ACT & SAT
Understanding and preparing to take the ACT and SAT college admission tests can be overwhelming. We are here to help! We offer individual as well as small class preparation sessions. During the sessions, we go over tips and strategies for each section. We practice together during the session and assign work to be done between each session.
Session Highlights
Provides strategies to reduce stress and increase scores in all test sections
Introduces students to the format of the test of their choice
Binders with practice tests are provided – no need to purchase any materials
Students are held accountable to spend time practicing in between sessions.
Common Questions
Should I take the SAT or ACT? Is one test preferred by particular colleges over another?
Both ACT and SAT scores are used for college admissions decisions and awarding merit-based scholarships. Most colleges do not prefer one test over the other. You should always check with the college admissions criteria of your desired school. It is recommended that students try both tests to see which one they perform better on. Both the SAT and ACT offer seven Saturday test dates a year so there are plenty of opportunities to take either test. Please visit collegeboard.org and ACT.org for more information.
Should my student sign up for the optional Writing or Essay component of the ACT or SAT?
There is a great deal of confusion about whether to sign up a student for the optional writing portion of the tests. The written portion has changed over the years. For the SAT, as of June 2021, any student who takes an official SAT will not have the option to complete a written essay. If the SAT is offered to students during the school day, the essay may still exist as an option at the schools’ request. For the ACT, the written portion is optional. Students may choose whether they would like to take it or not. (Taking the ACT’s writing portion adds an additional $25.00.)
There are several colleges that accept writing scores as part of a student’s application, but do not require them. In this case, they recommend submitting a score, although students who do not submit scores will not be penalized. This means that if you take the writing section and score well, you may want to submit it along with the rest of your ACT/SAT scores. Make sure to take a close look at the colleges you’re considering and see what their website mentions about the ACT writing test.
Session Registration
one-on-one ACT & SAT sessions
In our individual sessions, students have the opportunity to work with a trained ACT/SAT academic coach. The students can choose to focus on one or both of the tests. During these sessions, the coach shares tips and strategies for each section. They practice problems together and they assign homework between each session. It is important that the students complete the homework.
Small Group ACT & SAT SEssions
These classes are 8 weeks long and are two hours each (with the exception of the first and last session where students will take practice tests). They are a great way to introduce students to these two college admission tests. We will go over tips and strategies for all the sections as well as effective ways to practice at home. Upon completion of the course, students will have a clear understanding as to which test is better suited for them.
Current Group Courses
*Early Bird Discount! Sign up for any Spring session before Christmas break to receive $50 off the price of registration, using code XMAS50 (valid through 12.19.24)
SAT Group Course
Register for the course by 8/9. Register for the SAT on 10/5 by 9/20
- SAT Group Course: Mondays at 6:30-8:30 pm (first and last session will conclude at 9:30pm for testing)
- Fall Session (Aug-Oct): 8/11, 8/18, 8/25, 9/8, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6
- Time: 6:30pm-8:30 pm (first and last session will conclude at 9:30pm for testing)
- Location: Main Academic Building Rm 100
ACT Group Course
Register for the course by 8/14. Register for the ACT on 10/26 by 9/20
- ACT Group Course: Saturdays at 10am-12pm (first and last session will start at 9am for testing)
- Fall Session (Aug-Oct): 8/9, 8/16, 8/23, 9/6, 9/13, 9/20, 9/27, (no class Oct 4), 10/11
- Time: 10:00am-12:00 pm (first and last session will start at 9am for testing)
- Location: Main Academic Building Rm 100
New Subject-driven intensives
*Early Bird Discount! Sign up for any of these Subject-based Intensives and get $50 off with code: TESTPREP
(offer expires Oct 1st 2025)
English-Reading Workshop intensive
Register for the course by 8/9. Register for the SAT on 10/5 by 9/20
Sharpen your grammar, reading comprehension, and pacing for both ACT and SAT. Learn strategies to boost your confidence and score with targeted instruction and guided practice.
- Dates: Tuesdays — Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25; Dec. 2
- Time: 3:30–4:30 PM
- Location: Wheaton Academy (Room TBD)
- Price: $550
- EARLY BIRD RATE: $500 use code TESTPREP (expires Oct 1 2025)
Science Workshop Intensive (ACT only)
Register for the course by 8/9. Register for the SAT on 10/5 by 9/20
Master the ACT Science section with practical strategies to tackle data, charts, and experimental design. Build speed and accuracy through guided drills and expert coaching.
- Dates: Wednesdays — Oct. 29; Nov. 5, 12, 19; Dec. 3
- Time: 3:30–4:30 PM
- Location: Wheaton Academy (Room TBD)
- Price: $550
- EARLY BIRD RATE: $500 use code TESTPREP (expires Oct 1 2025)
Math Workshop Intensive
Register for the course by 8/14. Register for the ACT on 10/26 by 9/20
Tackle both ACT and SAT math with confidence. Strengthen core concepts, problem-solving speed, and test-taking strategies in an interactive, in-depth 90-minute session each week.
- Dates: Mondays — Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24; Dec. 1
- Time: 3:30–5:00 PM
- Location: Wheaton Academy (Room TBD)
- Price: $600
- EARLY BIRD RATE: $550 use code TESTPREP (expires Oct 1 2025)
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Testimonials
“After only a few sessions, I improved my SAT score 180 points (from a 1360 to a 1540)!”
– Jude B. 2022
“My coaches were amazing! They made sure to go over my trouble areas and let me do things at my own pace. With their help, I raised my SAT score over 200 points.“
– Mia W. 2024
“I was able to get my ACT score from a 29 to a 34! I’m so grateful for the help.”
– Jacqueline O. 2022
Register for ACT & SAT Learning Sessions
The Center for Lifelong Learning offers one-on-one ACT and SAT sessions with trained coaches, focusing on test strategies and practice. They also provide 6-week small group classes to help students understand which test suits them best.