ACT / SAT Tutorial
Our tutorial is a 12 week test prep course designed to prepare students for the ACT and SAT tests. Sessions begin in the winter and run through early spring. 
​This is our 20th year offering this course!
✓​  Local certified teachers
✓  30 hours of instruction
✓  Pre- and post-testing for ACT and SAT
✓  Personal analysis and targeted homework
✓  Comprehensive prep
✓  Additional IL state test strategy workshops
"The teachers reminded me of stuff I forgot. Lots of practice, too."
MOLLY, 2017
"Thanks for helping me bring my score up!  My SAT rose 120 points!"
KYLE, 2016
"I raised my score enough to earn a $5000 annual scholarship!"
BEN, 2021

Why is The Write Path the right choice?

It's simple. For us, it's personal.

Developed with local students in mind

Our ACT/SAT Tutorial was specifically created to supplement classroom instruction to prepare local students for these tests.

Curriculum written by teachers--not test prep companies

All course work has been developed by local, certified teachers who have a vested interest in the curriculum, and the success of each child.

Instructors are certified teachers

For the 2022-23 sessions, classes will be taught by Michelle Neibch, a 16 year veteran math teacher at WN; and Marcia Grisanzio, a 35 year veteran English teacher, who is a WN coach and parent.

Individualized homework for each student

Students receive an individualized computer analysis of their pre-test scores, and we develop targeted homework for each student based on pre-test performance.  We cater each student’s weekly homework to his or her particular needs.

A proven record of performance

We have provided local students with our ACT Tutorial for the last fifteen years, during which 74% of the students enrolled (2003 – 2022) increased their raw score, with a 2.2 point average improvement in their ACT scale score (1-36). For the last five years (2017-22) of SAT testing, 72% of students who pre- and post-tested saw an average 43 point improvement (400-1600).

Comprehensive preparation

All subject areas of the ACT and SAT tests are covered. An additional,  2-day Strategy Workshop is included to prepare students for the unique qualities of each test and the Illinois state testing expectation.

30 hours of instruction

Work is divided up between direct instruction, skill building, test-taking strategies, and practice testing.

Convenient place and time

Classes are offered on a safe, convenient place: Tuesday after school or Saturday mornings.

FAQs

​what is the difference between the ACT and the SAT?
​Both tests can be used for college admittance, but they are developed by two separate companies. The ACT covers four subject areas: English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional writing section. The scores range from 1-36. The SAT is divided into Reading, Writing & Language, and Math, with an optional writing section. The range in scores is 400-1600. Both tests are widely accepted in the U.S.
Can I take the ACT instead of the SAT?
​In Illinois, the state-mandated test is the SAT, so all juniors in public schools will take it, but we recommend that current juniors take the ACT as well.  Over 99% of colleges today accept either test, and some students test better on one test over the other.  Therefore, if students take both tests, they maximize their options, and can send in their best score.
What are the differences between The Write Path's course and others?
​Primarily, personalization.  Our course was developed with the needs of local students in mind, not for a national data base. It is taught by two certified, veteran teachers, who are local teachers and parents as well.  We offer personalized, individualized weekly homework for each student based on his or her pretests.  Furthermore, our course covers BOTH the ACT and the SAT, focusing on the content as well as the strategies. And we offer the course in a safe, familiar setting: Wheaton North H.S.
Do test prep seminars really help?
​YES!  Research indicates a direct correlation between preparation and improved test scores.  In the competitive world of college admissions, a couple of points on the ACT or the SAT can make all the difference.  Would you take your driver’s exam without preparing for it?  College entrance exams are no different.  Even in the current "test optional" climate, the tests can help students: a good score can still enhance the odds of acceptance, and it could mean scholarship money.
What are SAT II's and how are they different from AP exams?
​The SAT II’s, or SAT Subject Tests, are exams that some—usually selective/highly selective—colleges require as part of a student’s college application package.  There are 20 individual subject tests (Chemistry, Math 1 & 2, Literature, etc.) that allow students to demonstrate their particular proficiency in any given subject. In many cases, students can CHOOSE which SAT Subject Tests to take, though some colleges or programs require specific tests. 

AP exams are the end evaluation after taking a college level course in high school.  Many colleges want to see that students have challenged themselves by taking AP level courses, and performing on the AP exams, but they may or may not give credit for those courses/exams.
Are the tests really necessary with so many colleges going "test optional?"
Yes. Test optional policies vary widely among colleges and universities, and the optional qualification simply means students can choose to include their scores if they feel the tests would enhance their application. Thus, a good score can only help; there is nothing about testing that can harm a student's application. Furthermore, some colleges still use the test scores for scholarship consideration. But most importantly, the situation is fluid; we don't know what the college application process will look like next fall when this year's juniors will be applying to college. It's better to be safe, and to take control of the variables where you can.
WHAT ABOUT THE OPTIONAL ESSAY TESTS on the act and sat? 
The essay portion of the SAT has currently been dropped from their suite of tests, and is therefore no longer available. Thus, colleges and universities will no longer require or expect an essay score from students who send in an SAT score as part of their admissions package.

The ACT, however, still includes an essay portion as an option, though its value as a determination of a student's ultimate acceptance at a school is marginal. Some colleges and universities still recommend that students take it. (This information can be found on individual college and university admissions requirement websites.) If a students opts to take the essay portion, it's important to note that while the essay score is reported on the ACT score sheet, it has no impact on the student's composite score, which is an average of the four core scores from the English, math, reading, and science portions. Adding to the reality that the essay portion holds minimal significance, many schools that do recommend or even require the essay do so for data collection more than for any qualification for admittance.

Should students take the ACT writing portion? Our current recommendation is still yes. Since testing often occurs before students know for certain the schools to which they will be applying-- or those schools' essay requirements for the ACT-- it is in their best interest to take the optional essay portion. Students are thus prepared for any eventuality regarding the essay. Furthermore, we recommend that they take it each time they sit for an exam. They don't want their best score to be the one time they didn't take the essay! 

Additionally, please note that the essay portion of the ACT is separate from the obligation that students write an essay for their college application. The college essay is an entirely different expectation and is required for many colleges and universities.