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 2025-2026.

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 2025-2026.

Teenager taking a test
Teenager taking a test
Teenager taking a test

Essential Differences Between the
ACT and SAT Through February 2025

Essential Differences
Between ACT and SAT

Essential Differences Between
ACT and SAT

Essential Differences Between
ACT and SAT

Enhanced ACT

Pencil-and-paper 2025

3 SECTIONS

English (Grammar)

Essay (Optional)

Math (4 choices per question)

Reading (Long Passages)

Science (Optional)

Duration

2.5 Hours

SAT

Digital

2 SECTIONS

  • Reading and Writing

  • Math (Up to Trigonometry)

  • First module of each section
    is the same for everyone

  • Second module of each
    section is ADAPTIVE

Duration

2.5 Hours

Enhanced ACT

Pencil-and-paper or Digital

3 SECTIONS

English (Grammar)

Essay (Optional)

Math (Up to Pre Calc)

Reading (Long Passages)

Science (Optional)

Duration

2.5 Hours

Enhanced ACT

Pencil-and-paper or Digital

3 SECTIONS

English (Grammar)

Essay (Optional)

Math (Up to Pre Calc)

Reading (Long Passages)

Science (Optional)

Duration

2.5 Hours

SAT

Digital Only

2 SECTIONS

  • Reading and Writing

  • Math (Up to Trigonometry)

  • First module of each section
    is the same for everyone

  • Second module of each
    section is ADAPTIVE

Duration

2.5 Hours

SAT

Digital Only

2 SECTIONS

  • Reading and Writing

  • Math (Up to Trigonometry)

  • First module of each section
    is the same for everyone

  • Second 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.

Parents studying with kids
Parents studying with kids
Parents studying with kids
Exam Sheet
Exam Sheet
Exam Sheet

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

In Illinois, public high school students must take the ACT as part of their graduation requirements.

Test
Requirements

In Illinois, public high school students must take the ACT as part of their graduation requirements.

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.

A Teenager is happy about accepting scholarship

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.

Perfect SAT Score

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.

Perfect SAT Score
Teen making his college essay

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.

Teen making his college essay

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

In Illinois, public high school students must take the ACT as part of their graduation requirements.

Scholarship
Opportunities

Submitting your test scores can be one of the easiest ways to qualify for scholarships, potentially opening doors to financial aid opportunities.

A Teenager is happy about accepting scholarship
A Teenager is happy about accepting scholarship

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.

Perfect SAT Score
Perfect SAT Score
Teen making his college essay
Teen making his college essay

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

More questions mean more

opportunities to earn points

CONS

Higher Level of Math

Has math problems up through
Pre-Calculus

Science Section

This section is now optional

and requires an additional

fee to include.

Longer Test

New Format Fewer available

practice resources make it

harder for students to prepare

effectively.

ACT

PROS

More Direct

Questions feel very
straight-forward

Easier to Read

The average Reading passage
grade level is 11.5

More Questions

More questions mean more

opportunities to earn points

CONS

Higher Level of Math

Has math problems up through
Pre-Calculus

Science Section

This section is now optional

and requires an additional

fee to include.

Longer Test

New Format Fewer available

practice resources make it

harder for students to prepare

effectively.

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

This section is now optional and requires an additional fee to include.

Longer Test

New Format Fewer available practice resources make it

harder for students to prepare effectively.

ACT

PROS

More Direct

Questions feel very
straight-forward

Easier to Read

The average Reading passage
grade level is 11.5

More Questions

More questions mean more

opportunities to earn points

CONS

Higher Level of Math

Has math problems up through
Pre-Calculus

Science Section

This section is now optional

and requires an additional

fee to include.

Longer Test

New Format Fewer available

practice resources make it

harder for students to prepare

effectively.

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

ACT Test

Switch to the ACT!

Switch to the ACT!

Switch to the
ACT!

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

2025-2026 UPDATES

  1. Starting in September 2025, the ACT will be
    offered in two shorter formats: digital
    and revised pencil-and-paper.

  2. The ACT is available on pencil-and-paper or

    digital. The tests are the same, regardless of

    the delivery.

  3. The SAT is digital only and uses

    adaptive scoring.

What About the PSAT/NMSQT?

  1. 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.

  2. The test dates are October 9th (District 202),
    October 18th (District 203), and
    October 23rd (District 204).

  3. 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?

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

Taking the PSAT
Paper and Online Test

2025-2026 UPDATES

2025-2026
UPDATES

  1. 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.

  2. The ACT is available on pencil-and-paper or

    digital. The tests are the same, regardless of the

    delivery.

    The ACT is available on pencil-and-paper or

    digital. The tests are the same, regardless of

    the delivery.

  3. The SAT is digital only and uses adaptive scoring.

    The SAT is digital only and uses

    adaptive scoring.

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.

Tina Wiles
Tina Wiles

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

College Essay
Assistance

College Essay Assistance

College Essay
Assistance

Online Class

Online Classes

Online Class

Online Classes

Online Class

Online Classes

Digital SAT

Digital SAT

Digital SAT

Digital SAT

Digital SAT

Digital SAT

Private Tutoring

Private Tutoring

Private Tutoring

Private Tutoring

Private Tutoring

Private Tutoring

Group tutoring

Group Tutoring

Group 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

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on the ACT & SAT

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on the ACT & SAT

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and a step-by-step guide for success.

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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?