This post wraps up our discussion on using ACT scores in your college application. We’ve journeyed far to understand ACT prep. ACT prep occupies a weird but firm place in the intricacies of college admissions. We’ve peeled back the layers of the standardized testing world and navigated the complexities that have emerged in the wake of the pandemic, such as the test-optional movement. So, let’s reflect on the ground we’ve covered as we wrap up.
Applying Test Optional: Does the ACT Still Matter?
In the face of the global pandemic, the test-optional phenomenon emerged, shaking up the status quo and leaving us with a big question: Does the ACT still matter? Should students submit their ACT scores? In our most recent test optional article, we unpacked this together, discussing the worth of taking and submitting ACT scores in the new admissions landscape. We sifted through the rhetoric, demystified the implications of test-optional policies, and looked at whether the ACT is in your student’s future. Our goal was to equip you with the information necessary to make informed decisions and understand the weight and relevance of your ACT scores. By reading that article, you should have the information you need to do that.
Hiring an ACT Tutor or Studying Alone
Then, we grappled with the colossal task of ACT preparation. It’s a critical hurdle that many of you asked about, wondering, “Can’t my student just study ACT materials by themselves?” This question brought us to analyze independent study versus hiring a tutor. We explored self-guided study strategies and dissected the pros and cons of hiring a tutor.
From our deep dive, we found that while self-study can work for a select few, it demands a unique blend of maturity, motivation, discipline, and efficiency from a student. Self-study can be fruitful for those who fit this mold and are equipped with the right resources, like the Achievable ACT course. But for others, especially those who may struggle with maintaining consistent study schedules or grasping certain test concepts, hiring a tutor can be invaluable. A tutor brings structure, personalizes learning, fills knowledge gaps, and helps navigate the ACT’s intricacies.
Through this journey, we’ve seen that the college admissions process is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s years of hard work, perseverance, and strategic planning. Every decision you make significantly impacts the outcome.
Conclusion
In this series, we aimed to help you understand the role the ACT has in your student’s journey in college admissions.
As we conclude this series, I hope the insights, advice, and insider knowledge we’ve shared enabled you to confidently prepare for the ACT, whether through independent study or with the help of a tutor.
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In the meantime, though…
Happy Testing!
