ACT Prep

At Next Step College Prep, we believe strong ACT performance comes from mastering the exam’s structure, pacing, and content—not from shortcuts or one-size-fits-all test prep. Our approach helps students understand how the ACT works and how to perform confidently across all four sections.

Our expert tutors work one-on-one with students to build fluency in ACT-specific content, refine time management under tighter pacing, and develop strategies tailored to each section’s demands. We look beyond right and wrong answers to examine decision-making, timing patterns, and recurring mistakes that limit scores. By addressing these underlying habits, students learn how to move efficiently and accurately through the exam.

Through personalized study plans, targeted practice, and regular performance analysis, we help students raise their ACT scores while strengthening skills that extend well beyond test day. With clear guidance and consistent support at every step, our goal is simple: to help students approach the ACT with confidence—and take the next step toward the colleges they aspire to attend

What We Offer

Flexible, affordable, remote tutoring tailored to your student’s ACT prep needs.

  • Every student begins with a comprehensive ACT diagnostic exam designed to reveal more than just a baseline score. We analyze performance across content areas, question types, timing, and strategy to identify patterns that typical prep programs overlook. This allows us to pinpoint where students are losing points—and why.

    The diagnostic serves as a roadmap, helping us prioritize the highest-impact areas for improvement. From the start, students and families gain a clear, data-informed understanding of where to focus their efforts.

  • Using insights from the diagnostic exam, we create a personalized study plan tailored to each student’s goals, timeline, and learning style. Rather than following a rigid curriculum, our plans adapt to the student’s strengths, weaknesses, and school workload. We break preparation into manageable phases, ensuring steady progress without burnout. Each plan is strategically designed to maximize score gains in the most efficient way possible. As students improve, the plan evolves to meet their changing needs.

  • Homework assignments are carefully crafted to reinforce concepts covered in tutoring sessions and target specific skill gaps. Instead of generic problem sets, students receive focused practice that aligns directly with their individualized study plan. We emphasize quality over quantity, helping students build mastery without unnecessary repetition. Tutors review homework closely, providing detailed feedback to correct mistakes and refine strategy. This ensures that every assignment moves students closer to their score goals.

  • Regular, full-length ACT practice exams are a core part of our approach, helping students build endurance, confidence, and familiarity with the test format. These exams simulate real testing conditions to reduce anxiety and improve pacing. After each exam, tutors conduct in-depth score analyses to track progress and adjust the study plan accordingly. Students learn how to interpret their results and understand where improvements are coming from. Over time, consistent practice transforms test day from a source of stress into a controlled, confident experience.

Our ACT Prep Process

  • Our process begins with an in-depth introductory conversation with the student and their family. This meeting allows us to understand academic history, current challenges, goals, and timelines. We also discuss learning styles, personality, and areas where the student feels most confident or uncertain. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, we use this stage to listen carefully and ask the right questions. This foundation ensures that every decision moving forward is intentional and well-informed.

  • Using insights from the introduction, we carefully match each student with a tutor whose academic background and teaching style align with their needs. We consider subject expertise, personality fit, and the type of mentorship the student will respond to best. Our tutors are not only highly qualified, but trained to adapt their approach to each learner. The goal is to create a relationship built on trust, clarity, and motivation. A strong tutor match sets the tone for meaningful and sustained progress.

  • Once the tutor match is confirmed, we develop a structured, step-by-step learning plan tailored to the student’s goals. This plan outlines clear milestones, session focus areas, and measurable objectives. We remain flexible, adjusting the plan as the student grows or priorities shift. This approach keeps students organized, accountable, and steadily moving forward.

  • Progress is tracked continuously through performance metrics, tutor observations, and student reflection. We provide regular feedback to families and students so everyone remains aligned and informed. Success is measured through practice exam performance and consistent check-ins to gauge how the student is feeling. We also invite ongoing feedback to refine our approach and ensure the tutoring remains effective. This final stage closes the loop, reinforcing growth while shaping next steps.


Interested in learning more?

Our free consultation is a chance for families to meet with our team, discuss academic goals, and receive guidance on next steps. No pressure, no commitment—just clarity and expert insight to help you decide what’s best for your student.

Click here to book your free consult

Meet the Team

Testimonials

  • "Working with my tutor made the college admissions process feel manageable instead of overwhelming. He helped me stay organized, confident, and focused at every stage.

    Laura H.

  • "My tutor genuinely cared about my goals and took the time to understand who I am beyond my grades and test scores. That made my application feel authentic and personal."

    Chris L.

  • "I felt like my tutor was always invested in my success. She pushed me to do my best while being supportive and encouraging."

    Aditya R.

  • "The process felt way less stressful because I had someone experienced always check in with and give me advice when I needed it the most."

    Demetri K.

  • "My tutor treated my test prep with real attention to detail. It was clear she wanted me to succeed just as much as I did. In the end she helped me achieve my dream SAT score of 1520"

    Raymond A.

  • "I couldn’t have navigated college admissions without Next Step’s support. Their guidance made the entire experience more approachable and they helped me understand how to present my interests in a way that was authentic.

    Marcos M.