7 Test-Taking Strategies for Success on the PreACT 9

The PreACT 9 is a new factor for eighth-grade students applying to CPS Selective Enrollment High Schools. While a strong understanding of the academic content is essential, knowing how to approach the test can be just as important. The PreACT 9 is designed to measure what students have learned over time in classroom settings; that said, learning effective test-taking strategies that are specific to the PreACT 9, which are not always taught in schools, can help students demonstrate their knowledge and go into the exam with more confidence. By preparing not only what to study but also how to take this specific test, students can approach exam day with greater confidence.

1. Pace Yourself Throughout the Test

One of the biggest challenges students face is managing time. Every section of the PreACT 9 is timed, and it is easy to spend too long on a difficult question without even realizing it. Instead of trying to solve every problem perfectly on the first attempt, students should keep a steady pace. If a question seems especially challenging, it is often better to make the best possible choice and move forward (making a note to come back to it if there is time at the end) rather than risk running out of time.

This strategy is especially important for all four sections of the PreACT 9 because all four require students to balance accuracy with speed.

2. Read Every Question Carefully

Many students miss a question because they misread it, answering an invented question rather than the one that is actually being asked. Paying close attention to words such as "except," "not," "best," or "most likely" can prevent simple mistakes. Reading every answer choice before making a selection also helps students avoid choosing an option that seems correct before finding a better answer later in the list. It’s important to note that, particularly on the English and Reading sections, there may be two answers that are technically correct, but students should look for the best answer overall.

This strategy is particularly valuable in the English and Reading sections, where careful attention to wording is essential. That said, is also useful in the Math and Science sections when interpreting multi-step problems or analyzing data.

3. Use the Process of Elimination

When sunsure of the correct answer, eliminating choices that are clearly incorrect can greatly improve the odds of selecting the right one. Instead of viewing a difficult question as all or nothing and making a random guess, narrowing the possibilities allows students to make a more informed, educated guess. This strategy is especially effective because the PreACT 9 does not penalize students for incorrect answers, so every question should receive a response (even if it’s a guess).

The process of elimination can be applied to every section of the exam.

4. Answer Every Question

On that note, since there is no penalty for guessing, leaving questions unanswered only reduces the opportunity to earn points. If time is running short or a question seems especially difficult, students should eliminate any obviously incorrect answers and make their best educated guess. Even when confidence is low, a thoughtful guess always provides a better chance of earning points than no answer at all.

This strategy applies to every section of the PreACT 9.

5. Focus on Evidence Instead of Prior Knowledge

Some students assume they already know the answer based on what they have learned in class, but the PreACT 9 is designed to measure how well students can analyze the information provided in the question. Note that no outside information is required to succeed on the PreACT 9; while it may come in handy, relying on it too much can actually hinder rather than help a student. In the Reading section, answers should be supported by the passage rather than personal opinions or outside knowledge. Similarly, the Science section emphasizes interpreting graphs, charts, tables, and experimental results rather than recalling advanced scientific facts.

This strategy is most important in the Reading and Science sections, where the correct answer is usually found by carefully examining the information presented on the page.

6. Stay Calm When You Encounter Difficult Questions

Many students struggle with test anxiety, but even students who don’t will come across questions that seem unfamiliar or especially challenging. Strong test takers understand and can quickly internalize that one difficult question does not determine their overall score. Instead of becoming frustrated, they maintain their focus, continue working through the exam, and return their attention to questions they can answer confidently. Remaining calm helps students think more clearly and avoid mistakes caused by rushing or anxiety. This strategy takes practice, as nervousness around an important exam is nervous; that said, it is possible to help a student develop calming techniques to keep their head in the game.

This strategy benefits students throughout the entire exam and is especially helpful during the Math and Science sections, where difficult questions can sometimes interrupt a student's momentum.

7. Prepare Yourself Before Test Day

Successful testing begins before students ever enter the testing room. Getting enough sleep, eating a healthy breakfast, and arriving prepared with any required materials (scratch paper, extra pencils, water, snacks, calculator) can improve concentration and reduce unnecessary stress. Students should also complete practice tests under timed conditions before the exam so they can become comfortable with the pacing and format. Familiarity with the testing experience helps reduce anxiety and allows students to focus on demonstrating what they know.

This preparation supports success across every section of the PreACT 9 and helps students perform at their highest level from the first question to the last.

Test Prep Chicago can help your student prepare for the new PreACT 9, helping them develop the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed. As a licensed participant in the NTPA ACT Affiliate Tutor Program, we had been aware of the change from the CPS HSAT to the PreACT 9, and our team had already begun creating new PreACT 9 Secure curriculum. As such, students enrolled or looking to enroll in any courses or one-day workshops, or students beginning individual tutoring, can be assured that the content and test-taking strategies they are being taught will reflect the content seen on the new exam. All of our scheduled courses (sign up here) and one-day Palooza workshops (sign up here) will continue to run as planned, as will our individual tutoring sessions (sign up here), with the new PreACT 9 Secure content and test-taking strategies instead of the old CPS HSAT curriculum. Sign up now to help your student prepare!

PreACT 9 Topic Breakdown

*The PreACT 9 includes experimental questions in each section which do not count towards a student’s score.

English

The English test measures your understanding of effective writing. The test includes three passages in which certain phrases or sentences are underlined. You will need to choose the multiple-choice answer that best completes each passage based on your knowledge of grammar, punctuation, topic organization, word choice, style, and tone.

Math

The math test measures your ability to solve problems using logical reasoning rather than memorizing complex formulas. You will answer questions related to number and quantity, algebra, functions, geometry, and basic statistics.

Reading

The reading test measures your reading comprehension and logical thinking abilities. The test includes three longer passages and a pair of shorter passages drawn from literary narratives and informational texts, such as those in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. You will answer questions related to main ideas and details, structure and purpose, and cross-text connections.

Science

The science test measures your ability to interpret and analyze scientific information. The test includes several passages about topics like biology and ecology, chemistry and physics, and Earth and space science. The information is presented using reading passages as well as graphs and figures. Questions will ask you to interpret the data in the passage, understand experimental tools, methods, and design, and draw conclusions and make predictions based on the text.

English Test

• Production of Writing Questions (27-33%)

  • Topic Development

  • Organization, Unity, and Cohesion

• Knowledge of Language Questions (12-18%)

  • Concision and Precision

  • Style and Tone

• Standard English Convention Questions (48-55%)

  • Punctuation

  • Other Grammar and Usage

  • Sentence Structure and Formation

Math Test

• Preparing for Higher Math (77%)

  • Number and Quantity (10-13%)

  • Algebra (17-23%)

  • Functions (17-23%)

  • Geometry (10-13%)

  • Statistics and Probability (10-13%)

• Integrating Essential Skills (23%)

  • Connect ideas from different areas of math,

  • Apply skills in real-world contexts,

  • Solve problems that require multiple steps,

  • Interpret and evaluate mathematical information.

Modeling: At least 20% of the Math Test consists of modeling questions, which require students to interpret, analyze, and apply mathematics to real-world situations, often using tables, graphs, diagrams, or word problems

Reading Test

• Key Ideas and Details (52-60%)

  • Key Ideas

  • Details

  • Inferences

• Craft and Structure (28-36%)

  • Text Structure and Purpose

  • Words in Context

• Integration of Knowledge and Ideas (12-16%)

  • Reasoning and Evidence

  • Cross-Text Connections

Science Test

• Interpretation of Data (23%-50%)

  • Manipulate and analyze data presented in tables, graphs, and diagrams

• Scientific Investigation (15%–35%)

  • Understand experimental design and procedures, identify variables and controls

  • Compare, extend, and modify experiments

• Evaluation of Models, Inferences, and Experimental Results (19%–38%)

  • Judge the validity of information and formulate conclusions

Test Prep Chicago can help your student prepare for the new PreACT 9. Note that Test Prep Chicago is a licensed participant in the NTPA ACT Affiliate Tutor Program. Through our connection, we have been aware that such a change might occur, and our team had already begun creating new PreACT 9 Secure curriculum. As such, students enrolled or looking to enroll in any courses or one-day workshops, or students beginning individual tutoring, can be assured that the content they are being taught will reflect the content seen on the new exam. All of our scheduled courses (sign up here) and one-day Palooza workshops (sign up here) will continue to run as planned, as will our individual tutoring sessions (sign up here), with the new PreACT 9 Secure content instead of the old CPS HSAT curriculum.

If you have more questions about the PreACT 9, its structure, or how it applies to the CPS Selective Enrollment High School Admissions process, visit this page on our website for more information.

Breaking Down the Four Sections on the PreACT 9

Recently, it was announced that Chicago Public Schools has replaced the CPS HSAT with the PreACT 9 Secure, a nationally recognized assessment that is now being administered to rising Chicago 8th-graders as part of the Selective Enrollment High School admissions process.

The change represents far more than a simple name swap. The PreACT 9 is a fundamentally different type of exam. While the CPS HSAT was built specifically for CPS admissions, the PreACT 9 was created to measure academic readiness and predict future success on the ACT, the college entrance exam many students take during high school. As a result, families are encountering a test that is longer, more comprehensive, and more closely aligned with the skills students will need throughout high school and beyond.

One of the first things families notice about the PreACT 9 is its length. The exam includes four separate sections (English, Math, Reading, and Science) and requires students to maintain concentration for two and a hours. Success on the exam depends not only on academic ability, but also on a student's capacity to stay focused and work efficiently over an extended period of time. Here is a breakdown of each of the sections seen on the PreACT 9:

The English section focuses on grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, usage, and writing effectiveness. Students are presented with passages and asked to identify the best revisions, correct grammatical errors, improve sentence flow, and strengthen organization. Questions frequently require students to understand comma usage, subject-verb agreement, sentence boundaries, transitions, and word choice. Students are tested on writing production (27-33% of questions), language knowledge (12-18% of questions), and English conventions (48-55% of questions), and students are given 35 minutes to answer 44 questions.

The Math section combines computational skills with higher-level reasoning. Students encounter questions involving algebra, geometry, ratios, proportions, statistics, and data analysis. Students must analyze information, interpret graphs, and choose efficient solution strategies while managing strict time limits. Students are tested on the real number system (10-13% of questions), algebra (20-27% of questions), functions (20-27% of questions), geometry (10-13% of questions), and statistics/probability (10-13%), and are given 45 minutes to answer 35 questions.

The Reading section involves reading passages drawn from literature, social studies, humanities, and science before answering questions that assess comprehension and analytical thinking. Rather than focusing solely on straightforward details, many questions require students to infer meaning, identify an author's purpose, evaluate tone, and determine how evidence supports an argument. The challenge lies in balancing speed with accuracy; students must process substantial amounts of information without sacrificing careful analysis. Students are tested on key ideas and details (52-60% of questions), craft and structure (28-36% of questions), and integration of knowledge and ideas (12-16% of questions), and are given 40 minutes to answer 33 questions.

For the Science section, many students enter the test expecting questions that emphasize memorized scientific facts, formulas, or vocabulary. Instead, the Science section is largely an exercise in data interpretation and reasoning. Students are presented with science-oriented reading passages, graphs, charts, experimental results, and research summaries. They must identify trends, evaluate conclusions, compare experimental designs, and draw logical inferences from evidence. In many cases, prior scientific knowledge plays a smaller role than the ability to analyze information quickly and accurately. Students who are comfortable reading tables and scientific passages, as well as interpreting visual data often perform well, even if they do not consider science to be their strongest subject. Students are tested on interpretation of data (23-50%), scientific investigation (15-35% of questions), and evaluation of models, inferences, and experiments (19-38% of questions), and are given 35 minutes to answer 32 questions.

Beyond the test itself, one of the most significant features of the PreACT 9 is the detailed score report students receive afterward. Unlike many admissions exams that provide only a single score, the PreACT 9 offers a comprehensive breakdown of performance across multiple areas. Students receive individual scores for English, Math, Reading, and Science, along with an overall composite score that reflects their performance across the entire assessment. This allows families to see where students excel and where additional support may be needed.

Test Prep Chicago can help your student prepare for the new PreACT 9. Note that Test Prep Chicago is a licensed participant in the NTPA ACT Affiliate Tutor Program. Through our connection, we have been aware that such a change might occur, and our team had already begun creating new PreACT 9 Secure curriculum. As such, students enrolled or looking to enroll in any courses or one-day workshops, or students beginning individual tutoring, can be assured that the content they are being taught will reflect the content seen on the new exam. All of our scheduled courses (sign up here) and one-day Palooza workshops (sign up here) will continue to run as planned, as will our individual tutoring sessions (sign up here), with the new PreACT 9 Secure content instead of the old CPS HSAT curriculum.

Why Test Prep Matters for the ACT: How Practice Makes Perfect

The ACT is more than just a test of what you know in math, English, reading, and science–it’s a test of how well you can apply those skills under time pressure. For many students, the difference between an average score and a standout score doesn’t come down to intelligence or effort in school, but to preparation. This is where focused ACT test prep makes a real and measurable difference.

Practice is essential for the ACT because it has its own structure, pacing, and logic. Even strong students can struggle if they aren’t familiar with the way questions are worded or how quickly they need to move through each section. Regular practice with practice exams, material seen on the exam, and keeping time helps students recognize patterns, anticipate common traps, and build confidence with the test format. Over time, this familiarity reduces anxiety and allows students to focus on accuracy rather than panic. The ACT is quite fast-paced, and, as such, while many students may know the material, they can still simply run out of time. Through consistent practice, students learn pacing strategies, when to move on from a difficult question, and how to maximize points by prioritizing accuracy on questions they can control. These are skills that rarely develop on their own without guided practice and feedback.

Targeted ACT prep also helps students identify and strengthen their weaknesses. Practice tests reveal patterns—maybe grammar rules are costing points in English, or data interpretation is an issue in Science. Once those gaps are clear, focused tutoring can turn weak areas into strengths. Instead of studying everything at once, students learn how to study smarter, not longer.

At Test Prep Chicago, we are a proud Licensed Provider of Official ACT® Content, our material includes Officially Licensed ACT® Content, making our practice tests some of the most accurate out there. We often see firsthand how structured preparation changes outcomes for students, regardless of where they are in their ACT prep journey. Our ACT tutoring is designed to combine content review, test-taking strategy instruction, and realistic practice so students know exactly what to expect on test day. Tutors can work one-on-one with students to personalize instruction, track progress, and adjust strategies as scores improve (sign-up here). We also have a summer ACT course coming up in July, perfect for students taking the exam in summer/fall of 2026 (sign up here)!

Average ACT and SAT Scores at Ivy League Universities

When people talk about Ivy League “cutoff scores” for the SAT and ACT, it’s important to start by correcting a common misconception: there are no official minimum scores that guarantee admission or automatically eliminate an application to an Ivy League school. Ivy League universities, which are elite, well-respected colleges with a rich American history, evaluate applicants holistically; they consider grades, course rigor, essays, recommendations, extracurricular involvement, character, and personal background alongside any standardized test scores that students choose to submit. Even so, understanding the average or typical score ranges of admitted students can be useful for setting goals and gauging competitiveness.

Across the Ivy League as a whole, SAT scores for admitted students are consistently far above the national average. Most schools report middle 50 percent SAT ranges that fall roughly between 1430 and 1580 on the 1600-point scale. While this range varies slightly by institution, many admitted students cluster toward the upper end, especially at the most selective schools. ACT scores follow a similar pattern, with most admitted students scoring between 33 and 35 out of 36, and a significant number earning scores at the very top of that range. Now, let’s break down average scores at each Ivy.

Harvard
At Harvard University, admitted students who submit SAT scores typically score near the top of the scale, often around 1550 to 1580, while ACT composite scores commonly fall between 34 and 36. 

Princeton
Princeton University shows very similar averages, with SAT scores usually landing in the low to high 1500s and ACT scores centered around 34 or 35. 

Yale
Yale University’s admitted students also post extremely strong results, with SAT scores often ranging from about 1500 to the mid-1500s and ACT scores generally in the low to mid-30s.

Penn
The University of Pennsylvania reports SAT scores for admitted students that commonly sit in the mid-1500s, alongside ACT composite scores around 34 or 35. 

Columbia
Columbia University’s averages closely mirror those of Harvard and Princeton, with SAT scores often falling between the low 1500s and upper 1500s and ACT scores clustered near the top of the scale. 

Brown
Brown University tends to show a slightly wider range, but its admitted students still usually score in the high 1400s to mid-1500s on the SAT and around 33 to 35 on the ACT.

Dartmouth
Dartmouth College, similarly, presents broader score ranges compared to some of the other Ivies, yet their averages remain highly competitive. Dartmouth’s admitted students frequently earn SAT scores in the high 1400s to mid-1500s and ACT scores in the low to mid-30s. 

Cornell
Cornell University, which is the largest Ivy League school, often reports SAT scores beginning in the mid-1400s and extending into the high 1500s, with ACT scores commonly ranging from about 32 to 35.

None of these averages should be mistaken for requirements or guarantees. Admissions offices at Ivy League universities consistently emphasize that standardized test scores are just one part of a much larger picture. A perfect SAT or ACT score does not ensure admission, and a score below the average does not automatically disqualify an applicant. Factors such as GPA, leadership, creativity, resilience, and impact outside the classroom often play a decisive role. Still, knowing typical SAT and ACT score ranges can help students understand how their scores compare to those of admitted students and decide whether submitting test results strengthens their overall application.

If you have a student looking to attend an Ivy League school, or any top American university, Test Prep Chicago can help. As a Licensed Provider of Official ACT® Content, our material includes Officially Licensed ACT® Content, making our practice tests some of the most accurate out there. Though our ACT and SAT prep courses have already begun, we are offering one-day workshops for students preparing for the ACT (enroll here), and can always provide individual tutoring (learn more and sign up here) for students preparing for one or both of the exams.

New: Mindset Reflections for ACT & SAT Prep Students Taking Practice Exams

Have a student enrolled in one of Test Prep Chicago’s ACT or SAT Prep courses, one-day workshops, or individual tutoring? We have great news: TPC has now implemented new, advanced analytical tools on our testing platform, Testpress, to help your student better understand their performance on our practice exams.

Once a student completes a Diagnostic or Final exam with us as part of one of our courses, or a Palooza Test as part of one of our one-day workshops, they receive access to detailed testing analytics, including information on their performance on each section, how many questions they left unanswered, how long they took on each question and each section, and more. Students also receive access to answer explanations for each question seen on the exam, regardless of whether they got it correct or not. 

Additionally, as students review the provided answer explanations for each question, they are now able to submit Mindset Reflections for any questions they answered incorrectly. Once submitted, students can access a detailed breakdown of their reflections, along with insights drawn from the pre- and post-exam questionnaires. This tool helps students understand why mistakes are occurring, identify recurring error patterns, and receive tailored test-taking strategies to support meaningful improvement as they continue to work toward success on the ACT and SAT.

If there is ever any confusion regarding how to use TPC’s Mindset Tool or access analytics on Tespress, students and parents alike can refer to our Testpress Tutorial Video (linked here). This video provides a step-by-step overview of how to log in to the platform, access materials, retake exams, review testing analytics, submit Mindset Reflections, and interpret the results. Parents are also welcome to reach out to our team, info@testprepchicago.com, with any questions at any time.

Have a student who is not yet enrolled in a course or workshop? There’s still time! TPC will be running one-day workshops (click here) for the ACT through early April, aligning perfectly with April ACT testing dates. Note that TPC is a Licensed Provider of Official ACT® Content, and our material includes Officially Licensed ACT® Content. For students looking for one-on-one prep, TPC offers individual tutoring (click here) for students taking either or both the ACT and SAT; individual students also get access to testing analytics and the benefits of Mindset Reflections!

Identifying Areas for Improvement: Steps to Take After an ACT Practice Test

Taking an ACT practice test can be a useful tool for understanding your strengths and weaknesses, but the real growth comes from analyzing your results afterward. Understanding exactly why a student made errors on a practice test can help them make strides in the next practice test, and on the real exam!

To identify areas for improvement, a student can start by reviewing every question they answered incorrectly or guessed on. It is important to pay attention not only to the questions themselves, but also to the type of mistakes made. Was it a misunderstanding of the content, a misreading of the question, a careless error, or a timing issue? Recognizing patterns in these mistakes is key to understanding where you need the most improvement. 

On that note, it can also help to categorize errors by subject or skill. In English, a student might notice recurring issues with punctuation, grammar rules, or sentence structure. In Math, there may be an issue with specific topics like algebra, geometry, or trigonometry. Science questions often test interpretation and reasoning skills rather than factual knowledge, so difficulties here may indicate challenges in reading and interpreting graphs or understanding experiments. The Reading comprehension section presents students with a variety of passage categories and includes questions relating to main ideas, inferences, and details. For this section, it will be useful to review which types of passages or questions caused the most trouble for your student.

Finally, timing is another important factor to consider when reviewing test results. If a student consistently runs out of time or rushes through sections, it may indicate a need for better pacing strategies in addition to content review. Analyzing the thought process a student had while answering questions can also provide insight. Did a student know how to solve a question, but felt too rushed to go through their learned methods? Did a student spend a huge chunk of time on a question they did not know how to solve? It is often better for a student to take their best guess at a difficult question, rather than waste 10 minutes pondering it, and thus lose crucial time on the rest of the section.

After identifying common and underlying patterns in mistakes, students should prioritize the areas that most frequently impact their score. Rather than memorizing answers, go back to the basics; what fundamentals are missing? Overall, consistent improvement comes from strengthening skills and habits. Students should try to keep track of progress over multiple practice tests to see if targeted practice is helping. While this may feel meticulous, it is one of the most effective ways to turn weaknesses into opportunities for improvement.

One of the most exciting elements of Test Prep Chicago’s one-day workshops is that they include an opportunity for students to get inside information on their mindsets and the “why” of the errors they are making. After taking an ACT practice exam based on a real ACT test (TPC is a Licensed Provider of Official ACT® Content, and our material includes Officially Licensed ACT® Content) and breaking for a pizza lunch, students review test-taking strategies, along with answer explanations how to solve each problem seen on the practice test. On our test-taking platform, Testpress, students will also have the opportunity to complete “Mindset Reflections,” for each question answered incorrectly. Once submitted, students can access a detailed breakdown of their reflections, along with insights drawn from the pre- and post-exam questionnaires. The purpose of Mindset Reflections is to help students understand why mistakes are occurring, identify recurring error patterns, and receive tailored test-taking strategies to support meaningful improvement. Interested in signing up for one of our ACT one-day workshops? Click here.

Test-Taking Tips for the ACT & SAT

Standardized tests like the ACT and SAT can feel intimidating, but strong test-taking skills can make a meaningful difference regardless of a student’s starting score. While content knowledge and preparation is important, success on these exams also depends heavily on strategy, pacing, and mindset. Understanding how to approach the test itself allows students to stay focused, avoid common pitfalls, and make the most of the time they have on test day.

Time Management

One of the most important skills for both the ACT and SAT is time management. Neither test is designed for students to leisurely work through every question, so pacing must be intentional and practiced. Students should work within official time limits when taking practice tests and develop an internal sense of how long they can spend on each question. If a question is taking too long, it is usually better to move on and return later if time allows. Both exams reward accuracy, but it is always better to make educated guesses and answer all questions on the test than to leave any unanswered, as there is no penalty for incorrect answers.

Familiarity

Familiarity with question types is another key factor. The ACT and SAT are highly predictable in structure, meaning students will see the same styles of questions repeatedly from test to test. When students know what a question is really asking, recognize common traps, and have common conversions, equations, and rules memorized, they can respond more efficiently and with greater confidence. 

Process of Elimination

Process of elimination is a powerful tool on both exams. Even when a student is unsure of the correct answer, removing clearly incorrect options increases the odds of choosing correctly. Many wrong answer choices are designed to sound reasonable but contain subtle errors, exaggerations, or ideas not supported by the text. Slowing down just enough to compare answer choices carefully can prevent avoidable mistakes, and can also improve the accuracy of educated guesses.

Avoid Rushing & Double Check Work

Students should pay close attention to instructions and question wording. Rushing through directions often leads to simple errors that have nothing to do with content knowledge. Taking a brief moment to understand the task and double-checking work and answers can save time and points overall.

Organization

For math sections, organization matters. Writing down steps, labeling diagrams, and keeping work neat helps to avoid careless errors, especially on multi-step problems. On both the ACT and SAT, where a calculator is available for the entire math section, students should still think critically about whether using the calculator is efficient or if mental math is faster. 

Active Reading

Reading and science-style sections benefit from active reading. Rather than trying to memorize details, students should focus on understanding the main idea, purpose, and structure of each passage. Denoting where important information is located makes it easier to answer questions quickly and accurately. In data-heavy sections, students should rely on charts, graphs, and tables instead of overanalyzing the surrounding text.

Mindset

Finally, mindset plays a major role in performance. Staying calm after a difficult question or section is critical, as one challenging problem does not determine the overall score. Students who maintain focus, trust their preparation, and keep moving forward tend to perform more consistently. With practice, smart strategies, and confidence, students can approach both the ACT and SAT prepared to show what they know and reach their testing goals.

One of the benefits of working with Test Prep Chicago on ACT and SAT Prep is that our material includes practicing and reviewing test-taking strategies for each section seen on both exams. Our practice tests also include mindset reflections for questions that students answered incorrectly, helping them to understand exactly what errors are preventing them from getting question types correctly and providing them with strategies to help them improve.

Though all of our ACT prep courses have already begun, we still have an SAT prep course available for enrollment (click here to sign up). We are also offering one-day ACT workshops (click here) in advance of April ACT testing dates. Note that TPC is a Licensed Provider of Official ACT® Content, and our material includes Officially Licensed ACT® Content. For students looking for a more personalized prep program, TPC also offers individual tutoring for students taking either or both the ACT and SAT. Click here to learn more.

A Breakdown of the ACT

Colleges use ACT and SAT scores alongside grades, extracurriculars, and interviews to evaluate applicants and determine admissions. Scoring well on the ACT can broaden your student’s horizons, allowing them admittance to additional schools and, in some cases, access to additional scholarships.

To maximize the opportunity the ACT presents, students need to have a clear understanding of the structure of the exam and a prior knowledge of what types of questions to expect. Test Prep Chicago is a Licensed Provider of Official ACT® Content, and our material includes Officially Licensed ACT® Questions. Thanks to this, we are in a uniquely strong position to offer insights into this exam.

Here is an overview of the sections you can expect to see on the ACT:

English (50 questions. 35 minutes. 42 seconds per question)

The English test includes six to seven personal and informational essays of varying lengths. Longer passages of ~340 words will be accompanied by 10 questions, and shorter passages of ~185 words will be accompanied by 5 questions. You will be tested on a variety of topics, including grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, style, tone, topic development, organization and cohesion.

Math (45 questions. 50 minutes. ~67 seconds per question)

The math test includes questions that require you to solve practical math problems using logical reasoning. Approximately 80% of the math questions test high school level concepts, with the remaining 20% focusing on complex, multi-step problems and applicable knowledge of those concepts. At least 20% of all problems in the math section utilize mathematical models, such as graphs, diagrams, charts, matrices, etc. Note that an approved calculator is allowed for the math section.

Reading (36 questions. 40 minutes. ~67 seconds per question)

The reading test consists of three long passages and a pair of short passages. Passages will include both literary narratives and informational texts from the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Each passage will have approximately 9 corresponding questions involving main ideas, details, point of view, and analysis of the author’s word choice and purpose.

Science* (40 questions. 40 minutes. 60 seconds per question)

The science test consists of six or seven passages that present scientific information from the natural sciences, including biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and astronomy. The information is presented in reading passages and graphic representations. Most questions in the science section will not test outside scientific knowledge but will instead rely more heavily on reading comprehension and interpretation of data. The answer to each question will typically be in the corresponding passage.

Writing* (1 prompt. 40 minutes.)

The writing test is a 40-minute essay designed to measure your writing skills. The prompt will present three different perspectives on a contemporary issue. You will be tasked with writing an essay in which you develop your own perspective on the issue and explore how it relates to at least one of the other perspectives. Essays are graded based on ideas and analysis, development and support, organization, and language use and conventions.

You can view upcoming ACT test dates and register your student for the exam at act.org. Test Prep Chicago offers 8-week ACT courses and one-day workshops throughout the city. We have many courses that begin the weekend of January 31st, that line up perfectly with the April 11th ACT testing date. You can register for one of our ACT courses here, and sign up for one of our one-day ACT Palooza workshops here. Want a more personalized approach that works with your schedule? Click here to see our individual tutoring options.

*The science and writing tests are optional for students testing privately. However, in Illinois public schools, students in grade 11 will take the ACT with writing, which includes tests in English, mathematics, reading, science, and writing.

Test Prep Chicago Partnership with Pinpoint Learning on August 30: A New Version of TPC's Test Prep Palooza One-Day Workshop for the CPS HSAT with Advanced Post-Exam Report

Test Prep Chicago is excited to announce a new CPS HSAT Palooza Workshop, created in partnership with the learning scientists at Pinpoint Learning. The 1-day workshop will take place this Saturday, August 30, at 10am at Horner Park.

Students will experience the authentic testing environment, exam material, and expert post-exam review that Test Prep Chicago is known for, plus gain exclusive access to Pinpoint, a PhD-designed testing tool that gives each student personalized insights into how they can improve.

Why We're Excited About Pinpoint

Pinpoint helps students understand the why behind every mistake. While traditional tests might stop at showing what answer they got wrong and which answer would be correct, Pinpoint goes further, prompting students to reflect on each error and uncover its root cause, so they can get the most out of every practice test.

Each student attending the workshop on Saturday will receive a Pinpoint Report analyzing their performance in four key areas:

- Reasons for Errors
- Problem Types
- Time Management
- Mindset Barriers

This gives every student a clear, research-backed path to improvement, so their prep time is focused and effective.

Students who have used Pinpoint report feeling less anxious, more motivated, and more confident, thanks to having a personalized plan they can follow with clarity and purpose.

Together, Test Prep Chicago and Pinpoint Learning will give students the tools they need to reach their full potential. With over a decade of experience helping students succeed on the CPS HSAT, and a science-backed system for personal growth, this workshop is designed to deliver real results.

If your student is preparing to take the CPS HSAT, we would love to see them at the workshop! Sign up for the workshop (Click Here) before it fills up!