Kelly Stock Educational Consulting, L.L.C.

Why do I need a tutor? Tutors can respond to students’ needs consistently. They evaluate strengths and weaknesses, improve study skills and assist with difficult concepts all in a safe/positive environment. A tutor can help you achieve a student’s desired level of success!

What is the ACT/SAT? The ACT and SAT are standardized college/university admissions tests used to compare students across the country.

What will a better ACT/SAT score mean for me? As your ACT/SAT score climbs, you will have more college/university options and you may be offered more scholarship dollars.

How many times should I take the ACT? We recommend that you plan on taking the ACT three times. The first test can be an intimidating new experience and this can impact your score. The second test should be your best effort to attain your best possible score. Having a third possible test date in mind is helpful if you would like to try again to improve your score. Use the national test date schedule below to select the appropriate test dates for you keeping in mind the various schedules for final exams, activities, vacations and such.

How do I register for the ACT ? After choosing the best date(s) for you to take the ACT test, register for the test at www.act.org.

When should I take the ACT? We recommend the following ACT tests based on your year in high school and when you will take or have taken Algebra II (Algebra II is the highest level math tested on the ACT).

Seniors: your last chance to take the ACT before college applications are due is usually the SEPTEMBER test and in some cases the OCTOBER OR DECEMBER tests.  Consult with the colleges you are applying to.

Juniors currently studying Algebra II: the SEPTEMBER or APRIL national tests are good first exams to take because they are TIR tests.  See explanation of TIR below.

Juniors who took Algebra II their sophomore year: you would be ready to take the exam in SEPTEMBER or OCTOBER, but I highly recommend taking the SEPTEMBER test because it is a TIR exam.  See explanation of TIR below.

Sophomores currently studying Algebra II: the JUNE or SEPTEMBER (junior year) tests would be good first tests to sit for because both are TIR tests and you would be finished with the Algebra II curriculum by the JUNE exam.  See explanation of TIR below.

Should I take the writing test with the ACT?

Fewer schools are requiring students to sit for the optional essay portion of the ACT.

Who should take the optional Essay portion on the ACT?

• Strong writers (a great essay score will look impressive to admissions’ counselors)
• Students who are applying to schools that require the essay portion of the ACT (see some schools listed below)
• Students who aren’t 100% sure of the colleges they would like to apply to and may change their mind and apply to a college that does require the essay.

The essay can’t be taken as a separate test.  If you apply to a college that requires the essay, you will need to submit an ACT score that has the essay score included on it.  In other words, if the ACT tests you sat for were all tests without the essay, you will need to sit for the entire ACT test again and take the essay portion.  This will then be the only ACT composite score you could submit to colleges that require the essay piece.  The exception to this is if a school superscores.  Then you only need to take the essay one time as long as your score is in the 6-10 range.

The essay score is not included in the composite ACT score.

Verify your school’s requirement by checking its website.

What is TIR? As stated on the www.actstudent.org website..

If you order and pay for a Test Information Release (TIR) form and test at a national test center on a national test date that offers this service, you will receive a list of your answers, a copy of the multiple-choice test questions used to determine your score, the answer key, and scoring instructions. (If you took the Writing Test, you will also receive a copy of the writing prompt, the scoring rubric, and the scores assigned to your essay by two readers.) Information about ordering a photocopy of your answer document (including your essay if you took the Writing Test) for an additional fee will be included with your materials.

If possible, you should try to schedule your first ACT when the ACT offers the TIR (Test Information Release) option.  For a fee of $25, you can order the test your student took, their answers, and the correct answers.  It is a great way to study for future exams because you can narrow in on areas that are difficult for you.  This information is also helpful when meeting one on one with the tutor.   You can order the TIR option when you register for the ACT. Keep in mind that the TIR is only available for the September, April (just the national April exam not the MN state exam given during the school day in the MN public schools) and June test dates.

If you didn’t order the TIR during the time of registration, you can complete and mail the release order form located at www.act.org up to six months after sitting for the exam.

What are the scheduled dates for the ACT?

2022-2023 Test Dates (National)