<p>Curious, on average, how many more points can a student expect by taking a prep class?</p>
<p>I went from 29 in December to 32 in February by completing three practice exams in between and spending some extra time practicing the timing in the Reading section.</p>
<p>Wrong section or wrong title? In sat it definitely helps. Increased about 500 points from a 1600 to 2100 with a 16 class course. I have ^no experience with the ACT though.</p>
<p>Sorry, I meant ACT prep classes. I see one went from 29 to a 32. I wonder if 3 points is a decent average one can expect?</p>
<p>Of my private tutoring students, I don’t have an exact number, but I would say about 90% make some sort of improvement.</p>
<p>I haven’t taught many group classes, but I will say the percentage of students receiving a higher score is definitively lower.</p>
<p>My daughter went up 4 points on the ACT after a group class (there were only 8 or so students in the group but there could have been up to 20 if more had enrolled)–but these scores were all on practice tests (one a past exam from the REAL ACT book)–she will be taking the first actual exam that counts this Tuesday. We will see what happens! 
</p>
<p>While I’m sure you can get much more individualized attention from a tutor, I think the group prep class worked well for her because of her ability to work well in a classroom situation and because her major problem with the ACT was becoming familiar with the test, test-taking strategies, and its timing. </p>
<p>She works well in a group because she is very focused and doesn’t let herself be distracted that easily; she isn’t afraid to ask questions in a group or ask the instructor something before or after class; and she can continue to work and get something done if she needs to wait for the instructor’s help. Her major problem with her first practice ACT (schoolwide for juniors at her high school last October) was not being able to finish any of the sections–especially science. Now she finishes the English section with time to spare and check her answers. Reading and math are close–she either just finishes or has 2-3 questions/problems left. She still struggles with science, but her score in that section is now six points higher than what it was on the first practice test. </p>
<p>Learning test-taking strategies in general and strategies specifc to the ACT really helped. When she doesn’t follow them, it is because she has adapted them in a way that works better for her. Familiarity with the exam and having to practice, practice, and practice some more have really helped. At this point, she just needs to keep practicing on her own with practice exercises and practice tests.</p>
<p>I don’t know if any of this fits you–if it does, I think a group class could be valuable. If you work well in a group, need some help with strategies or “tricks,” need to review and understand each section, and just need practice (and will finish “homework” for each class just because you have a class), I think you will improve. If you have specific issues or needs–whether on a specific test or to help you concentrate–perhaps a private tutor or a group with 2-3 students would be better. It is also possible to improve on your own, if you have the self-discipline. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>