Amazing Education’s ACT Preparation Courses

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The ACT remains a critical component of college admissions, particularly for Ivy League and other top-tier universities, as it provides a standardized measure to evaluate applicants’ academic readiness. While many schools have adopted test-optional policies, a strong ACT score:

Enhances your application and demonstrates academic ability.

Can strengthen your candidacy for scholarships and merit-based aid.

Is a benchmark that supports GPA and extracurricular achievements in the application process.

In recent years, Ivy League and other top-tier universities have adjusted their standardized testing policies, particularly concerning the SAT and ACT. Here’s an overview of the latest requirements:

Reinstating Test Requirements:

Several prestigious institutions have reinstated mandatory SAT or ACT score submissions for upcoming admissions cycles:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): MIT was among the first elite universities to reinstate SAT/ACT requirements after temporarily adopting test-optional policies during the pandemic.

Harvard University: For enrollment in Fall 2025 (Class of 2029), Harvard will require standardized test scores.

Brown University: Test requirements will be reinstated for students enrolling in Fall 2025 (Class of 2029).

Dartmouth College: Standardized test scores will be mandatory for Fall 2025 admissions (Class of 2029).

Yale University: Adopting a test-flexible policy, Yale will require standardized test scores for Fall 2025 enrollment (Class of 2029).

California Institute of Technology (Caltech): Test requirements will resume for students enrolling in Fall 2025 (Class of 2029).

Stanford University: Standardized test scores will be required for Fall 2026 admissions (Class of 2030).

Continuing Test-Optional Policies:

Some institutions have chosen to extend their test-optional policies:

Princeton University: Continuing with a test-optional policy for upcoming admissions cycles.

University of Pennsylvania: Maintaining a test-optional stance for the near future.

Cornell University: Extending test-optional policies for upcoming admissions.

Recommendations for Applicants:

Stay Informed: Regularly check the official admissions websites of your target universities for the most current information on standardized testing requirements.

Consider Submitting Scores: Even if a university is test-optional, strong SAT or ACT scores can enhance your application by demonstrating academic readiness.

Holistic Application: Remember that admissions decisions are based on multiple factors, including GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.

It’s crucial to stay updated on each institution’s specific requirements and consider how submitting test scores may impact your individual application.

Ivy League and Top-Tier Universities’ ACT Requirements（for reference only）

Ivy League and other top-tier universities in the United States are renowned for their highly competitive admissions processes. While many have adopted test-optional policies in recent years, submitting strong ACT scores can enhance an applicant’s profile. Below is an overview of the ACT score ranges for admitted students at these prestigious institutions:

Ivy League Universities:

University	ACT Score Range (25th – 75th Percentile)
Brown University	33 – 35
Columbia University	34 – 35
Cornell University	32 – 35
Dartmouth College	32 – 35
Harvard University	33 – 35
University of Pennsylvania	33 – 35
Princeton University	33 – 35
Yale University	33 – 35

Note: These ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students’ scores; 25% scored below and 25% scored above these ranges.

思维学院

Other Top-Tier Universities:

University	ACT Score Range (25th – 75th Percentile)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	34 – 36
Stanford University	32 – 35
University of Chicago	33 – 35
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	35 – 36
Duke University	33 – 35
Northwestern University	33 – 35
Johns Hopkins University	33 – 35
Vanderbilt University	34 – 35

Note: These ranges are approximate and can vary slightly based on the source and admission cycle.

SAT and ACT Concordance Table:

To compare SAT and ACT scores, the College Board and ACT have established concordance tables. Below is a simplified version:

SAT Total Score	ACT Composite Score
1570 – 1600	36
1530 – 1560	35
1490 – 1520	34
1450 – 1480	33
1420 – 1440	32
1390 – 1410	31
1360 – 1380	30
1330 – 1350	29
1300 – 1320	28
1260 – 1290	27
1230 – 1250	26
1200 – 1220	25
1160 – 1190	24
1130 – 1150	23
1100 – 1120	22
1060 – 1090	21
1030 – 1050	20
990 – 1020	19
960 – 980	18
920 – 950	17
880 – 910	16
830 – 870	15
780 – 820	14
730 – 770	13
690 – 720	12
650 – 680	11
620 – 640	10
590 – 610	9

Note: This table provides approximate equivalents between SAT and ACT scores.

Key Considerations:

Holistic Admissions: While strong ACT scores are advantageous, these universities employ a holistic review process. Factors such as GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation are also critical components of an application.

Test-Optional Policies: Due to recent global events, many institutions have adopted test-optional policies. Applicants should research each university’s current testing requirements and consider whether submitting ACT scores will strengthen their application.

Superscoring: Some universities consider the highest section scores across multiple ACT test dates, a practice known as superscoring. Applicants should verify each institution’s policy on superscoring to make informed decisions about multiple test attempts.

Recommendations for Applicants:

Research Individual Requirements: Each university may have unique admissions criteria and policies. It’s essential to consult the official admissions websites of the universities to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Aim for Competitive Scores: While meeting the average ACT score range is beneficial, higher scores can enhance an application, especially in a competitive applicant pool.

Comprehensive Application: Beyond standardized test scores, focus on maintaining a strong academic record, engaging in meaningful extracurricular activities, crafting compelling personal statements, and securing strong letters of recommendation.

However, while ACT scores are a significant aspect of the admissions process at Ivy League and top-tier universities, they are part of a broader evaluation of an applicant’s overall achievements and potential contributions to the university community.

Overview of the ACT Exam

The ACT is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States and evaluates a student’s readiness for college. It covers English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section. The ACT measures a broad range of skills across these domains, making it an essential component of college applications for many institutions.

ACT Exam Structure and Question Types

Section	Number of Questions	Time Allotted	Content Areas
English	75 questions	45 minutes	Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and style.
Math	60 questions	60 minutes	Algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and problem-solving.
Reading	40 questions	35 minutes	Reading comprehension and analysis of prose passages.
Science	40 questions	35 minutes	Data representation, research summaries, and conflicting viewpoints.
Writing (Optional)	1 essay	40 minutes	Argument analysis and persuasive writing.

Question Types and Examples

English Section

Grammar and Usage

Example: Which choice corrects the sentence?
Original: The dogs bark loudly at night, they often wake the neighbors.

(A) loudly at night; they often wake

(B) loudly at night, and they often wake

(C) loudly at night. They often wake

(D) No change.

Style and Sentence Flow

Example: Choose the sentence that most effectively combines the ideas.

Math Section

Algebra and Functions

Example: Solve 2x+5=152x + 5 = 152x+5=15. What is xxx?

(A) 3

(B) 4

(C) 5

(D) 6

Geometry

Example: What is the area of a circle with radius 4? (Use π=3.14\pi = 3.14π=3.14)

(A) 12.56

(B) 25.12

(C) 50.24

(D) 75.36

Trigonometry

Example: If sin⁡θ=35\sin \theta = \frac{3}{5}sinθ=53​, what is cos⁡θ\cos \thetacosθ?

(A) 45\frac{4}{5}54​

(B) 35\frac{3}{5}53​

(C) 15\frac{1}{5}51​

(D) 54\frac{5}{4}45​

Reading Section

Passage Comprehension

Example: What is the author’s primary argument in the passage?

Passage excerpt: “Community projects have the potential to transform neighborhoods.”

Choices:

(A) Projects are costly and unsustainable.

(B) Projects benefit small businesses.

(C) Projects create jobs and improve community ties.

(D) Projects rely heavily on government funding.

Science Section

• Data Representation
  • Example: Based on the graph, what is the relationship between temperature and pressure?
• Research Summaries
  • Example: Which hypothesis is best supported by the experiment results?

Writing Section (Optional)

• Example Prompt: “Should schools implement a four-day school week to improve student well-being? Write a persuasive essay supporting your view.”

ACT Preparation Tips and Strategies

English Preparation

Understand Grammar Rules: Focus on punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills.

Read for Style: Practice recognizing effective transitions and sentence clarity.

Time Management: Complete 75 questions in 45 minutes by pacing yourself to roughly 30 seconds per question.

Math Preparation

Memorize Key Formulas: Familiarize yourself with geometry and algebra equations.

Focus on Weak Areas: Identify and practice areas such as trigonometry or word problems.

Timed Practice: Simulate exam conditions to improve speed.

Reading Preparation

Skim Strategically: Quickly identify the main idea, tone, and key details.

Practice Inference: Focus on questions that ask for the author’s purpose or implied ideas.

Annotate Passages: Highlight important parts to avoid rereading.

Science Preparation

Focus on Graphs and Data: Practice reading tables, charts, and experimental summaries.

Understand Scientific Reasoning: Focus on cause-effect relationships in experiments.

Ignore Technical Jargon: Pay attention to the information needed to answer questions.

Amazing Education’s ACT Preparation Courses

Short-Term Intensive Courses

Course Name	Duration	Content Areas	Sample Activity
ACT English Bootcamp	4 weeks, 5x/week	Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure	Complete 50 grammar drills in one timed session.
ACT Math Crash Course	4 weeks, 5x/week	Algebra, geometry, trigonometry	Solve timed practice sets on trigonometry.
Mock Test Series	Weekly	Full-length practice tests with feedback	Simulate real test conditions with score analysis.

Long-Term Comprehensive Programs

Course Name	Duration	Content Areas	Sample Activity
Comprehensive ACT Prep	12 weeks, 3x/week	Covers all ACT sections, including writing	Timed passage analysis for reading improvement.
Math Focus Program	12 weeks, 3x/week	High-level math problems, formula application	Solve real ACT problems with step-by-step guidance.
Writing Workshop	8 weeks, 2x/week	Argument and persuasive essay writing	Craft and revise essays based on ACT prompts.

Module-Based Courses

Course Module	Focus Area	Example Questions
Grammar Essentials	Sentence structure, punctuation	Identify errors and rewrite sentences correctly.
Advanced Math Drills	Trigonometry, functions	Solve complex trigonometric problems.
Scientific Reasoning	Data analysis, experiment review	Analyze tables and infer results.

Why Choose Amazing Education?

Expert Coach: Experienced ACT instructors with proven track records.

Customized Plans: Tailored courses for different levels and schedules.

Comprehensive Resources: Access to practice tests, worksheets, and online tools.

Holistic Support: Guidance on time management, stress reduction, and test strategies.

With Amazing Education’s structured courses, expert guidance, and personalized support, students can confidently prepare for the ACT and achieve their best possible scores.

Amazing Education helps prepare students in all varieties of academic tests and planning, including: