Since the mid-1980s, BYU Continuing Education (CE) has offered high-quality ACT preparation courses that follow in the tradition of excellence and are part of the university’s core mission. When every point matters, parents can feel assured that the program is taught by highly skilled instructors who have mastered and scored at the top of a given course. “Our program works because our teachers are at the center of it. Their experience and hands-on approach make a real difference for students,” explained Johnny Garrison, Program Administrator for CE Test Prep. “We also pay close attention to feedback and performance data, using it to continually improve the course and make sure it’s actually helping students progress. That combination is what makes the program effective, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
Research suggests that it takes roughly 40 hours of study for an increase of 2-4 points, so the course emphasizes the importance of sustained efforts. As a result, students are encouraged to start practicing as early as possible in distraction-free environments with simulated rest conditions. Students will begin their course with a personalized diagnostic test to set a baseline and identify areas where improvements can be made.
The program centers on two primary sources, the Kaplan ACT Prep Plus book and the Official ACT Prep Guide, which provide practice sets, strategy explanations, and multiple full-length practice exams. Students begin by working through exercises before transitioning to full-length timed exams to practice pacing and develop stamina. Students then review any mistakes they made, analyze missed questions, and determine ways to improve.
Currently the program has a satisfaction rating of more than 9 out of 10, with BYU Test Prep students giving their teachers a high rating. The course consists of two test-prep sessions, whose curriculum includes covering a wide range of advanced test-taking strategies in addition to ways to solve a given problem type in 60 seconds or less. These sessions emphasize hands-on, in-class work that is supported by instructors, who encourage students to develop habits and consistency to be successful even after the course. “Because of the support and resources from Continuing Education, we’re able to bring in strong instructors and stay focused on delivering high-quality training,” said Garrison. “That backing allows us to prioritize the student experience and maintain a standard we’re proud of.”
Outside of test performance, the program seeks to find a balance between intensive study with breaks that are full of fun activities and good food. Included in the program are course materials, meals for in-person sessions, and access to practice exams, though ACT registration fees are separate. Similarly, courses are taught by BYU faculty members as well as other highly experienced instructors to maintain its tradition of excellence, whether in person or online.
“Even though some universities have moved away from requiring ACT scores, they still play an important role in the application process—and we’re actually starting to see a trend of schools moving back toward making them a requirement again,” Garrison said. “Strong scores can open the door to valuable scholarship opportunities and help students stand out in an increasingly competitive pool. A solid ACT result adds another layer of credibility to an application and can make a meaningful difference in both admissions and financial aid outcomes.”
To learn more about BYU CE ACT prep courses visit: https://testprep.byu.edu/act