Potential Magazine College and Career Organizer 2020 | Page 31

study methods
Need to brush up on the content in a subject or two.
•  Feel confident in your knowledge base, but suffer from
some test anxiety.
•  Get cold sweats from simply not knowing what you and
your No. 2 pencil are walking into on test day.
•
So the ACT is coming up, and you aren’t sure if
you’re ready to do your best. Maybe you:
What’s the Best
ACT Prep for Me?
test prep
No matter what your ACT struggle, we can help you find the best
test prep to give you the tools you need to get your best score.
Online Classes
Private Tutoring
Great if you need: More focus on skills and test
format; more accountability. Great if you need: Brushing up on skills and test
format.
The biggest perk here is obvious: the one-on-one attention from
your instructor. Your tutor will be able to see what skills you lack
and focus on filling those gaps. On top of that, there’s likely to be
more accountability; if you’re not putting in the work, there’s no
chance of sneaking under the radar. Some companies offer online classes that students are expected
to sign on to and attend on a regular basis, while others simply
provide the materials for you to complete on your own schedule.
If you are a student who needs a bit more accountability, you
may want to consider the former. If your schedule requires more
flexibility, it makes sense to go with the latter.
Make sure you find a qualified tutor who specializes in
Tip: ACT/SAT prep and get references! After all, anyone can
call themselves an ACT tutor!
Make sure you put in the effort! Not having to face a tutor
may leave you tempted to slack.
Going it Alone
Group Classes
Great if you need: More focus on skills and test
format; moderate accountability.
Some people learn better in a group, whether that’s because
the singular focus on them might be intimidating, or because
they learn better when they can exchange thoughts and ideas
with other students. There are many larger companies that offer
high quality, consistent teaching materials. However, instructor
quality may vary.
Tip:
Tip:
Ask around for advice, and remember: Cheaper is not
always better!
Great if you need: Brushing up on skills and
familiarity with test format.
There are lots of great books and websites out there if you are a
very self-motivated student who is simply looking to refresh your
knowledge base. If you are the type of student who can set aside
time in your schedule for test prep and make yourself follow
through, this might be a great (and inexpensive!) option for you.
Even if you feel confident about your skills, taking a practice test
or two can boost your confidence.
You can get actual ACT practice questions at www.act.org,
Tip: and your high school guidance counselor’s office will
usually have full-length practice tests available as well.
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College Organizer 2020 | 31