ACT Boot Camp

From summer 2012, ThinkTank Learning is proud to offer a new ACT Boot Camp. Six of our most
successful instructors spent three months analyzing each section of the ACT to develop clear, effective lessons
that produce dramatic improvements.

The class mimics our SAT Boot Camp with its use of complete practice tests. We only have 4 complete
practice tests (as opposed to 5 SAT tests) because the test is longer, but there are 19 total classes, as opposed
to just 17 classes for SAT. The first class is still a diagnostic test to set the student’s target score. After that,
every sixth class is another test to monitor the students’ progress. Students will have one English, one Math,
one Reading, one Science, and one Writing class between tests, giving them a clear path to success. The goal of
the 10-week program is to add 3-4 points (out of 36) to a student’s composite score.

Taking a cue from SAT, we have designed each class to include a full hour to review the material on the
previous test. One of the most frequent complaints from students, teachers, and parents was that there
wasn’t enough time to review each test and make sure that the students really understood the question. We
know how taxing a long class can be for the students and teachers alike, and have carefully rearranged the
syllabus to provide breaks, activities, and discussions throughout the class.

The beauty of our Boot Camp programs is the sheer amount of practice we give. Students who attend
every class and complete every homework assignment will see the equivalent of 6 additional ACT tests – on
top of the 4 practice tests already discussed. Furthermore, every student will have access to 5 more tests
through the class materials, and are encouraged to continue practicing on their own (or with one of our tutors,
if they prefer). For those keeping track, that’s 15 complete ACT tests with 215 questions each – over 3,200
questions!

All of these aspects were carefully designed by experienced teachers who have tutored ACT 1-on-1
over several years. The result is a logical, coherent approach to the ACT, with a focus on the reason behind the
questions, not just the answers. Many people consider the ACT “the easy test” or the test you take when
you “can’t score well” on the SAT. In our research, we have found this to be patently false: the sections are
longer, and require better command of fast-recall memory. This rumor probably started because somebody
noticed that the ACT follows a very predictable pattern. Rather than address each subject in a bubble, TTL has
embraced that pattern and built the lessons to reinforce it. This way, students know exactly what to expect –
and when to expect it – on test day.