Potential Magazine College Organizer 2019 | Page 31

study methods Need to brush up on the content in a subject or two. •  Feel confident in your knowledge base, but suffer from some test anxiety. •  Get cold sweats from simply not knowing what you and your No. 2 pencil are walking into on test day. • So the ACT is coming up, and you aren’t sure if you’re ready to do your best. Maybe you: What’s the Best ACT Prep for Me? test prep No matter what your ACT struggle, we can help you find the best test prep to give you the tools you need to get your best score. Online Classes Private Tutoring Great if you need: More focus on skills and test format; more accountability. The biggest perk here is obvious: the one-on-one attention from your instructor. Your tutor will be able to see what skills you lack and focus on filling those gaps. On top of that, there’s likely to be more accountability; if you’re not putting in the work, there’s no chance of sneaking under the radar. Make sure you find a qualified tutor who specializes in Tip: ACT/SAT prep and get references! After all, anyone can Great if you need: Brushing up on skills and test format. Some companies offer online classes that students are expected to sign on to and attend on a regular basis, while others simply provide the materials for you to complete on your own schedule. If you are a student who needs a bit more accountability, you may want to consider the former. If your schedule requires more flexibility, it makes sense to go with the latter. Tip: Make sure you put in the effort! Not having to face a tutor may leave you tempted to slack. call themselves an ACT tutor! Going it Alone Group Classes Great if you need: More focus on skills and test format; moderate accountablity. Some people learn better in a group, whether that’s because the singular focus on them might be intimidating, or because they learn better when they can exchange thoughts and ideas with other students. There are many larger companies that offer high quality, consistent teaching materials. However, instructor quality may vary. Tip: Ask around for advice, and remember: Cheaper is not always better! Great if you need: Brushing up on skills and familiarity with test format. There are lots of great books and websites out there if you are a very self-motivated student who is simply looking to refresh your knowledge base. If you are the type of student who can set aside time in your schedule for test prep and make yourself follow through, this might be a great (and inexpensive!) option for you. Even if you feel confident about your skills, taking a practice test or two can boost your confidence. You can get actual ACT practice questions at www.act.org, Tip: and your high school guidance counselor’s office will usually have full-length practice tests available as well. www.potentialmagazine.com College Organizer 2019 | 31