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Building a Foundation for Test Prep Success!

SAT®/ACT® Test Prep Essentials

Better Info for Smarter Decisions

Unsure whether to prepare for the ACT or digital SAT? Our 12-hour class with 2 baseline practice tests gives you everything you need to make the best decision for you.

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4.8/5 Rating 5031 Reviews/Testimonials

Each Course Includes

  • Highly focused 6-lesson courses
  • Each class meets for 2 hours
  • Math/Reading assessments w/ score reports
  • Assigned homework per class session
  • Access to class recordings
  • 1 ACT practice test & 1 SAT practice test
  • Compass Guide to College Admission Testing
  • Course size: 5-15 students
  • A flexible online proctored session for completing your initial assessment; makeup testing sessions available

How It Works

  1. Students start with an online proctored quiz to evaluate their Math and Verbal skills and end the class with a practice ACT & SAT.
  2. Students build targeted math, reading, and writing content knowledge that serves as a foundation for formal test prep.
  3. Students gain an informed understanding of how to choose between the SAT and ACT to achieve the best personal score.

Learn more about our Demo Testing Center or how our Interactive Score Reports work.

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Next Steps After Essentials

Our practice test score reports and advanced analytics provide a personalized and detailed portrait of your testing strengths and weaknesses as well as concordance between SAT vs ACT testing styles, allowing us to make specific recommendations tailored to your personal needs. Most students use our essentials program as a launchpad for test prep. We recommend following this course with either customized private test prep tutoring or enrolling in a test prep course aimed at your selected official test date.

Essentials Calendar

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Essentials Resources

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Navigating The ACT Transition: Smart Choices for Classes of 2026 and 2027

Navigating The ACT Transition: Smart Choices for Classes of 2026 and 2027

Compass Co-Founder Adam Ingersoll discusses this topic with Eric Furda, Senior Associate Director of College Counseling at William Penn Charter High School (PA) and former Dean of Admissions at UPenn,…
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What Freshmen Can Learn From Our Most Successful Seniors

What Freshmen Can Learn From Our Most Successful Seniors

Many of Compass’s current families first came to us years ago when their oldest child reached the college testing stage. It’s fun to hear returning parents reflect on what they…
Bruce ReedBruce Reed Read More
How Smart Sophomore Planners Become Strong College Applicants

How Smart Sophomore Planners Become Strong College Applicants

At Compass, we guide our families forward by working backward. Spring is when most of our long term planning conversations with sophomores begin, as their actions over the next 18…
Bruce ReedBruce Reed Read More

Testimonial Spotlight

Nothing makes us happier than helping our students reach their SAT goals.
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“Our daughter took the SAT with no tutoring or practice beforehand and scored a 1290. After tutoring with Compass, she improved her score by 190 points. Compass' expertise and helpful, patient and knowledgeable staff were absolutely key to not only the significant improvement in her score, but also her subsequent acceptance to a top Ivy League college. We are over the moon thrilled with Compass and would highly recommend their services to anyone!”

Jenny A.Parent of Alex, 12th Grader at Harvard-Westlake

“The instructor was the best part 100%. I got excited to come to the class every Saturday morning at 7am because of him. The questions he asked always made it feel like a community, and I really feel 10x more prepared because of him.”

Compass Classes Student11th Grader at Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences

“I deeply appreciate the passion for teaching and kind patience that both of my instructors demonstrated throughout the sessions. Each teacher was engaging and attentive.”

Alanu U.11th Grader at Dwight Global Online School

“The course was exactly what we were hoping for. Our instructors were enthusiastic, friendly, and always open to questions.”

Parent of an 11th GraderNewbury Park High School

“The tutoring and testing plan developed by Compass resulted in my son increasing his SAT score 190 points from his PSAT. Not only was this crucial in his college application/admission process where he received direct admission to prestigious programs like the Kelley School at Indiana University, but it resulted in him getting scholarships at every school he was admitted to.”

Dan G.Parent of Tyler, 12th Grader at San Marino High School

“Our daughter’s ACT score jumped from 28 on her first practice test to a whopping 34 on the actual test. The reason? Some amazing tutors from Compass. Both Compass tutors were true masters of their craft, plugging into opportunities for improvement and helping our daughter learn critical test-taking strategies. We could not be more pleased with the support that Compass provided and the exceptional results that they helped our daughter achieve.”

Tom T.Father of Zoe, 11th Grader at Greenhill School

“Compass provided the preparation structure and strategies necessary for our daughter to have a successful ACT experience. The tutors and directors were terrific partners throughout the program. I would highly recommend Compass to any student/family looking to enhance your collective understanding, approach, and performance related to college entrance exams.”

Tracey G.Mother of Marin, 12th grader at John Burroughs School

“We are so pleased with our experience with Compass. The tutors are very professional, always on time and really helped our daughter. The results were even better than we had hoped for.”

Denise W.Mother of Makena, 11th Grader at Flintridge Prep

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