Applying to American universities requires writing either the ACT or SAT, which can leave Canadian students feeling overwhelmed by the nature of these tests and the overall process. Advanced planning and strategic preparation are important to increase confidence and perform to the best of one’s abilities.
The ACT is typically written by students in grades 11 or 12. It consists of 4 sections: Math, Science, Reading and Writing. There is also an optional essay portion. With the essay portion, the test lasts 3 hours and 35 minutes. Without the essay portion, it lasts 2 hours and 55 minutes (not including breaks).
How We Help:
Our test prep specialists are experienced teachers who have advanced math degrees in their subject areas and have professorial experience working in schools in Canada and the US.
Many of them have also studied in the United States and have written the ACT themselves. Our test prep teachers are expertly familiar with the structure and content of the ACT, and can prepare students so they master the skills they need to be confident going into the test.
Students will begin their preparation by writing an ACT diagnostic test, which is then analyzed by our test prep Specialists. Based on the strengths and areas of improvement for each student, an individualized plan is created that includes a thorough review of exam material and test-taking strategies and tips.
1-to-1 Courses for the ACTs:
Comprehensive Package:
This program can be done long-term or as an intensive study plan. It provides extended strategy and skill development in each test section. Comprehensive individualized homework is assigned.
Lesson Hours: 30
Proctored Practice official ACT Tests + Personalized Analyses: 3
Supplementary drills, reference sheets, and practice tests specific to the needs of the student
Extensive lessons on common questions that appear on the ACT
Guided practice essay-writing techniques
A copy of Kaplan’s ACT Prep Plus
Total hours: 42
Condensed Package:
This program provides skill and strategy development in each test area or in focused areas. Condensed individualized homework is assigned.
Lesson Hours: 16
Proctored Practice official ACT Tests + Personalized Analyses: 2
Supplementary drills, reference sheets, and practice tests specific to the needs of the student
Extensive lessons on common questions that appear on the ACT
Guided practice essay-writing techniques
A copy of Kaplan’s ACT Prep Plus
Total hours: 22
Overview Package:
This course is an overview of the strategies and skills needed for each section or focused review in one area. Strategic individualized homework is assigned.
Lesson Hours: 10
Proctored Practice official ACT Tests + Personalized Analyses: 2
Supplementary drills, reference sheets, and practice tests specific to the needs of the student
Extensive lessons on common questions that appear on the ACT
Guided practice essay-writing techniques
A copy of Kaplan’s ACT Prep Plus
Total hours: 16
Get Started With ACT Prep Today!
ACT FAQ
The ACT is a U.S. college admissions exam that measures high school students’ general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The multiple choice test covers four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. The optional Writing Test measures skill in planning and writing an essay. ACT scores provide an indicator of college readiness, and admissions officers use them as part of a student’s application.
Both the ACT and SAT are used by admissions departments of top American colleges. Tests differ in format and content, and some students prefer writing one or the other. Learn more about the differences
here.
High ACT scores can greatly improve students’ chances of acceptance into the American post-secondary institutions they prefer.
Thorough test preparation is vital for ACT success. Students benefit from the practice and review achieved through expert test preparation services, like the one offered by RRLS. Comprehensive test preparation familiarizes students with the exam material and effective test-taking strategies. Test preparation enhances confidence, which gives the applicant an essential competitive edge. If a student enters unprepared, there is a high risk that they will become overwhelmed or frustrated while writing the test, and thus perform poorly.
We hire REAL teachers, who have taught in Ontario and international classrooms. Our teachers are highly experienced in teaching both the ACT and Ontario Curriculum Expectations, and understand the prior knowledge that Toronto students will have when preparing for this American test. Teachers are selected, not only for their skill level, but the ability to relay information in a warm and encouraging manner.
The course is designed for high school students who are planning to attend American post-secondary institutions. Students who need to prepare for the ACT will find this course provides the most up-to-date, detailed, and relevant information for the test. This course is particularly beneficial for students who are intimidated by standardized tests and are unfamiliar with test-taking strategies. We also have significant experience preparing students with learning differences, ADD/ADHD, and Executive Functioning issues.
There will be homework and/or timed practice sections assigned between lessons. Students are strongly advised to review and complete the homework in order to be successful. Students should discuss their schedules with their learning specialist to devise a homework plan that is realistic and effective, and takes into consideration exams, school assignments, and extra-curricular commitments.
Yes. We offer private, semi-private and group classes. In the case of group classes, we partner with Princeton Review.
Lessons are usually 1-2 hours and are scheduled around a student’s personal timetable and his or her official ACT test date. Students should plan to schedule a minimum of two lesson hours per week.
Private and semi-private classes are held at Ruth Rumack’s Learning Space, 720 Spadina Avenue, Suite 504, Toronto. Group classes are held at various Princeton Review locations throughout the GTA.
ACT Scoring
English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science sections
- Multiple choice, 4 answer options/question
- No penalty for incorrect answers
- Total scores for each section converted into a ‘scaled score’ from 1-36
- Average of scaled scores referred to as ‘composite score’
Essay Scoring
- 2 graders
- Essay graded 1-6 in 4 categories: Ideas and Analysis, Development and Support, Organization, Language Use and Conventions
- Scores of 2-12 (combined scores of 1-6 from each grader) are given for each category
- Combined scores (8-48) converted into scaled score (1-36)
- Writing score does not affect a student’s composite score
New Sub-scores: ELA and STEM Scores
ELA(English Language Arts) Score
- Average of English, Reading, and Writing Scores
- Must write the optional essay to receive this score
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Score
- Average of Math and Science Scores
