Resources

Overview of the ACT
ACT Wiki
Get to know what you're getting into. We like to start simple when it comes to the ACT. It helps reduce the myths you may have heard about taking the test. This page provides a good overview of test format, scoring, and score distribution. It also provides an SAT/ACT score concordance chart.
Peterson's ACT/SAT Comparison
This excellent site compares the ACT and the SAT.
From the Official ACT Website
ACT Home Page
Have a look at the company that administers the exam. The site is a central resource for learning about the test. Register for the test, get practice materials and eventually obtain your score. Yes, it will end.
ACT Official Questions
When you are ready to start practicing, get to know all the practice materials on the website. Of particular use is the online pdf document Preparing for the ACT, which offers strategic advice and practice questions, some of which are free. Practicing with these original questions is your key to success on the ACT.
ACT Question of the Day
Stay in the studying mode even when you have run out of hours in the day. Just do one question!
Recommended (or At Least Decent) Commercial Books
The Real ACT Prep Guide
A good buy and an essential part of your ACT study arsenal. The official output of the same organization that administers the test, this guide is comprised of practice questions derived from past ACT tests.
Cracking the ACT
A good supplementary ACT testing guide from the folks at The Princeton Review. Provides strategies and tips alongside real ACT practice exams.
Barron's ACT 36
For those looking to max out their ACT score. Barron's presents the "hardest possible" ACT questions, perfect for fine-tuning and identifying those last lingering problem areas.
The ACT in the Media
Where the SAT and ACT Dominate
More Students Are Taking both the ACT and SAT
​SAT Scores Edge Down, ACT Now More Popular Exam
Looking Ahead to the College Application Process
College Confidential
For some relief from ACT studying, and to remember why you are doing it, you can begin to consider your college application while studying. This website offers a trove of information about college applications. It has original content, as well as links to useful books and articles. When you eventually apply to college, this website will be a frequent stop for you.
"Top" colleges
U.S. News and World Report National University rankings
U.S. News and World Report Liberal Arts College rankings

Keep in mind that there are also important reasons to disregard the U.S. News rankings

The links to the Report's top 10 universities are here:

  1. 1. Princeton University
  2. 2. Harvard University
  3. 3. Yale University
  4. 4. Columbia University
  5. 5. Stanford University
  6. 6. Duke University
  7. 7. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  8. 8. University of Pennsylvania
  9. 9. California Institute of Technology
  10. 10. Dartmouth College

The links to the Report's top 10 liberal arts colleges are here:

  1. 1. Williams College
  2. 2. Amherst College
  3. 3. Swarthmore College
  4. 4. Bowdoin College
  5. 5. Middlebury College
  6. 6. Pomona College
  7. 7. Carleton College
  8. 8. Wellesley College
  9. 9. Claremont McKenna College
  10. 10. Haverford College

An important caveat: do not get caught up in these rankings. A 10-place difference is negligible, and a 5-place difference is practically meaningless. The most important part of choosing a school is deciding whether it is the right fit for you. Consider things like location, size, academic and nonacademic culture, department strengths, courses, student body—things that actually matter. Remember: you actually have to go to one of these schools. The ranking won't matter once you're there. For more perspective on the realities of the ranking system, click here. And if you’d like to schedule a free consultation about your college choices, feel free to contact us.