Our Program

ACT®, SAT® & PSAT® Test Prep

Total College Prep offers a combined ACT & SAT test prep program. Our tutors exclusively use A-List curriculum. This extensively researched test prep material demonstrates the essential elements of mastering the ACT and SAT such as timing, question strategy, and overall content.

The curriculum includes a suite of tips, hints, and alternate methods for addressing questions on every exam. It also addresses the underlying principles of the test to gain a better understanding of the exam. Practice tests are FREE and regularly scheduled. We only use official tests from the College Board and ACT, Inc. Our testing is combined with an online portal that offers automated scoring and analysis and delivers instant feedback on student performance.

About the ACT Test

The ACT is a national college admissions examination that consists of subject tests in English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science plus an optional essay.

TEST DETAILS

English

  • 45 minutes long
  • 75 multiple choice grammar and usage questions

Math

  • 60 minutes long
  • 60 multiple choice math questions
  • Can use a calculator

Reading

  • 35 minutes long
  • 40 multiple choice reading comprehension questions

Science

  • 35 minutes long
  • 40 multiple choice questions

Writing

  • 40 minute optional essay

Scoring

  • Each section scored 1-36 except essay
  • Scores averaged for composite score 1-36 (rounded to the nearest whole number)

TEST DETAILS

Evidence-Based Reading & Writing

Reading

  • 65 minutes long
  • 52 multiple choice reading comprehension questions

Writing & Language

  • 35 minutes long
  • 44 grammar and usage questions
Math

No Calculator

  • 25 minutes long
  • 15 multiple choice and 5 grid-in math questions

Calculator Permitted

  • 55 minutes long
  • 30 multiple choice and 8 grid-in math questions

Essay

  • 50 minutes long
  • Essay is optional and is scored independently out of 8

Scoring

  • EBRW and Math sections each scored out of 800
  • Scores combined to create composite score out of 1600

About the SAT Test

The SAT is a national college admissions examination that consists of subject tests in Evidence-Based Reading & Writing, and Math plus an optional essay.

PSAT

High school juniors can qualify National Merit Scholarship program via their PSAT scores. Juniors scoring around the 97th percentile of the PSAT scores in their state will get a National Merit Letter of Commendation. Those students scoring in the 99th percentile of PSAT scores in their state will qualify as National Merit Semifinalists.

TEST DETAILS

The PSAT/NMSQT is essentially a shorter version of the SAT. The PSAT is comprised of two Math sections (a calculator and no-calculator section), and two Evidence-Based Reading and Writing sections. It is given only once a year, in October.

Though some high schools require it, the PSAT is typically optional. However, even though it’s optional, taking the PSAT is a great idea. It gives all students the opportunity to practice in a real testing situation and provides an accurate sense of a starting score.

You’ll also receive detailed feedback on your student’s strengths and weaknesses. And, there’s no pressure: if you do poorly, it doesn’t matter—colleges never see these scores.