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ACT Prep

The truth about test prep

Understand why test prep may (or may not) matter for your family, the three-test framework for best results, and what services Pathway Prep offers.

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Know why test prep matters for you

Not every family needs test prep for their student. Assess how important these three factors are for your student's path to college.

Scholarships for less competitive universities
Admission to more competitive universities
Test-taking skills for better academic performance
Why?
Why?Less competitive regional universities (K-State, Arkansas, Mizzou, etc.) are test-optional for admissions but still incentivize higher test scores via merit scholarship rewards.
Why?Many schools with low admission rates will claim they're test-optional but often the data shows otherwise.
Why?Many universities are finding that standardized test scores are better predictors of academic success than high school grades. Test-taking is a skill that will pay dividends in the future.
First Step
First StepGet a ballpark at local schools for what GPA/ACT score requirements are. Google your school of choice along with the phrase "freshman scholarships". Most schools have at least four scholarship tiers with score requirements ranging from 21-23, 24-26, 27-29, and 30-32 (depending on GPA).
First StepGet an idea of what's required to get in at a few reach schools. Google your school of choice along with the phrase "25th percentile ACT score" This should be your minimum goal score if you want the best chance of getting into that school.
First StepIf you’ve ever had the thought "my student gets good grades but isn’t a great test-taker", then test prep will be a key step to get them more prepared for college.
Additional Resources
Additional ResourcesVisit meritaidgrids.com to see requirements for dozens of universities in one location.
Additional ResourcesStart with this video from SuperTutor TV summarizing the top 100 universities. Pay attention to how she categorizes schools as test-preferred or test-optional.
Additional ResourcesThis article from Summit Prep explains the predictivity of standardized test scores. This article explains grade inflation.
The Process

A three-test framework for best results

Every student's exact timeline will differ but following this framework will help them hit their maximum potential.

Test 1 : Baseline
Test 2 : Go for it!
Test 3 : Just in case…
Goals
GoalsEstablishes starting score
GoalsAim for a score 2–4 points higher than baseline
GoalsYou are still trying to hit your goal for Test 2 OR your final goal range is still another 2–4 points higher
Prep Options
Prep Options
Blind (no prep) If student feels confident or is resistant to starting prep
Small Group Course If student feels anxious or lacks confidence
Prep Options
Small Group Course If baseline score below a 30
1-on-1 or Self-Paced If baseline score a 30 or above OR if Small Group Course was taken before baseline
Prep Options
1-on-1 Time to break through plateaus with more personal attention
Timing
TimingTry to take sometime before fall of junior year ends
TimingFlexible, find best fit for student schedule
TimingAim to be done by summer before senior year
Programs & Pricing

ACT prep for every student

Same proven curriculum across every tier. Pick the level of support that fits.

Self-Paced

$11–28/hr equiv.

For motivated students who want to prep on their own. Best for students scoring a 30 or above.

  • 12+ hours of material: test-taking, English, math, reading & science
  • Self-Paced+ adds weekly accountability videos from Alex
  • Learn on your own schedule
  • Solution videos for every homework question
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Most Popular

Small Group

$58/hr

Budget-friendly in-person class for collaborative learners. Best for students scoring below a 30.

  • 6 weeks, 2-hr sessions, capped at 12 students
  • Same curriculum as Self-Paced plus live exercises & Q&A
  • Meets weekly at Johnson County Central Resource Library
  • Written/audio feedback on every assignment
  • Solution videos for every homework question
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Personal 1-on-1

$160/hr

For students who want fully personalized attention. Best for students scoring a 30 or above or students who have already taken the small group course.

  • No set curriculum — we cover exactly what your student needs
  • Personalized scoreboard tracks performance across metrics
  • In-person (KC metro) or virtual
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Small Group Schedule

Upcoming 2026 ACT classes

All classes held at Johnson County Central Resource Library. Price increase coming for 2027 classes.

Sep 19, 2026 ACT

Sundays, 3–5p, 6 weeks, starting Aug 2
Tuesdays, 6–8p, 6 weeks, starting Aug 4

Both sections full

$695

Oct 17, 2026 ACT

Wednesdays, 6–8p, 6 weeks, starting Sep 9


2 spots left

$695

Dec 12, 2026 ACT

Sundays, 3–5p, 6 weeks, starting Oct 18
Tuesdays, 6–8p, 6 weeks, starting Oct 20

Limited spots available

$695

Reserve a Spot

Ready to learn your path?

Book a free 20-minute consultation and get a personalized prep plan for your student.

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