While the national ACT average hovers around 21, Denver students generally perform above the national baseline due to strong school funding and academic resources across the city's 9 school districts. Most competitive Denver high schools see average scores in the 24-27 range. Understanding where you stand relative to your peers helps set realistic goals—a 24+ score puts you in the top 25% nationally and is competitive for most Colorado universities.

The ACT Science section (35 minutes, 40 questions) tests data interpretation and scientific reasoning—not memorized science facts. You'll analyze graphs, tables, and experimental results from biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science. Many students struggle because it's unique to the ACT and requires rapid comprehension under tight time constraints. Personalized tutoring can teach you to quickly identify what each question is really asking and where to find the answer in the passage.

Most students working with personalized 1-on-1 instruction see improvements of 2-4 points on their composite score, with some seeing 5+ point gains depending on starting score and effort. The biggest improvements typically come from targeting weak sections—for example, students who struggle with ACT's faster pacing often gain 3-5 points on Math and Reading once they develop better time management strategies. Your improvement depends on your baseline score, consistency with practice, and which sections need the most work.

Both tests are equally accepted by Colorado universities and most colleges nationwide—there's no regional preference in Denver. The choice comes down to which test plays to your strengths. The ACT moves faster with shorter passages and includes a Science section, while the SAT has more reading comprehension depth and allows calculators on all math questions. Many Denver students take a practice test in each format to see which aligns better with their skills before committing to prep.

Juniors should ideally begin prep in spring or early fall to take the test in fall or winter of senior year, giving time for retakes if needed. Seniors still have options—testing through March works if you're applying regular decision. Most students benefit from 3-4 months of consistent preparation, though this varies based on your starting score and target. Connecting with a tutor early helps you create a realistic timeline based on your specific goals and current performance.

The ACT's tight pacing (English: 45 sec/question, Math: 60 sec/question, Reading: 52 sec/passage, Science: 52 sec/passage) requires a deliberate strategy. Effective approaches include skipping difficult questions initially to maximize points on easier ones, using process of elimination efficiently, and practicing with timers to build speed without sacrificing accuracy. A tutor can help you develop section-specific pacing strategies and identify which questions to prioritize based on your strengths.

Most Colorado universities don't require the ACT Writing section for admission, so check your target schools' requirements before deciding. The Writing section adds 40 minutes and costs extra, making it worth skipping unless a specific program requires it. If you're applying to competitive writing-focused programs or want to demonstrate strong writing skills, it can be valuable—but it's not necessary for most Denver students applying to CU Boulder or Colorado State.