Frequently asked questions

The short answer is the earlier the better. Middle school is a great time to make sure students have a solid foundation set. If students learn good techniques to master content, they will have a more fruitful high-school career and will be better prepared for standardized testing.

Some students are great self-learners. Autodidactic students usually have less stress when figuring out things on their own. Even then, it may take more time for these students to learn the information needed to higher scores. Having a great program and instructor can save time and help increase the chances of achieving goal scores.

Spaced repetition is the most effective form of studying for standardized tests. Both the ACT and SAT test content knowledge. Students must be able to recall a lot of rules and show mastery of key skills. Practicing frequently for shorter periods of time helps to strengthen recall. Five 20-30 minutes sessions over a week is more effective in strengthening recall than one 2-hour session in the same window of time.

Our courses are for motivated students who are ready to grow. Whether you’re aiming to break into the 20s or fine-tune your performance into the 30s, we have a track for you: • Foundations ACT: For students scoring 24 or below • Performance ACT A & B: For students scoring 25 or higher • Elite ACT Course: For students scoring 30 or above

We place students based on their most recent ACT score (or diagnostic). Not sure which level fits? Reach out to us and we’ll help guide you to the right course based on your goals and scoring patterns.

To provide personalized attention: • In-person classes are capped at 20 students • The Elite ACT Course is capped at 15 students This allows us to maintain a coaching-style approach with feedback for each learner.

Each course runs through at least two ACT Test Dates. This allows students to have multiple opportunities to sit for the test and better prepare for the final test in the cycle. On average, courses can range from eight to 12 weeks.

Each course includes: • Live instruction • Weekly practice and review • Full access to course materials • Presentations, practice tools subscriptions, AES library of reference resources • Support and feedback from your instructor • Eligibility for the Score Guarantee, if requirements are met

If you attend all classes, complete all homework, and take the ACT within 30 days of finishing the course, you're eligible. If your score doesn't improve, you’ll be invited to a free Clean-Up Course to continue working toward your goals.

We’ll provide materials and feedback to help you stay on track. To stay eligible for the guarantee, students should not miss more than two sessions without prior approval.

Students must bring a laptop or tablet to class and have internet access at home. All other materials are provided.

Students should plan to take the ACT multiple times, ideally 3–5 attempts across their high school years. I usually recommend starting midway through sophomore year if possible, which gives students time to become familiar with the test, build their skills, and improve over several testing windows before college application deadlines. One helpful way to think about the ACT is like a sport. Each test is a different opponent. Every exam contains a slightly different mix of skills—some tests may include more questions that align with a student’s strengths, while others may lean more heavily on areas that are more challenging. Because of this, a score reflects not only preparation and ability, but also the matchup of that particular test. The goal is to prepare well, strengthen key skills, and give yourself several opportunities to perform at your best. Many students see their highest score on their second, third, or even fourth attempt, once they are more comfortable with the pacing and format. Starting earlier removes pressure and gives students room to grow. Instead of everything riding on one test date, each attempt becomes another opportunity to apply what they’ve learned and improve. Preparation builds your ability. Multiple attempts give you the opportunity to show it.