FAQs

When should I take the ACT test the first time?

Completing the ACT journey is a PROCESS to be completed by June or July of the junior year. In order for a student to know how much formal prep is going to be needed to meet his or her goal ACT score, I recommend a pre-ACT test in 10th grade or early 11th grade. If a school does not give a pre-ACT test, a parent can download a free test from ACT.org and administer it. UNLESS IT IS ADMINISTERED EXACTLY BY ACT GUIDELINES (one morning without interruptions and strictly timed) the score will be invalid.

 

What is the Comprehensive Class fee?

Our class fee is $400. This includes all materials, 16 hours of instruction with specialized instructors and a guided mock test with analysis.

 

What is the Ultimate Class?

We are offering a course specifically designed for those who have completed Faye Nichols' Comprehensive Class but who wish to increase scores even more. It will continue to build skills that were mastered in the Comprehensive Course while using all new materials. There will be instruction from each subject area teacher and practice on all four subjects each class meeting. The Ultimate class fee is $295.

How many times can I take the ACT test?

According to the ACT website – the maximum number of times you may take the test is 12. There are some re-testing restrictions as well. Please see www.actstudent.org for complete information. Most students take the test at least 2-3 times to achieve their goal score.

 

Where do classes meet?

Classes meet at Faulkner University, Birmingham, off the Valleydale Road exit from 1-65.

 

How do I register to take the ACT test?

You must register online at www.act.org to take the ACT test. All testing dates and registration information can be found at www.act.org. Note that registration deadlines are well ahead of the test date, so register early. This is also important for getting your first choice of testing center. Note - when choosing a testing center, keep in mind that you must put in the city name such as Hoover or Vestavia to see those sites. They do not show up when you list Birmingham as the city.

Should I take the ACT Writing Test?

Because each university has a different policy about the writing test, it is best to directly contact the admissions offices of the schools in which your student is interested and ask about this requirement.

 

What does it cost to repeat the class?

Very few students need to repeat the whole course, but if that is determined to be the best option for a particular student, the cost is $200 (half-price). We look at each individual student to determine the best option of several to continue to raise scores.

 

Am I allowed to use a graphing calculator on the ACT?

Graphing calculators are allowed, however the TI-89 is NOT. For a complete list of acceptable calculators, please see www.act.org.