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)!

National Test Prep Association Meeting with the College Board: Important Updates on the SAT

Recently, the National Test Prep Association met with the College Board, which provided some quality insights into SAT changes and updates, including meaningful improvements in how the exam is administered. Many of these changes are especially relevant for students and families navigating the testing process and preparing to take the exam for the 2026-2027 admissions cycle. Below, Test Prep Chicago outlines the most notable changes, and how these adjustments can benefit or impact your student and their test-taking experience.

Afternoon Testing

One of the biggest shifts is the introduction of afternoon testing at select commercial locations, such as hotels and convention centers. This past year, in addition to the traditional 8:00am start time, some students in California were able to take the March SAT at 1:00 PM, which went smoothly. If things continue to look good from a scoring and data perspective, this afternoon testing option is expected to return for students in the fall. For now, though, the College Board plans to limit afternoon testing to these larger commercial sites, since offering it at schools would create logistical challenges and make for an unusually long school day for staff.

Travel Benefits
For many families, this new afternoon option could make test day significantly easier from a travel perspective as well. Students who live far from a testing center often have to travel the day before and stay overnight in order to make it to an early morning exam. With a 1:00pm start time, those same students can now theoretically travel on the morning of the test and return home later that day, saving both time and money. It’s a small scheduling change that can have a big impact, especially for students in areas with little to no testing locations.

Overall Access
Access to testing continues to be a major focus overall. The College Board is actively tracking how far students have to travel to take the SAT, and the trend is moving in a positive direction. In California, for example, the average distance students traveled dropped significantly in just one year, thanks to the addition of more testing sites, the use of commercial locations, and the inclusion of afternoon testing. Efforts like these are expected to continue across the country, with the goal of making the SAT more convenient and accessible for all students.

SAT Security
Families can also feel reassured that test security remains a top priority. The College Board designs the SAT so that no two students receive exactly the same test, making it also extremely unlikely for a student to see the same question twice across different test dates. They also actively monitor for any leaked or compromised questions and remove them from use right away. This helps ensure that scores remain fair and that no group of students has an unfair advantage. Families should also note and factor this important information in as their student prepares for the SAT.

Tools for Preparation
At the same time, there are ongoing efforts to improve the tools students have access to in order to prepare. Updates are in the works for the official Question Bank, with the goal of making it easier to navigate and more useful for targeted practice. The “Practice Additional Questions” feature, which is tied to score reports, is also being refined so students can better focus on the areas where they need the most improvement. While there is no official timeline for these updates yet, they reflect a broader effort to make official prep resources more effective and student-friendly.

Test Prep Chicago can help you harness this information, along with the College Board's practice tools, in order to prepare for the SAT. Through our practice tests (which are based on real SATs), targeted homework assignments, focused SAT Math & Reading material, and test-taking strategies for both specific sections, taught by professional and experienced SAT tutors, TPC can help your student succeed on test day, no matter where they are testing. For students taking the exam this spring, sign up for individual tutoring now here while there is still time! For students taking the exam later in 2026 or in early 2027, learn more about our summer SAT prep course here. We can also provide individual tutoring for the SAT here at any time.

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.

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.

How the ACT & SAT Can Affect Scholarship Opportunities for Students

ACT and SAT scores do more than influence college admissions; they can also play a critical role in scholarship opportunities. Many merit-based scholarships consider standardized test scores as part of their eligibility criteria, making strong performance on the ACT or SAT a potential financial advantage.

Some scholarships use ACT or SAT scores as a straightforward cutoff. For example, a scholarship might require a minimum SAT score of 1300 or an ACT composite score of 28 in order to qualify. Students who meet or exceed these thresholds may automatically be considered, while those below the cutoff are ineligible. These types of awards make test performance a clear, measurable factor in scholarship eligibility.

Other scholarships are more holistic, using ACT and SAT scores alongside GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and leadership experience. In these cases, a higher test score can strengthen a student’s overall application, improving their chances of receiving an award, even if it isn’t the sole deciding factor. Some programs weigh test scores heavily, while others use them as a tie-breaker when multiple candidates meet other criteria.

Overall, scholarship requirements can vary widely. Some state and university programs set minimum scores for eligibility, while private organizations may consider a combination of scores and achievements. Early research into scholarship criteria helps students target their preparation and set a target score, ensuring their test performance aligns with potential funding opportunities.

Ultimately, strong ACT or SAT scores can open doors to financial support that makes college more affordable. At Test Prep Chicago, we can help to ensure that students are scoring where they need to in order to be considered for life-changing academic and merit-based scholarships. Although our ACT prep courses have already begun, we have an SAT prep course that is still available for enrollment (click here). We also offer 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 offers individual tutoring for students taking either or both the ACT and SAT. Click here to learn more.

Superscoring on the ACT & SAT: How it Works

Superscoring is a college admissions practice that can significantly benefit students who take the ACT or SAT more than once. Rather than evaluating a single test date in isolation, colleges that superscore consider a student’s highest section scores across multiple test dates and combine them to create the strongest possible overall score. The practice has become popular among many top universities over the last few years, and understanding how superscoring works can help families make smarter test prep decisions.

For the SAT, superscoring is straightforward. The SAT has two main sections: Reading/Writing, and Math. When a college superscores the SAT, it takes the highest Reading/Writing score from one test date and the highest Math score from another test date, even if those scores were earned on different days. These two best-section scores are added together to create a new, higher composite score. For example, a student might earn a stronger Math score on one test and a stronger Reading/Writing score on another, and both scores can count toward the final superscore.

ACT superscoring works slightly differently, but follows the same general principle. The ACT has four main sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Colleges that superscore the ACT take the highest score earned in each of these four sections across all test dates. They then average those four highest section scores to calculate a new ACT composite score. This means a student could improve their English score on one test, their Math score on another, and still benefit from both improvements when applying to superscoring universities.

It is important to note that superscoring policies vary by college. Some schools superscore both the ACT and SAT, while some superscore only one exam, while others do not superscore at all. Colleges that superscore typically allow students to submit all test scores and will automatically calculate the highest possible superscore during the admissions review process. Because policies can change, it is always wise for students to confirm each school’s testing policy directly.

Though superscoring can be a useful tool, students should still aim for balanced performance, as some colleges may consider all submitted scores in context, even if they ultimately rely on the superscore. Test Prep Chicago can help students improve their ACT and SAT scores. While all of our ACT prep courses have already begun, we still have an SAT prep course available for enrollment (click here). We will also be 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 offers individual tutoring for students taking either or both the ACT and SAT; for students who plan to take the test more than once, individual tutoring between exams can help students improve their scores from test to test. Click here to learn more.

A Breakdown of the SAT

Colleges use SAT scores, in addition to students’ grades, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations, to evaluate applicants and determine admissions offers. Scoring well on the SAT can broaden a student’s college opportunities and give students access to academic and merit-based scholarships. To maximize the opportunity that the SAT presents, students should have a clear understanding of the structure of the exam and prior knowledge of the types of questions they will encounter. Test Prep Chicago stays up to date with the latest SAT format and question styles, putting us in a strong position to help students prepare effectively. Below is an overview of what students can expect to see on the SAT.

The SAT is a fully digital exam, often referred to as the Digital SAT, that is made up of two main sections: Reading/Writing, and Math. Both sections are divided into 2 equal-length modules, and includes a 10-minute break between sections (but not modules). The SAT now utilizes an adaptive testing format, meaning the difficulty of the second module in each section depends on how well a student performs on the first module. Strong performance early on can lead to more challenging questions that allow students to demonstrate higher-level skills and earn a higher score. Because of this structure, familiarity with question types and pacing is especially important.

The Reading and Writing section is 64 minutes long and includes 54 questions divided into two modules. Rather than long passages, students will see short passages paired with a single question. These questions assess skills such as grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, rhetorical skills, vocabulary in context, and reading comprehension. Passages may be drawn from literature, history, social studies, or science, and students are expected to analyze ideas, improve written text, and interpret information efficiently. Time management is critical, as students will have just over one minute per question.

The Math section is 70 minutes long and includes 44 questions, also divided into two modules. Questions focus on algebra, advanced math, problem-solving and data analysis, and geometry and trigonometry. Many questions are multi-step and require students to apply logical reasoning to real-world scenarios. A built-in graphing calculator is available for the entire math section, and students are expected to know how to use it strategically. Roughly a third of the math questions involve interpreting models such as graphs, tables, or equations, emphasizing both accuracy and efficiency.

With a clear understanding of the SAT’s format and expectations, students can approach test day with confidence. You can view upcoming SAT test dates and register your student for the exam at satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat. Test Prep Chicago is offering an 8-week SAT course (click here to sign up) that lines up perfectly with both the May 2nd and June 6th SAT testing dates. Want a more personalized approach that works with your schedule? Click here to see our individual tutoring options.

How Colleges Really Interpret SAT and ACT Scores

In addition to grades, extracurriculars, and interviews, the SAT and ACT continue to play an important role in how colleges evaluate applicants. Strong performance on either test can provide a meaningful advantage in a competitive college application process.

Colleges use SAT and ACT scores primarily to help them understand a student’s academic readiness compared to other students across the country. High school transcripts vary widely in grading standards, course availability, and academic rigor depending on the school a student attends, so test scores help to provide a more standardized method of understanding a student's academic performance. Note that scores are typically viewed in ranges rather than as hard cutoffs, and they are interpreted alongside GPA, course rigor, and trends over time.

The SAT is often read as a strong indicator of reasoning. Its focus on evidence-based reading and math allows colleges to assess how well students can analyze texts, interpret information, and apply foundational mathematical concepts. Admissions officers tend to view strong SAT scores as confirmation that a student’s classroom success reflects real mastery of core academic skills. The ACT, while equally respected, provides different information to admissions committees. Its faster pacing and broader subject coverage, including the science section, allow colleges to see how students perform under time pressure across multiple disciplines. Strong ACT scores are often interpreted as evidence of content knowledge, efficiency, and academic stamina. 

Importantly, colleges do not prefer one exam over the other. SAT and ACT scores are converted so they can be evaluated on the same scale. From an admissions standpoint, the value lies not in which test a student takes, but in how clearly that score reflects readiness for college-level work. This is why preparation matters; a well-prepared score signals discipline, familiarity with the exam’s structure, and the ability to perform at a student’s true academic level. Colleges understand that just as much as standardized tests are knowledge-based, they are also skills-based, and they expect scores to reflect preparation as much as academic talent.

Admissions officers also read scores in context. A score is evaluated relative to a student’s high school, available coursework, and opportunities. A strong score from a student who attended a school with limited advanced classes can carry significant weight, while a similar score from a highly resourced environment may be interpreted differently. In this way, test scores help colleges identify students who have made the most of their circumstances and demonstrated academic initiative and a desire to learn.

Ultimately, colleges view the SAT and ACT as important tools because they provide a standardized method of interpreting academic ability in an admissions landscape that is highly variable. These exams allow students to demonstrate readiness, resilience, and mastery in a format that colleges trust and understand. With thoughtful preparation, the SAT and ACT can be opportunities for students to take control of how their academic abilities are seen and evaluated. 

 While many of the public high schools in Chicago now only administer the ACT, many students choose to take the SAT or both exams. If your child is planning to take either assessment, Test Prep Chicago can help them prepare. We offer one-day ACT prep workshops (click here), ACT prep courses (click here), SAT prep courses (click here), or individual tutoring for either (or both) exams (click here). TPC can offer your student in-depth tutoring and prep material for each section on each exam, practice tests, test-taking strategies, testing analytics, and homework that helps to reinforce said strategies and material, ensuring that your student succeeds no matter what college entrance exam they plan on taking. 

The ACT vs. the SAT: What You Need to Know

As students move closer to college applications, one big question often comes up: should my student take the ACT or the SAT? Both exams are widely accepted by colleges across the country, and neither test is considered “better” overall. That said, understanding how the ACT and SAT differ can help students choose the test that best fits them.

The SAT focuses heavily on reasoning, problem-solving, and working carefully through questions. It includes sections on Reading, Writing and Language, and Math, with an optional essay that very few colleges now require. The math section places a strong emphasis on algebra, data analysis, and word problems that require careful reading. The reading passages often involve complex vocabulary and ask students to analyze tone, evidence, and meaning. The SAT gives students a bit more time per question than the ACT (about 15-25 seconds more time per question), which can be helpful for students who like to think slowly and double-check their work.

The ACT, on the other hand, is faster-paced and more content-based. It includes four required sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional writing section. The ACT English section focuses strongly on grammar rules and editing skills, while the math section covers a wider range of topics, including geometry and trigonometry. One major difference is the Science section, which tests students on how well they can interpret charts, graphs, and experiments rather than how much science content they have memorized. Because the ACT moves quickly, students must work efficiently and make decisions fast.

Students who tend to do well on the SAT are often strong readers, careful thinkers, and comfortable with multi-step problems. If a student prefers fewer questions with more time to think, enjoys analyzing passages, and feels confident with algebra and word problems, the SAT may be a better fit. The SAT can also feel more manageable for students who struggle with time pressure.

The ACT is often a better choice for students who work quickly, feel confident with grammar rules, and are comfortable switching between topics at a fast pace. Students who enjoy straightforward questions, do well interpreting graphs and data, and have strong math skills across many topics may find the ACT plays to their strengths. Students who are less intimidated by time limits often prefer the ACT’s style.

Many students don’t know which test suits them best until they try both. Taking a practice SAT and ACT is often the smartest way to decide, since real performance matters more than general preferences. Colleges accept scores from either exam equally, so the goal is simply to choose the test that allows a student to show their best abilities. Additionally, many of the public high schools in Chicago now only administer the ACT, which results in many students taking it each year. If your child is planning to take the ACT or SAT, Test Prep Chicago can help them prepare through one-day ACT prep workshops (click here), ACT prep courses (click here), SAT prep courses (click here), or individual tutoring for either (or both) exams (click here). TPC can offer your student in-depth tutoring and prep material for each section on each exam, practice tests, test-taking strategies, and homework that helps to reinforce said strategies and material, ensuring that your student succeeds no matter what college entrance exam they plan on taking.

Considerations When Applying to Test-Optional Colleges

An increased number of colleges and universities across the country went to a test-optional admissions process during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it appears that many of these schools are making the changes permanent. In a test-optional landscape, there are several important factors to consider to optimize your college application.

An important consideration is that your grades may be weighted more if you do not submit a test score. If you do not feel your grades are indicative of your academic potential, a strong test score would augment your application. Alternatively, if your grades are strong and you tend to score poorly on tests, an admissions exam may not be as appropriate. The same can be said for extracurricular activities and achievements–keep in mind that these parts of your application may be more closely scrutinized in the event that you do not submit a test score.

Additionally, be sure to check if the school to which you are applying is test-optional (meaning you get to decide if you submit any scores), test-flexible (meaning they will consider additional tests other than the SAT or the ACT), or test-blind (meaning they will not consider test scores even if you submit them). Some schools that are test-optional for admissions require test scores to be considered for merit-based scholarships, so make sure you understand the policy of each school.

Understanding the various options available to you will allow to you choose a path forward that will best highlight your skills and interests to the admissions committee.

Anna Jordan, Tutoring Coordinator
anna@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266