Acing the ACT

All it takes is a little prep... How well you do on the ACT can be the deciding factor in your college application. According to a 2006 study by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), standardized test scores ranked second in importance, only behind your grades in college prep courses.

So how do you prepare? First off, check out some great articles at CareersandColleges.com. They work to bring you all sort of tips and information about the tests you'll have to take, for free!

You can also pick up an ACT prep book at your local bookstore or library. Your school's counseling office might also have some free prep materials. Look for books that include timed practice tests, like:

• The ACT For Dummies
• Cracking the ACT, 2007 Edition

Online Assistance
After you've hit the books, step up your preparation with online options. Full courses are offered, as well as practice tests, helpful hints and sample questions.

• ACT offers free online materials including practice test questions, test tips and descriptions at www.actstudent.org/testprep/index.html, as well as a pay program at www.actstudent.org/onlineprep/index.html
• PrepMe increases a student's average score by 305 points! http://www.prepme.com

School Coaching Courses
Some high schools offer ACT courses, which are usually inexpensive or free. Classes are also offered through adult-ed programs or community colleges.

Commercial Coaching Classes
Prep class can be very helpful in reduce exam day stress because they offer practice tests under similar conditions. Be prepared to throw down some cash, though. You should expect to pay $700 to $1,000 (or more) for 30 to 40 hours of instruction.

Get Smarter Prep
www.getsmarterprep.com

Alpha Test Prep
www.alphatestprep.com

Tutors
Guidance counselors can typically provide names of trustworthy tutors in your area. This option, while beneficial, does not come cheap. Tutoring fees range from $100 to $200 an hour for a 10 to 35 hour program.

Sylvan Learning
http://tutoring.sylvanlearning.com

Princeton Review
http://www.princetonreview.com/college/testprep/testprep.asp?TPRPAGE=68&TYPE=ACT-TUTOR

This blog was written by Valerie Anderson

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