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Learn about the ACT format

The ACT is one of the two main standardised tests, alongside the SAT, used for undergraduate admissions in America. The ACT has changed in recent years, and the new ACT format changes for 2026/27 have put English, Maths, and Reading at the core of the test, with an optional ACT science section as well as a Writing section.

Just because the Science section is optional, it is advisable to complete it in many cases where the university of choice and degree of choice would benefit from it to highlight your skills. Lionheart’s London ACT preparation will walk you through every part of the ACT format, taking into account the subject you wish to study and your current aptitude for the major components of the ACT.

We will start with a few short tests to gauge your reading speed and confidence with mathematics before developing a solid tuition plan tailored specifically for you. We focus on grammar and rhetorical devices in English, algebra and geometry in maths, and data interpretation for the science section. Reading and writing are also covered by your ACT tutor in London or online in detail so you are ready for any challenges the new format presents.

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Section-specific ACT tuition in London

Many applicants for US universities, both here in the UK and internationally, wonder whether the ACT vs Digital SAT is the best choice for them, and the right decision rests on a variety of variables which we will discuss with you in detail. For UK ACT preparation, your tutor will cover all parts of the exam, ensuring you have an excellent understanding of the test as a whole and the individual components. Lionheart ACT tutors teach each of the sections as its own unique discipline, and where we excel is how tutors enable you to get a grasp of concepts to maximise your ACT score.

How our ACT mock exams work

  • Why timing matters on the ACT

    The ACT has been designed not only to test your knowledge of basic English and Maths, but it shows how well you can allocate your time resources when dealing with multiple questions of varying difficulty. Getting your timing right on the ACT is crucial, which is why our London ACT preparation tutors will always set a full mock examination for you ahead of time so you can become familiar with the format.

  • Avoiding common pacing mistakes

    You might have excellent subject knowledge across the board, but if you don’t pace through the sections correctly, you can end up losing marks by spending too long on low-mark questions. A full timed mock examination also boosts confidence, as you don’t want the first time you see the ACT to be the real examination.

  • Feedback tailored to you

    An ACT mock exam gives your tutor valuable feedback and allows them to adjust your ACT prep sessions accordingly. Not only do they look at accuracy and question types, but they can also see where you’re spending most of your time and if you are getting fatigued with a certain section.

  • Confidence, not fear

    The mock ACT under test conditions set by a tutor differs from self-study, as you’ll get tailored advice in regard to confidence and speed so you can approach the ACT with enthusiasm instead of fear. These US university tests for UK pupils are helpful for understanding the process and familiarising you with higher-education learning in America.

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ACT Tuition and US University Application Preparation

Applying to study in America is an exciting time for any British or international student, and it may be something you’ve had your heart set on for quite some time. Lionheart helps you achieve your dream of studying abroad, and we have both ACT tutors and those familiar with the full university application methods.

We provide Common App and ACT support in London, which covers everything from your course choices and finding the right university for you, to providing essential assistance with supplementary essays and your extracurricular activities.

We align our services with ACT, SAT, and Oxbridge admissions, so we can guide you at every step of the journey to secure the placement you want to achieve. We cover both UCAS and US admissions, working closely with you to ensure the demands of your current A-Levels or IB are met, while you study for the ACT, AP, SAT, and other school admission deadlines in the UK and USA.

Lionheart has been helping students secure the university or college placements they dream of since 1989, and our private ACT tuition in London gives those taking the next steps of their journey in education the encouragement and structure they need. Our consultancy is always tailored to the individual and family, and we always seek to understand the unique requirements of each of our tutees so they can get the best out of our ACT tuition preparation and university admissions consultancy.

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Where our students go

Lionheart students have won places at leading US universities — from Ivy League colleges to world-renowned liberal arts institutions.

Hear from our families

For over three decades, we’ve had the privilege of supporting families through their most important educational decisions. Here’s what parents say about their journey with Lionheart.

The ACT felt like a mountain to climb, especially with deadlines coming up so quickly. What impressed us most about Lionheart was how quickly they built a plan that worked for our son’s personality as well as his academics. The steady progress — and the boost in his confidence — made the whole admissions process far less stressful for our family.

Fiona & David S.

I’d already done well in school Maths and English, but the ACT’s timing threw me off. My tutor showed me how to approach questions with efficiency, not just accuracy. By the test date, I wasn’t aiming to survive the timing — I was using it to my advantage. That made all the difference

Elena M.

Your ACT questions answered

  • What is the ACT?

    The new and improved ACT for the 2026/27 cycle is designed for undergraduate admissions in the USA, and it consists of a series of sections to test students’ abilities. Science and Writing are optional units, but all ACT preparation covers English, Reading, and Mathematics. The test rewards content knowledge, speed and accuracy, and our ACT tutors help you prepare properly for every part of the test.

  • ACT or SAT: which should I take?

    There’s no right choice, and the test depends on the university you’re applying to and how well you work with certain formats. If you are able to read quickly and are already strong in mathematics, the ACT may be the way to go, but the SAT is also widely taken by both international and American students as the standard exam. Lionheart tutors will always conduct prior diagnostic tests with the tutee to determine the right entrance for them.

  • Do UK pupils take the ACT?

    Yes, for entry into many US universities, pupils in the UK need to sit the ACT or the SAT, or even both. We know that students in Year 12 and 13 are already juggling the demands of A-Levels, so we aim to fit all of your ACT test preparation around the existing workload you have. It’s even possible to take both the ACT and SAT, but only submit your best score, and our tutors will be able to help you make an informed decision for US university applications.

  • When should we start ACT preparation?

    The ACT is just one part of admission to a US university or college, and we are here to walk you through all steps to maximise your chances of success. We can connect all of your higher education commitments together into a manageable package, whether it’s recommending universities in the UK and US, navigating Common App admissions, helping to build your extracurricular profile ahead of application, and handling Oxbridge applications too with UCAS.

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