A strong ACT score can be an important part of a successful college application. Our expert ACT tutors provide personalized guidance and proven strategies to help students reach their testing goals and strengthen their overall admissions profile.
HelloCollege ACT tutoring is personalized, one-on-one test prep that pairs each student with an expert tutor and a study plan built around their target colleges. HelloCollege students raise their ACT score by an average of 5 points, and students starting from a lower baseline often gain 7 to 10 points.
Every HelloCollege ACT plan fit sophomores starting early and seniors on a deadline, with pacing built around each student’s timeline and target score.
Most ACT prep classes and programs offer a “one size fits all” approach. HelloCollege students benefit from regular one-on-one tutoring and a customized strategy focused on addressing their unique challenges. We tailor our teaching to your needs, not just the test.
Frequent sessions are pivotal to significantly boost your ACT scores. Consistency allows your tutor to understand your learning style, accurately track your progress, and hold you accountable.
Practice tests are the best way for you to familiarize yourself with the ACT’s format, questions, and timing. These tests also serve as essential diagnostics, helping us identify and address problem areas and refine your strategy for success.
A big part of succeeding on the ACT is about having the stamina to prepare thoroughly and effectively. We help you develop a consistent study routine that strengthens your endurance, ensuring you stay focused and ready for test day.
Average increase in ACT score
When starting ACT score is 21 or below
Highest ACT increase
To learn more about the ACT and its importance in college admissions, schedule a free consultation with a HelloCollege test prep expert to:
Our ACT tutors work with a wide range of students, including:
Many students who’ve already taken the ACT feel stuck, unable to overcome a specific hurdle to improve their scores—but that’s our specialty. We assess your current performance, pinpoint areas for improvement, and craft a personalized study plan to help you break through to achieve your target score.
For students taking the test for the first time, we offer support at every stage of the study process. Our tutors will guide you by breaking down each section, teaching key concepts, and evaluating your performance on regular practice tests, ensuring you feel confident and fully prepared for test day.
To establish a strong foundation, we recommend students begin studying for the ACT as early as sophomore year. Getting an early start allows you to develop familiarity and confidence that you can only achieve through time and consistent practice.
We work with high school seniors looking to improve their scores on an accelerated timeline for college applications, adjusting our strategies and meeting frequency to accommodate your schedule. We do, however, strongly recommend students begin prepping for the ACT months in advance.
Whether you’re looking for extra help with a specific subject, in need of extra accountability, or just starting your test-prep journey, we have a plan for you.
Speak with a HelloCollege test prep tutoring expert to discuss your experience and your ACT goals.
Choose an ACT tutoring package and get paired with the tutor who best suits your needs.
Begin your ACT test prep journey and boost your scores!
HelloCollege has been immensely helpful in navigating college apps and prep. My tutor, Asma, was particularly helpful in preparing for the SAT and ACT. She was very patient and helped me get the score I wanted on the SAT.
Student
Oak Park and River Forest High School
Hello College really got my daughter to college! She was questioning and grades were not great in the beginning, but she used the tutoring program, ACT prep, the essay writing portion, and finally the application process, and now she is going to the college of her choice! I have so much gratitude and appreciation for this program and a very special place for Kevin and Alison and everyone else that has worked so hard to help her!
Parent of Amita
Naperville Central High School
Arizona State University
I had a great experience! My tutor Asma was very patient and helpful. She was always ready to work through any questions I had, and ensured that I understood everything.
Student
Rickards High School
New York University
I spent 10 hrs this summer working with Asma over zoom on ACT prep. In just four weeks, I raised my overall ACT score by 3 points. If you do the assigned homework, she delivers proven results and is a kind person.
Student
Immaculate Conception Catholic Prep
Auburn University
HelloCollege tutoring, and more specifically Director of Tutoring Ian Simon, has been an incredible asset in my children’s college-bound journey. As each child has different strengths and weaknesses, I was amazed in how Ian adjusted his approach to match each of their needs and targeted goals. Ian’s abilities to create an individualized approach to growing confidence in a supportive, non-judgmental environment, while teaching successful approaches to anticipated questions and overall test taking strategies, truly are gifts that make him an elite teacher. With Ian as the guiding light for HelloCollege’s tutoring culture and spirit, I cannot say enough about this organization and the benefits that it has provided for my family.
Parent of John
We signed up with Hello College the beginning of our son’s junior year. We were assigned Allison as his counselor and could not be happier. She has a great personality and connected with our son instantly and is very encouraging and supportive! She was on top of everything our son needed to do to apply to a competitive major. He received help and guidance throughout SAT/ACT testing, essay writing, and finally the Common App. We are so glad we hired Hello College and have Allison to guide us through the college application process!
Parent of Ethan
Sandburg High School
Indiana University
Director of Academics
Paul is an experienced educator with a background in math and science, critical thinking, ELL education, standardized test prep, international education, and individualized learning. Paul holds bachelor’s degrees in biology and science education and a master’s degree in teaching and learning.
Academic Tutor, Test Prep Tutor
Rees is a mathematician, software engineer, and lawyer with degrees from Duke University and the University of Georgia. He loves sharing his enthusiasm for all things learning to connect people’s education to their interests.
Academic Tutor, Test Prep Tutor
Asma is currently a dental student at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she also earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology. She has extensive experience tutoring students in grades K–12 across all subjects and has helped many prepare for standardized tests such as the ACT, SAT, and PSAT.
Academic Tutor, Test Prep Tutor
Tyler Pohlman is currently attending University of Colorado Boulder where he is double majoring in Physics and German. While attending University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, he was an undergraduate research assistant at the Center for Plasma-Material Interactions. He has a passion for math and teaching and has a year of tutoring experience under Ian Simon.
Academic Tutor, Test Prep Tutor
Daniel is a mathematical biologist. He holds a PhD in evolutionary biology from the University of Chicago, during which he studied tropical forests. Daniel loves teaching and simplifying concepts for students at all levels.
Academic Tutor, Test Prep Tutor
Amulya is a sophomore at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as a biology major in the BS/MD program with acceptance into Albany Medical College. She has not only tutored students across a wide range of ages and subjects but has also built meaningful connections with each of them.
Academic Tutor and Test Prep Tutor
Shelley has an M.S. in mathematics with a concentration in statistics, as well as 27 years of teaching and tutoring experience. Her passion is helping students achieve those dreams which seem impossible to them.
Academic Tutor and Test Prep Tutor
Jose moved to America from the Philippines at the age of 2. Through his love of piano, salsa dancing, speaking, and writing, he found his way to Stanford University, where he studied computer science. From giving college tours to tutoring students of various ages, Jose now loves sharing knowledge to learners of all backgrounds.
Academic Tutor, Test Prep Tutor
Darryl has over 17 years of experience as a teacher of wide-ranging math content, teaching students from the middle school level all the way up through college. He has a B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Houston, in addition to a B.A. in Economics and M.S. in Accounting from the University of Virginia.
Academic Tutor and Essay Coach
Brian has a B.A. in International Studies along with a minor in French from Miami University and an M.Ed. with a focus on Social Studies and Global Education from the Ohio State University. He has taught, mentored, traveled with and coached students in a wide variety of settings including high school and outdoor education for over twenty years.
Academic Tutor and Test Prep Tutor
Lauren has always had a passion for education. Lauren has a PhD in Engineering with a concentration in Engineering Education. She has conducted research across many topics and is currently teaching Engineering subjects at the college level.
Academic Tutor and Test Prep Tutor
Automotive engineer and weekend mechanic with a passion for solving complex problems through mathematical precision. When not fine-tuning engines, I am exploring the art of exceptional coffee and various cuisines.
Academic and Test Prep Tutor, Essay Coach
Divya Maheshwari is a civil engineer who is currently working towards her MS in Sustainable Infrastructure. She is known for her passion for all things sustainability, and her adventurous mindset. She loves spending time with children of all ages, and is excited to work at a place where she can help students reach their goals.
Academic and Test Prep Tutor
Lily studies at Chicago-Kent College of Law where she is a J.D. candidate. She has been tutoring a variety of subjects for the past 7 years and has helped many students through both school and the college application process.
Test Prep and Academic Tutor
Stone holds an MS in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Texas at Dallas and brings 3 years of private tutoring experience in high school STEM subjects. He draws on his passion for science, history, and philosophy to make complex concepts relatable by using real-world examples, and hopes to make education a fun and inspirational process for all of his students.
Academic and Test Prep Tutor
Elena is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering at the University of Florida. She enjoys making math and science approachable, fostering engaging learning environments, and helping students build confidence with learning.
Academic Tutor and Essay Coach
Gabriel has years of experience as a pianist and language coach for classical singers, in addition to teaching French and English in Spain. A graduate of Vanderbilt University, he loves finding unexpected connections between languages.
Academic and Test Prep Tutor
A reader of six languages with a background spanning Chemical Engineering, Classics, Religious Studies, and music, Sri loves helping others unlock their curiosity. He brings experience teaching and tutoring learners of all ages.
Academic Tutor
Andrew is a PhD scientist and experienced educator, providing holistic STEM and test prep tutoring. Andrew implements personalized strategies to help diverse students achieve elite academic goals.
Academic and Test Prep Tutor
Kendal Newton is a graduate of Georgia Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Psychology and plans to pursue a doctoral-level career in clinical psychology. She specializes in applied mathematics and SAT/ACT Math and English tutoring, helping students build confidence while mastering challenging concepts. Kendal’s teaching style focuses on breaking down complex problems into manageable steps and adapting to each student’s learning style. She strives to create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and developing lasting academic skills.
Academic and Test Prep Tutor
Cooper Ligda is a junior Mechanical Engineering student at Purdue University with a passion for automotive design. He is actively involved in Purdue's BAJA SAE Off-Road Racing and Grand Prix teams, where he enjoys applying engineering principles through hands-on design and collaboration. Outside of engineering, Cooper enjoys hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, painting, architecture, and visiting museums. Known for his curiosity and collaborative nature, he is always eager to learn, solve problems, and help others succeed.
Academic Tutor and Test Prep Tutor
A Software Engineer and graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a degree in Computer Engineering, they bring more than eight years of tutoring experience to students of all ages. They are passionate about helping students build confidence, strengthen their problem-solving skills, and achieve academic success through personalized, supportive instruction.
A strong ACT score is a gateway to prestigious colleges, scholarships, and countless opportunities, making it a vital step in your college planning journey. However, recent changes to the ACT—including updates to timing, questions, and sections—have made the test more challenging to navigate on your own. These adjustments, combined with the pressure to excel, underscore the importance of support from a test prep expert.
HelloCollege removes stress and uncertainty from the test-taking process, allowing you to focus on what matters to achieve your best score. You’ll work one-on-one with a personal ACT tutor to receive customized plans and real-time feedback to target your weaknesses while building on your strengths.
More than just test prep, we offer mentorship and personalized guidance. By understanding your unique learning style, we use strategies that not only boost your score but also encourage long-term academic success.
With HelloCollege, you’ll gain the knowledge and guidance needed to tackle the ACT with confidence, paving the pathways to top colleges and exciting opportunities.
Both the ACT and the SAT are accepted at every U.S. college, so the better test is the one that fits how you think and work. Here is how the current (2025-2026) tests compare side by side.
| Feature | ACT (Enhanced ACT, 2025) | SAT (Digital SAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Paper or computer; linear, meaning every student sees the same questions | Digital only, in the Bluebook app; section-adaptive, meaning difficulty adjusts to your performance |
| Total length | 2 hr 5 min core (2 hr 45 min with optional Science) | 2 hr 14 min |
| Sections | English, Math, Reading (required); Science (optional) | Reading & Writing; Math |
| Questions & timing | English 50 q / 35 min; Math 45 q / 50 min; Reading 36 q / 40 min; Science 40 q / 40 min (optional) | Reading & Writing 54 q / 64 min; Math 44 q / 70 min |
| Scoring scale | 1–36 composite (average of English, Math, Reading) | 400–1600 (Reading & Writing + Math) |
| Science | Optional; earns a separate score and does not count toward the composite | No dedicated Science section; science-style questions appear within other sections |
| Math calculator | Allowed on the entire Math section | Allowed on the entire Math section, with a built-in Desmos calculator |
| Pacing | Faster — roughly 45 to 55 seconds per question | More time per question — roughly 1.2 to 1.6 minutes each |
| Essay | Optional Writing (40 min); does not affect the composite | None |
| Content emphasis | Curriculum and content knowledge; rewards quick recall | Reasoning and problem-solving; shorter reading passages |
| Superscoring | Accepted by many colleges | Accepted by many colleges |
| Often the better fit for | Students who know the material well, work quickly, and may want a Science score for STEM programs | Students who prefer more time per question, adaptive pacing, and a shorter, fully digital test |
Section times and formats reflect the current tests (enhanced ACT and digital SAT, 2025–2026). Confirm exact registration fees and test dates on ACT.org and SAT.org.
Read the latest articles about ACT Tutoring on HelloCollege Blog
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We are here to cater all of your college admissions needs.
SAT scores continue to play a crucial role in college admissions. Begin your test prep early with our expert tutors to learn the new digital test format, gain personalized strategies, and tackle challenging sections.
HelloCollege offers private academic tutoring for everything from AP exam prep to executive functioning, equipping students with essential skills for success. Our tutors provide personalized strategies and mentorship tailored to each student’s unique needs.
Our team of expert Essay Coaches guides students in crafting engaging and authentic essays that add a necessary personal context to their college applications. We support you throughout the entire process, from brainstorming to the first draft to the final version.
See below for some of the most commonly asked questions. And if you have specific questions about your specific test prep journey, schedule a consultation with one of our experts.
| ACT Test Date | Registration Deadline |
|---|---|
| September 19, 2026 | August 14, 2026 |
| October 17, 2026 | September 11, 2026 |
| December 12, 2026 | November 6, 2026 |
| February 27, 2027 | January 22, 2027 |
| April 10, 2027 | March 5, 2027 |
| June 12, 2027 | May 7, 2027 |
| July 10, 2027 | June 4, 2027 |
The cost of ACT tutoring can vary widely depending on the provider, the tutor’s experience, and the type of tutoring program you choose. Private one-on-one sessions typically range from $50 to $200 per hour, while group classes and online tutoring offer more affordable options, starting around $20 to $30 per hour.
To learn more about test prep tutoring at HelloCollege, schedule a consultation for a personalized quote.
We recommend students take the ACT at least twice: once to familiarize yourself with the test and once after preparing to improve your score. Many students take it in their junior year and again in the fall of their senior year.
ACT prep courses are good for a general overview of the test, along with some tips and strategies. But with an ACT tutor, the focus is entirely on you and your needs. Your tutor will take the time to get to know your learning style, evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, and customize their strategy accordingly. This personalized attention allows for personalized feedback that aligns with your goals.
You should start studying for the ACT by the end of sophomore year. We recommend studying 4–6 months in advance for the best results. At the very least, spend 2–3 months studying, as that’s how long it takes on average to significantly improve your score.
As of the 2025 “enhanced” ACT, the required core — English, Reading, and Math — takes roughly 2 to 2¼ hours. The Science section is now optional and no longer counts toward your 1–36 Composite score, and the optional Writing essay adds about 40 minutes. Take a look at our timing guide.
Both are accepted for college admissions, but they now differ significantly. As of 2024, the SAT is fully digital and section-adaptive — about 2 hours 14 minutes, two sections (Reading & Writing, Math), scored 400–1600. The ACT is scored 1–36 and, as of 2025, makes its Science section optional (it no longer counts toward the Composite). The ACT is more content-based with a faster pace; the digital SAT emphasizes reasoning and adjusts difficulty to your performance. Not sure which to take? Read our SAT-vs-ACT guide.
For most students, yes. One-on-one tutoring targets your specific weak areas instead of a generic curriculum, which is why HelloCollege students improve an average of 5 points. Tutoring is most worth it when you have a target score for a specific college and a few months to prepare.
On average, HelloCollege students improve their ACT score by 5 points. Students who start with lower scores often see larger gains — 7 to 10 points — because there’s more room to improve on fundamentals.
Rising juniors should begin by the end of sophomore year, ideally 4–6 months before their target test date. Starting early leaves room to take the ACT twice — once to set a baseline and once after focused prep.
