range of pricing options designed
to fit your budget, with personalized packages
to ensure your child gets the support they need.
Explore our range of pricing options designed
to fit your budget, with personalized packages
to ensure your child gets the support they need.
College Essay
Assistance
College Essay
Assistance
College Essay
Assistance
Online Classes
Online Classes
Online Classes
Digital SAT
Digital SAT
Digital SAT
Private Tutoring
Private Tutoring
Private Tutoring
Group Tutoring
Group Tutoring
Group Tutoring
Real Results, Real Impact
Real Results
Real Impact
Real Results, Real Impact
Hear from the families who have trusted us to guide their test prep journey.
Hear from the families who have trusted
us to guide their test prep journey.
Hear from the families who have trusted us to guide their test prep journey.
Last year, my son went from 1100 to 1380 (up 280)
Tina gave him the confidence and strategies that resulted in large scholarships and opened up his
opportunities. Tina's program is amazing !!!Karen
I am so proud of her composite increase of 7 whole points from 25 to 32!
I just wanted to thank you for teaching and guidance, bringing out the confidence she needed to know that she is more than capable of raising her score. I look back to her December score of 25, where she had a 19 in Reading and her June score of 31 in Reading and I am just amazed.
Jennifer
Well, Devon was very close to that 35, haha she got a 34 - see the picture. Thank you very much! She did the math section backwards and got 35! She was worried because she had 30 ‘easy’ questions to do in 20 mins, but clearly the method worked for her. Also brought up her science from the practice test significantly. And she floors me with the 36 in English. She was like ‘I don't have to take it again, do I?’ Uh, no honey, you’re good.
Kelly Van
Hello Tina!
Not sure you remember me but my daughter Nadia had used your services for help with writing a college essay and Laura Dabezic helped her.
As we get ready for HS graduation, I just wanted to thank you for the amazing service from your tutoring company. I will highly recommend you to others who ask and I will also be using you again most likely with my other child who is currently a freshman.
With great appreciation,Cristina Tsui
I went into class not liking the SAT with a 1080 on the test, and left the class loving the SAT with a score of 1280. This class boosted my confidence substantially, and taught me good test taking skills that I can apply to not just the SAT, but any test. Working with you was enjoyable and your method of communication is easy to use. Please tell other students that this is a great class that will boost your score and more importantly your confidence!
10/10
Hi Tina!
My kid just received the results from her third SAT taken the beginning of May and she is thrilled to tell you that she got a 1550! We all cried with JOY (mostly me so thankful she doesn't want to take it again - haha!!)
Thank you so much for helping her! We are grateful for all of your time and advice and the strategies you provided her. My son will be next! He is starting freshman year. We are so glad we met you and will be reaching out again soon!
Thank you for everything!
Last year, my son went from 1100 to 1380 (up 280)
Tina gave him the confidence and strategies that resulted in large scholarships and opened up his
opportunities. Tina's program is amazing !!!Karen
I am so proud of her composite increase of 7 whole points from 25 to 32!
I just wanted to thank you for teaching and guidance, bringing out the confidence she needed to know that she is more than capable of raising her score. I look back to her December score of 25, where she had a 19 in Reading and her June score of 31 in Reading and I am just amazed.
Jennifer
Well, Devon was very close to that 35, haha she got a 34 - see the picture. Thank you very much! She did the math section backwards and got 35! She was worried because she had 30 ‘easy’ questions to do in 20 mins, but clearly the method worked for her. Also brought up her science from the practice test significantly. And she floors me with the 36 in English. She was like ‘I don't have to take it again, do I?’ Uh, no honey, you’re good.
Kelly Van
Hello Tina!
Not sure you remember me but my daughter Nadia had used your services for help with writing a college essay and Laura Dabezic helped her.
As we get ready for HS graduation, I just wanted to thank you for the amazing service from your tutoring company. I will highly recommend you to others who ask and I will also be using you again most likely with my other child who is currently a freshman.
With great appreciation,Cristina Tsui
I went into class not liking the SAT with a 1080 on the test, and left the class loving the SAT with a score of 1280. This class boosted my confidence substantially, and taught me good test taking skills that I can apply to not just the SAT, but any test. Working with you was enjoyable and your method of communication is easy to use. Please tell other students that this is a great class that will boost your score and more importantly your confidence!
10/10
Hi Tina!
My kid just received the results from her third SAT taken the beginning of May and she is thrilled to tell you that she got a 1550! We all cried with JOY (mostly me so thankful she doesn't want to take it again - haha!!)
Thank you so much for helping her! We are grateful for all of your time and advice and the strategies you provided her. My son will be next! He is starting freshman year. We are so glad we met you and will be reaching out again soon!
Thank you for everything!
Last year, my son went
from 1100 to 1380 (up 280)Tina gave him the confidence and strategies that
resulted in large scholarships and opened up his
opportunities. Tina's program is amazing !!!Karen
I am so proud of her composite increase of 7 whole points from 25 to 32!
I just wanted to thank you for teaching and guidance, bringing out the confidence she needed to know that she is more than capable of raising her score. I look back to her December score of 25, where she had a 19 in Reading and her June score of 31 in Reading and I am just amazed.
Jennifer
Hello Tina!
Not sure you remember me but my daughter Nadia had used your services for help with writing a college essay and Laura Dabezic helped her.
As we get ready for HS graduation, I just wanted to thank you for the amazing service from your tutoring company. I will highly recommend you to others who ask and I will also be using you again most likely with my other child who is currently a freshman.
With great appreciation,Cristina Tsui
I went into class not liking the SAT with a 1080 on the test, and left the class loving the SAT with a score of 1280. This class boosted my confidence substantially, and taught me good test taking skills that I can apply to not just the SAT, but any test. Working with you was enjoyable and your method of communication is easy to use. Please tell other students that this is a great class that will boost your score and more importantly your confidence!
10/10
Hi Tina!
My kid just received the results from her third SAT taken the beginning of May and she is thrilled to tell you that she got a 1550! We all cried with JOY (mostly me so thankful she doesn't want to take it again - haha!!)
Thank you so much for helping her! We are grateful for all of your time and advice and the strategies you provided her. My son will be next! He is starting freshman year. We are so glad we met you and will be reaching out again soon!
Thank you for everything!
Well, Devon was very close to that 35, haha she got a 34 - see the picture. Thank you very much! She did the math section backwards and got 35! She was worried because she had 30 ‘easy’ questions to do in 20 mins, but clearly the method worked for her. Also brought up her science from the practice test significantly. And she floors me with the 36 in English. She was like ‘I don't have to take it again, do I?’ Uh, no honey, you’re good.
Kelly Van
Last year, my son went
from 1100 to 1380 (up 280)Tina gave him the confidence and strategies that
resulted in large scholarships and opened up his
opportunities. Tina's program is amazing !!!Karen
I am so proud of her composite increase of 7 whole points from 25 to 32!
I just wanted to thank you for teaching and guidance, bringing out the confidence she needed to know that she is more than capable of raising her score. I look back to her December score of 25, where she had a 19 in Reading and her June score of 31 in Reading and I am just amazed.
Jennifer
Hello Tina!
Not sure you remember me but my daughter Nadia had used your services for help with writing a college essay and Laura Dabezic helped her.
As we get ready for HS graduation, I just wanted to thank you for the amazing service from your tutoring company. I will highly recommend you to others who ask and I will also be using you again most likely with my other child who is currently a freshman.
With great appreciation,Cristina Tsui
I went into class not liking the SAT with a 1080 on the test, and left the class loving the SAT with a score of 1280. This class boosted my confidence substantially, and taught me good test taking skills that I can apply to not just the SAT, but any test. Working with you was enjoyable and your method of communication is easy to use. Please tell other students that this is a great class that will boost your score and more importantly your confidence!
10/10
Hi Tina!
My kid just received the results from her third SAT taken the beginning of May and she is thrilled to tell you that she got a 1550! We all cried with JOY (mostly me so thankful she doesn't want to take it again - haha!!)
Thank you so much for helping her! We are grateful for all of your time and advice and the strategies you provided her. My son will be next! He is starting freshman year. We are so glad we met you and will be reaching out again soon!
Thank you for everything!Well, Devon was very close to that 35, haha she got a 34 - see the picture. Thank you very much! She did the math section backwards and got 35! She was worried because she had 30 ‘easy’ questions to do in 20 mins, but clearly the method worked for her. Also brought up her science from the practice test significantly. And she floors me with the 36 in English. She was like ‘I don't have to take it again, do I?’ Uh, no honey, you’re good.
Kelly Van
Last year, my son went from 1100 to 1380 (up 280)
Tina gave him the confidence and strategies that resulted in large scholarships and opened up his opportunities. Tina's program is amazing !!!
Karen
Well, Devon was very close to that 35, haha she got a 34 - see the picture. Thank you very much! She did the math section backwards and got 35! She was worried because she had 30 ‘easy’ questions to do in 20 mins, but clearly the method worked for her. Also brought up her science from the practice test significantly. And she floors me with the 36 in English. She was like ‘I don't have to take it again, do I?’ Uh, no honey, you’re good.
Kelly Van
Hi Tina!
My kid just received the results from her third SAT taken the beginning of May and she is thrilled to tell you that she got a 1550! We all cried with JOY (mostly me so thankful she doesn't want to take it again - haha!!)
Thank you so much for helping her! We are grateful for all of your time and advice and the strategies you provided her. My son will be next! He is starting freshman year. We are so glad we met you and will be reaching out again soon!
Thank you for everything!
I am so proud of her composite increase of 7 whole points from 25 to 32!
I just wanted to thank you for teaching and guidance, bringing out the confidence she needed to know that she is more than capable of raising her score. I look back to her December score of 25, where she had a 19 in Reading and her June score of 31 in Reading and I am just amazed.
Jennifer
Hello Tina!
Not sure you remember me but my daughter Nadia had used your services for help with writing a college essay and Laura Dabezic helped her.
As we get ready for HS graduation, I just wanted to thank you for the amazing service from your tutoring company. I will highly recommend you to others who ask and I will also be using you again most likely with my other child who is currently a freshman.
With great appreciation,
Cristina Tsui
I went into class not liking the SAT with a 1080 on the test, and left the class loving the SAT with a score of 1280. This class boosted my confidence substantially, and taught me good test taking skills that I can apply to not just the SAT, but any test. Working with you was enjoyable and your method of communication is easy to use. Please tell other students that this is a great class that will boost your score and more importantly your confidence!
10/10
Get Expert Insights
on the ACT & SAT
Get Expert Insights on the ACT & SAT
Get Expert Insights
on the ACT & SAT
Enter your details to watch the recorded webinar
and discover the latest updates, test comparisons,
and a step-by-step guide for success.
Enter your details to watch the recorded webinar and discover the latest updates, test comparisons, and a step-by-step guide for success.
Enter your details to watch the recorded webinar
and discover the latest updates, test comparisons,
and a step-by-step guide for success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start with ACT/SAT Prep?
What do you cover in ACT/SAT Prep?
What curriculum do you use for ACT/SAT Prep?
When is the best time to start ACT/SAT Prep?
What subjects do you offer?
What is your success rate?
Do you offer online tutoring?
How do I start with ACT/SAT Prep?
What do you cover in ACT/SAT Prep?
What curriculum do you use for ACT/SAT Prep?
When is the best time to start ACT/SAT Prep?
What subjects do you offer?
What is your success rate?
Do you offer online tutoring?
How do I start with ACT/SAT Prep?
What do you cover in ACT/SAT Prep?
What curriculum do you use for ACT/SAT Prep?
When is the best time to start ACT/SAT Prep?
What subjects do you offer?
What is your success rate?
Do you offer online tutoring?
How do I start with ACT/SAT Prep?
What do you cover in ACT/SAT Prep?
What curriculum do you use for ACT/SAT Prep?
When is the best time to start ACT/SAT Prep?
What subjects do you offer?
What is your success rate?
Do you offer online tutoring?