ACT Prep in Santa Monica
The ACT® exam is a key college admissions test designed to measure a student’s readiness for higher education. Many students choose to take it during their junior year of high school, though timing depends on personal goals and application plans. With the increasingly competitive college admissions process, a strong ACT® score can make a significant difference – not only in gaining admission to top colleges and universities but also in qualifying for scholarships.
At Tutor Doctor Santa Monica, we start with a customized testing plan and diagnostic assessments to build a preparation strategy tailored to each student’s strengths and goals. Our expert ACT® tutoring is available both in person and online, helping students master the content, improve test-taking strategies, and build the confidence they need to perform their best on test day.
Unlock Your Student’s Full ACT Potential with Tutor Doctor Santa Monica
Proven Coaching, Targeted Practice, and Confidence-Building Strategies.
We reinforce your student’s content knowledge, strengthening skill gaps through focused drills and practice. Along with expert coaching, we provide strategies that boost confidence, reduce mistakes, and drive higher scores.
- Expert ACT coaches with proven results
- Focused drills & practice to close skill gaps
- Smart test-taking strategies for speed & accuracy
- Confidence building that translates to higher scores
What’s on the ACT®?
The ACT consists of three core mandatory sections plus two optional sections. Below is a quick look at each part of the exam.
English
Grammar, usage, punctuation, and rhetorical skills.
Math
Algebra, functions, geometry, statistics & probability.
Reading
Passage comprehension and evidence-based analysis.
Science (optional)
No longer part of the composite score; useful to highlight STEM strength.
Essay/Writing (optional)
Scored separately (2–12); not part of the composite score.
ACT Scoring
Understanding how the ACT is scored helps students set goals and track progress effectively. Here’s what you need to know:
📄 Section Scores
Each required section (English, Math, Reading, Science) is scored on a scale of 1–36.
📊 Composite Score
The composite score is the average of the four required sections, with a maximum of 36.
✍️ Essay/Writing
The optional Essay/Writing test is scored separately on a 2–12 scale and does not affect the composite.
🎓 College Admissions
Higher ACT scores can boost admission chances at top colleges and universities.
💰 Scholarships
Strong ACT scores may unlock scholarship opportunities, reducing the overall cost of college.
What ACT Score Do You Need to Get Into College?
Different colleges have different expectations when it comes to ACT scores. Here’s a breakdown to help you see where your target schools may fall:
Top-Tier Schools
Ivy League & highly selective universities typically expect 34–36.
Competitive Universities
Many schools admit students with scores in the 27–32 range.
Most Colleges Nationwide
A solid score between 22–26 is widely accepted.
Preparing effectively for the ACT improves both your admission options and eligibility for financial aid.
The Lowdown on SAT® vs. ACT®
✅ Both tests are accepted by nearly all colleges — no preference given.
✅ Both measure college readiness, but they differ in format and focus.
✅ Many students naturally perform better on one test over the other.
✅ At Tutor Doctor Santa Monica, we help identify the best fit for your student and prepare them to succeed.
Preparing effectively for the ACT improves both your admission options and eligibility for financial aid.
