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If you're wondering where to begin in your college application process, Varsity Tutors can get you set up with a Chicago ACT course to help jump start you in your next steps towards your academic career. Whether you have dreams of becoming an English professor or have your heart set on becoming a psychologist, college admissions exams are a significant part of the application process.
It is common for students at Chicago schools like Walter Payton College Prep and Whitney M. Young Magnet High School to choose to take the ACT for college admission. Your ACT result plays an integral role in your application to college and it is helpful to prepare early-on with an organized study plan.
Preparing to take the ACT can feel as nerve-racking as signing up for a marathon at the beginning, but we are here to help you through the process. By registering for a Chicago ACT course, you gain access to review courses which are live, interactive, and taught by expert instructors who are aptly prepared to help you do your own personal best in the ACT. And because the more you know going into the test, the more likely you are to feel more confident and receive better scores, our courses help you to understand the ways in which the ACT sections are organized. Let's take a moment to learn more about the nature of the test.
What are the topics that a Chicago ACT class helps me to study?
The ACT is organized into four parts, which you can become more familiar with in a Chicago ACT class: Math, Science, Reading, and English, with an added optional Writing section. Without breaks, the ACT lasts 2 hours and 55 minutes. Students who opt to take the Writing portion are given 3 hours and 35 minutes to complete the exam. It is strongly recommended that students answer each question on the test, even if they are unsure of the answer, because there is no guessing penalty.
During the Math section, you will be given one hour to answer 60 multiple-choice questions, which cover subjects including Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry. These questions are written based on the skills that you are likely to have learned by the beginning of your senior year in high school. Topics that are helpful to review may include interpreting equations, analyzing and applying graphs, calculating solid measurements and geometric shapes, and answering questions based on functions, probabilities, distributions, and data. You will be allowed to use certain types of calculators for this section of the exam.
In the Science portion, you will be asked 40 multiple-choice questions in 35 minutes. These questions are related to the subjects of Earth and Space Sciences, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. When studying for this part of the test, it will be helpful to review applying data that is presented in various modalities and conceptualizing the process of scientific experimentation and research. In some instances, a brief experimental section will follow the Science section and your answers to these questions will not be scored.
When you move onto the Reading section, you will be given 35 minutes to answer 40 multiple-choice questions. These questions are based on a series of passages with accompanying question sets. These passages are generally written at a first-year college reading level. Useful concepts to review for this part of the test may include word definitions, drawing connections between texts, and pointing out central themes.
The English section will involve 75 multiple-choice questions asked over the course of 45 minutes. These questions are written to assess your understanding of the English language. For this section, you'll want to review English topics such as punctuation, sentence structure, and grammar.
Lastly, you can also choose to take a Writing section. In this part of the test, which lasts 40 minutes, you will be given an essay prompt that gives you an issue with three different standpoints. Your goal will be to explain your own viewpoint on this issue and then to draw relationships between your perspective and one or more of the opinions presented in the question. Useful methods for mastering this part of the test may include drafting and organizing paragraphs and analyzing and drawing connections between differing thoughts.
How can a Chicago ACT course can help me to study?
ACT courses are presented in an online format that is similar to a classroom structure but is available right on your personal computer. When you sign up for a Chicago ACT course, you can select between a 2-week course and a 4-week course based on what fits your schedule. Courses start weekly, so it's easy for you to begin a course at the time that feels right for you.
There are multiple benefits to an online course. For example, the courses feature a collaborative format that allows you to work with your peers. Studying in a peer setting can bolster comprehension of topics and improve test results. Also, the interactive components gives you the chance to ask questions, which further adds to the learning process. And because the courses are all online, you can learn from whatever location best suits your own needs, from the local library to your comfy couch at home. If you struggle on a specific topic, you will also have the option to request individual review times during which you can work with an expert instructor on a one-on-one basis.
How can I get registered for a Chicago ACT prep course?
Varsity Tutors can assist you in signing up for an ACT prep course today. We understand how busy your high school schedule is and can help you to determine the review schedule that best supports your individual needs. Taking the ACT may initially feel like a frightening task, but we are here to help support you in a process that can ultimately lead to an exciting and fruitful college career.
Contact Varsity Tutors today to learn more about how a Chicago ACT prep course can help support you in your studies for the ACT.
David: Chicago ACT course instructor
...One-on-one tutoring is an effective technique, particularly for explaining and modeling math, and I enjoy seeing students attitudes toward school brighten when they see immediate progress in their work. As a writing tutor, I like to focus on helping students find their authentic voice. Essays succeed when students strip away the extraneous material and present themselves and their ideas honestly, and I think with a little coaching any student can be a successful writer.
Education & Certification
- Drake University - Bachelor of Science, Education, History
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- ISAT
- SAT
- ASPIRE
- +37 subjects
Ben: Chicago ACT course instructor
...one on one in both mathematic and theoretical concepts. I also have experience teaching musical lessons such as jazz bass, piano, and music theory to younger students. Experience in these different teaching environments has helped me cultivate a teaching style that identifies how to teach each individual student based on their learning style and personality. While working with students on topics from math to music theory to test prep, I hope to draw on my...
Education & Certification
- Oberlin College - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT
- Advanced Placement
- SAT Subject Tests
- +52 subjects
Andrew: Chicago ACT course instructor
...quizzes and tests. I am a great tutor because of my broad experience in tutoring many different subjects, so that I have a wide variety of approaches to help all types of students master the material. I also believe that, in my German tutoring especially, I'm very systematic, so that my students have a strong grammar foundation on which to build further skills and concepts. I have also lived in Germany for a year, and...
Education & Certification
- Oberlin College and Conservatory - Bachelors, German Studies and Voice Performance
- DePaul University - Masters, Voice Performance
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT
- PSAT
- ACT English
- +26 subjects
Max: Chicago ACT course instructor
...that the two have similar way in promoting creativity. Not surprisingly, I will be tutoring Physics, Chemistry and Writing. Additionally, I will be tutoring for ACT prep. I took the test officially three times and was successful each time and believe that I can share effective tips on how to increase scores in each subject. In my free time, I like to play sports like football and basketball. I also like to read novels and...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Current Undergrad, Physics with Concentration in Chemical Principles
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Test Prep
- ACT Science
- High School Physics
- +18 subjects
Molly: Chicago ACT course instructor
...assess for instructional gaps and then fill in gaps to bolster a strong subject area foundation. 3. Impart test-taking skills and strategies necessary for school success. I teach with the tenets of the Common Core State Standards in mind. As such, I do not aim to teach "tricks" for getting the right answer. Rather, I aim to wholly ingrain the skills, strategies, and overall thinking needed to fully understand how and why we can come...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Northwestern University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- TOEFL
- SAT Subject Tests
- SSAT
- +111 subjects
Jack: Chicago ACT course instructor
I'm a recent grad from Northwestern (B.A. in Theatre and Economics) who loves teaching and learning. I love helping other people achieve their goals and helping students find ways to be their best selves. Excited to meet and work with Chicagoland's students!... First sessions always start with discussion of a subject's foundations. If we nail these, the rest of the learning becomes ten times easier.... I'm big on listening. It's my job to hear what a client needs instead of jumping right into practice problems or revisions. First, we talk about goals. Then, we set up a timeline and steps for how to achieve those goals.
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Economics/Theatre
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Advanced Placement
- PSAT
- Summer
- +67 subjects
Ruthie: Chicago ACT course instructor
...to incorporate labs, hands-on experience, competitions, games, videos, and compelling activities (for example, writing letters to the government about harmful algal blooms to a graphing project on the abundance of the invasive species, "rock snot") into skill building and practice. I care deeply about my students and they know that. They know that I always believe in them and will always be challenging them to do their best, be it through timed Do Nows to...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelors, Biological Basis of Behavior
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- Languages
- High School Biology
- +22 subjects
Karishma: Chicago ACT course instructor
...Evanston, IL. I tutored middle and high school students in Spanish and English, and I was able to help them develop study strategies such as using flashcards or translating a sentence they had spoken aloud that day in their heads for extra language practice. I am very excited to be able to tutor again and to work with students. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a previously struggling student excel and to have helped...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor in Arts, English/Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +58 subjects
Meriam: Chicago ACT course instructor
...and subject expertise. Since graduating, I have been attending a post-bac program at the University of Toronto in intensive Spanish and Arabic, before continuing on to medical school. I have also been tutoring numerous subjects for over 10 years, including Math, French, and Biology. I truly believe that it is with individual attention helps maximize one's full potential. Tutoring has shown me that everyone has the ability to succeed with hard work and the right...
Education & Certification
- Loyola University-Chicago - Bachelors, Biology and French
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- Advanced Placement
- +63 subjects
Smith: Chicago ACT course instructor
...years tutoring college-level writing. As my major suggests, I am enthusiastic about all the performing arts, including both on- and offstage areas. I also have extensive experience teaching (and practicing!) creative endeavors from poetry and fiction writing to music composition and performance. Just don't ask me to draw any hands! Despite my professional focus on liberal arts, I also have a keen amateur interest in science, primarily in physics (A Brief History of Time by...
Education & Certification
- Illinois Wesleyan University - Bachelors, Theatre Arts
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- High School Level American Literature
- Arithmetic
- ACT Reading
- +52 subjects
Brandon: Chicago ACT course instructor
I'm a 4th year at the University of Chicago, and I love teaching. I'm elated to help others learn and gain confidence in subjects that may not be their strong suit today. Also, I want to give students the tools to succeed in subjects outside of what we directly cover. ... When I teach someone something, I want them to know the material well enough that they feel comfortable teaching it to someone else.... We would have a quick icebreaker. Then, we would map out where the student is at and where the student would like to be. After setting these goals, we would get started on the subject's material.
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelors, Public Policy, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Spanish 1
- Trigonometry
- English
- +37 subjects
Rushi: Chicago ACT course instructor
...a student at Northwestern University in Evanston, and teaching has always been a passion of mine. From my younger brother to my years of informal tutoring experience, I have developed the skills necessary to help others become successful. I enjoy the genuine process of developing a relationship with someone and cultivating that relationship, whether it be academic, personal, or professional. I enjoy working with others towards a common goal and helping all parties be mutually...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Current Undergrad, Industrial Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT
- Test Prep
- ACT English
- +29 subjects
Yesha: Chicago ACT course instructor
...have tutored kids of all ages and am familiar with different tutoring methods for each age group. More than that, what qualifies me for this job is that I am passionate about education. I have had a very successful school career, and I want to share that with all students. Education is empowering, and every student deserves to feel intelligent. Outside of tutoring and college, I love to read. I'm a big fan of fantasy...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Current Undergrad, Integrative Biology Honors/ Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- Advanced Placement
- Spanish
- +42 subjects
Ebin: Chicago ACT course instructor
...with both the parent and the child to address their concerns to meet, and often, exceed their expectations. However, I had to take a hiatus from tutoring to focus on school. During the previous semester, my roommate had introduced me to Varsity Tutors. I was curious but I had to wait until a point in my life where I could handle the commitment. Starting this new year, I will be working in Fermi National Laboratory...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Current Undergrad, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- Calculus 2
- Middle School Math
- C++
- +51 subjects
Casey: Chicago ACT course instructor
...U of I's Introduction to World Music course for two years. Before attending graduate school, I worked as a certified substitute teacher for K-12 general and special education in Michigan. I also volunteered as a literacy tutor with the Family Learning Institute in Ann Arbor, MI. While I am comfortable tutoring in a wide range of humanities and language arts subjects, I am most passionate about teaching English and reading comprehension. I believe students' advancements...
Education & Certification
- Butler University - Bachelor in Arts, Music History and Literature
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Masters, Musicology
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- ACT Writing
- English
- College Essays
- +21 subjects
Brian: Chicago ACT course instructor
...kinetic energy harvesters. I moved back to my hometown of Chicago to get my Masters at Illinois Institute of Technology. I studied Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering with a focus in Thermal Science and Fluid Mechanics. I have a strong passion for the academic realm and believe only through a strong background in theory can you develop an excellent practical engineering ability. In my spare time I enjoy camping, hiking, and swimming. I also help out...
Education & Certification
- Marquette University - Bachelor of Science, Physics
- Illinois Institute of Technology - Master of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISEE
- Business
- +45 subjects
Michael: Chicago ACT course instructor
...and Finance student at Washington University particularly interested in biotechnology. This past summer, I interned at Roche, a large multinational biotech firm, in San Francisco. I am originally from the Chicagoland area. I love to cook, play piano and run long distance. Survivor and Game of Thrones are my favorite TV shows, but I normally watch content on YouTube. Looking forward to getting to meet and work together to get you where you want to...
Education & Certification
- Washington University in St Louis - Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- ACT Math
- +40 subjects
Anna: Chicago ACT course instructor
...Kellogg School of Management, and graduated from Northwestern University as part of the Honors Program in Medical Education. I attended the Bergen County Academies in New Jersey, a selective, application-based magnet school, for high school. I have tutored in various subjects for a number of years, particularly in English, Reading Comprehension, Biology, Essay Editing/Writing Support, and SAT/ACT test prep. I love tutoring and I'm excited to help my students achieve their goals!
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor in Arts, Anthropology
- Northwestern University - Doctor of Medicine, Biomedical Sciences
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- SAT
- +31 subjects
Rebecca: Chicago ACT course instructor
...everyone to be able to perform academically at their highest possible level. I also think it is important that learning is not just for one assignment or one test, but rather that it sticks with you to build a solid foundation of knowledge and confidence that you can carry forward. My favorite subjects to tutor include English, SAT test preparation, math, and psychology. My approach to tutoring is to meet the student where they're at...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of Chicago SSA - Masters, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- ISEE
- SSAT
- PSAT
- +53 subjects
Steve: Chicago ACT course instructor
...STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) tutor for college students. I believe my strongest subject to tutor is Standardized Test Prep (SAT, ACT, and GRE). Performing well on these tests can truly bolster a student???s application for undergraduate or graduate education, and I truly enjoy helping him or her achieve their best. I am also passionate about tutoring Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Calculus. My teaching style is not set in stone; I understand that everyone...
Education & Certification
- University of Notre Dame - Bachelors, Chemical and Biomolecular
Subject Expertise
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- SAT Math
- +24 subjects