Fequently Asked Questions
What does it cost?
Unless noted otherwise in the class schedules, the costs are as follows:
ACT Prep Class or ACT Boot Camp $400
PSAT Prep Class $300
Personal Tutoring cost varies by teacher. The average is $80 an hour.
What is the mailing address for Henson Test Prep?
Amy Henson
1700 Crosswood Lane
Vestavia Hills, AL 35216-3100.
Who can take an Henson Test Prep class?
Students of any school can take our prep classes. At this time, group classes are held only in the greater Birmingham, Alabama area. Most classes are made up of juniors and seniors. We also offer online courses for those who are unable to attend in-person classes.
Where can I get directions to the class?
Visit our "Directions" page for Google maps or visit the school websites here. A few days before the class begins, you will receive an e-mail from Henson Test Prep containing the classroom number, directions to the class, and other information.
What should I bring to class?
A few No. 2 Pencils and a hand-held calculator are all that is needed. The list of approved calculators can be found on the test website. You can also bring something to drink, as long as it is in a re-sealable plastic container. Henson Test Prep will provide all study guides, worksheets, and practice test materials. At most classes there will be snacks in the form of candy bars or cookies brought by the teacher.
What does it cost to retake your ACT Prep Class?
Once you have taken our ACT Prep Class, you can take it again for only $300. This is a great benefit for those who plan on taking the ACT test a second time. Please note that this does not apply to the PSAT class, which has a lower tuition cost and is only offered in the fall.
What are the testing requirements for college?
Almost all four-year colleges and universities require students to take either the ACT or the SAT Test. However, specific testing requirements vary from college to college. Visit college websites and research so you are aware of the testing requirements for all the schools that you are considering.
When should I take the ACT or the SAT test?
Juniors should take the ACT or SAT in the spring between February and June. Make plans to retake the one on which you do better during the Fall of your senior year. As you plan for test dates, take into account factors such as athletic commitments, family travel, scholarship priority deadlines, and any other obligations you might have. When you plan a sequence of testing, consider the following:
How do I register for the ACT or SAT?
Registration materials may be available in your schools Guidance Office, or you can register online at The College Board and ACT Web sites. Registration deadlines are important and are well ahead of the test dates, so plan ahead. Many colleges require students to have all scores sent directly from the testing agency, and you must request that your scores be sent to the colleges of your choice. Score reporting should include SAT, ACT, and SAT II: Subject Test scores.
For the ACT, use this link: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html
For the SAT, use this link: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register
What is the ACT?
The ACT is a national college admission examination that consists of tests in: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science Reasoning. The ACT Assessment tests are curriculum based. The ACT Assessment is not an aptitude or an IQ test. Instead, the questions on the ACT are directly related to what you have learned in your high school courses in English, mathematics, and science. Because the ACT tests are based on what is taught in the high school curriculum, students are generally more comfortable with the ACT than they are with the traditional aptitude tests or tests with narrower content. The ACT includes an optional writing assessment.
How many times can I take the ACT?
You can take the ACT as many times as you like. However, there are retest restrictions. Many students take the test twice, once as a junior and again as a senior. Please visit the ACT website, actstudent.org, to read the latest restrictions.
Should I take the ACT writing assessment?
Some colleges/universities require students to also submit results from a writing assessment—a short essay that students write in response to a prompt. SAT’s writing assessment is required; if you take the SAT, then you must take the writing assessment. ACT’s writing assessment is optional, meaning that students have the choice to register to take it or not. The key is for students to research the colleges’ individual admission requirements. Find out from the colleges you are interested in whether or not they are requiring a writing assessment—and if so, what scores they require.
What are the national test dates for the ACT?
Please check the ACT website for current test dates and registration deadlines: actstudent.org
What is the SAT Reasoning Test?
The SAT Reasoning Test (SAT) measures verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities that students develop over time, both in and out of school, which are related to successful performance in college. The test consists of seven sections, each timed separately. SAT scores are intended to supplement the secondary school record and help admission officers put local data - such as course work, grades, and class rank - in a national perspective. The SAT Reasoning Test includes a mandatory writing assessment.
The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors. It tells students how well they use the skills and knowledge they have attained in and outside of the classroom—including how they think, solve problems, and communicate. The SAT is an important resource for colleges. It's also one of the best predictors of how well students will do in college.
Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200-800, with two writing sub-scores for multiple-choice questions and the essay. It is administered seven times a year in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S. Territories, and six times a year overseas.
What is the SAT Subject Tests?
Subject Tests (formerly SAT II: Subject Tests) are designed to measure your knowledge and skills in particular subject areas, as well as your ability to apply that knowledge.
Students take the Subject Tests to demonstrate to colleges their mastery of specific subjects like English, history, mathematics, science, and language. The tests are independent of any particular textbook or method of instruction. The tests' content evolves to reflect current trends in high school curricula, but the types of questions change little from year to year.
Many colleges use the Subject Tests for admission, for course placement, and to advise students about course selection. Used in combination with other background information (your high school record, scores from other tests like the SAT Reasoning Test, teacher recommendations, etc.), they provide a dependable measure of your academic achievement and are a good predictor of future performance.
It is crucial that you consult the web sites or contact the admissions office of colleges that require or strongly recommend the SAT Subject Tests find out which subject areas you should take. Also be aware that if you need to take SAT Subject Tests, the time to do so is immediately as or after you are finishing the highest level of study in that subject, so that it is fresh in your mind. So, in some rare cases, advanced students may take an SAT Subject Tests as early as their sophomore year, i.e. if they complete an AP class as a 10th grader.
What is the PLAN?
The PLAN is the pre-ACT, which students may take as sophomores in the Fall. It gives an indication of how students may perform on the ACT, as well as offering a career interest inventory.
What is the PSAT/NMSQT?
All students are strongly encouraged take the PSAT both as sophomores and juniors. The PSAT is a standardized test that provides practice for the SAT. For juniors, taking the PSAT is the only way to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs.
What are the national test dates for the SAT?
Please check the SAT website for registration deadlines: collegeboard.com
Unless noted otherwise in the class schedules, the costs are as follows:
ACT Prep Class or ACT Boot Camp $400
PSAT Prep Class $300
Personal Tutoring cost varies by teacher. The average is $80 an hour.
What is the mailing address for Henson Test Prep?
Amy Henson
1700 Crosswood Lane
Vestavia Hills, AL 35216-3100.
Who can take an Henson Test Prep class?
Students of any school can take our prep classes. At this time, group classes are held only in the greater Birmingham, Alabama area. Most classes are made up of juniors and seniors. We also offer online courses for those who are unable to attend in-person classes.
Where can I get directions to the class?
Visit our "Directions" page for Google maps or visit the school websites here. A few days before the class begins, you will receive an e-mail from Henson Test Prep containing the classroom number, directions to the class, and other information.
What should I bring to class?
A few No. 2 Pencils and a hand-held calculator are all that is needed. The list of approved calculators can be found on the test website. You can also bring something to drink, as long as it is in a re-sealable plastic container. Henson Test Prep will provide all study guides, worksheets, and practice test materials. At most classes there will be snacks in the form of candy bars or cookies brought by the teacher.
What does it cost to retake your ACT Prep Class?
Once you have taken our ACT Prep Class, you can take it again for only $300. This is a great benefit for those who plan on taking the ACT test a second time. Please note that this does not apply to the PSAT class, which has a lower tuition cost and is only offered in the fall.
What are the testing requirements for college?
Almost all four-year colleges and universities require students to take either the ACT or the SAT Test. However, specific testing requirements vary from college to college. Visit college websites and research so you are aware of the testing requirements for all the schools that you are considering.
When should I take the ACT or the SAT test?
Juniors should take the ACT or SAT in the spring between February and June. Make plans to retake the one on which you do better during the Fall of your senior year. As you plan for test dates, take into account factors such as athletic commitments, family travel, scholarship priority deadlines, and any other obligations you might have. When you plan a sequence of testing, consider the following:
- Some schools will accept the ACT in lieu of SAT Subject Tests.
- You cannot take the SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests on the same day.
- You can take up to three SAT Subject Tests on the same day. Not all SAT Subject Tests are offered on all testing dates (check Testing Schedule for details).
- Some schools require or recommend particular SAT Subject Tests. Find out from the colleges on your list if any SAT II: Subject Tests are required or recommended.
How do I register for the ACT or SAT?
Registration materials may be available in your schools Guidance Office, or you can register online at The College Board and ACT Web sites. Registration deadlines are important and are well ahead of the test dates, so plan ahead. Many colleges require students to have all scores sent directly from the testing agency, and you must request that your scores be sent to the colleges of your choice. Score reporting should include SAT, ACT, and SAT II: Subject Test scores.
For the ACT, use this link: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html
For the SAT, use this link: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register
What is the ACT?
The ACT is a national college admission examination that consists of tests in: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science Reasoning. The ACT Assessment tests are curriculum based. The ACT Assessment is not an aptitude or an IQ test. Instead, the questions on the ACT are directly related to what you have learned in your high school courses in English, mathematics, and science. Because the ACT tests are based on what is taught in the high school curriculum, students are generally more comfortable with the ACT than they are with the traditional aptitude tests or tests with narrower content. The ACT includes an optional writing assessment.
How many times can I take the ACT?
You can take the ACT as many times as you like. However, there are retest restrictions. Many students take the test twice, once as a junior and again as a senior. Please visit the ACT website, actstudent.org, to read the latest restrictions.
Should I take the ACT writing assessment?
Some colleges/universities require students to also submit results from a writing assessment—a short essay that students write in response to a prompt. SAT’s writing assessment is required; if you take the SAT, then you must take the writing assessment. ACT’s writing assessment is optional, meaning that students have the choice to register to take it or not. The key is for students to research the colleges’ individual admission requirements. Find out from the colleges you are interested in whether or not they are requiring a writing assessment—and if so, what scores they require.
What are the national test dates for the ACT?
Please check the ACT website for current test dates and registration deadlines: actstudent.org
What is the SAT Reasoning Test?
The SAT Reasoning Test (SAT) measures verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities that students develop over time, both in and out of school, which are related to successful performance in college. The test consists of seven sections, each timed separately. SAT scores are intended to supplement the secondary school record and help admission officers put local data - such as course work, grades, and class rank - in a national perspective. The SAT Reasoning Test includes a mandatory writing assessment.
The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors. It tells students how well they use the skills and knowledge they have attained in and outside of the classroom—including how they think, solve problems, and communicate. The SAT is an important resource for colleges. It's also one of the best predictors of how well students will do in college.
Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200-800, with two writing sub-scores for multiple-choice questions and the essay. It is administered seven times a year in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S. Territories, and six times a year overseas.
What is the SAT Subject Tests?
Subject Tests (formerly SAT II: Subject Tests) are designed to measure your knowledge and skills in particular subject areas, as well as your ability to apply that knowledge.
Students take the Subject Tests to demonstrate to colleges their mastery of specific subjects like English, history, mathematics, science, and language. The tests are independent of any particular textbook or method of instruction. The tests' content evolves to reflect current trends in high school curricula, but the types of questions change little from year to year.
Many colleges use the Subject Tests for admission, for course placement, and to advise students about course selection. Used in combination with other background information (your high school record, scores from other tests like the SAT Reasoning Test, teacher recommendations, etc.), they provide a dependable measure of your academic achievement and are a good predictor of future performance.
It is crucial that you consult the web sites or contact the admissions office of colleges that require or strongly recommend the SAT Subject Tests find out which subject areas you should take. Also be aware that if you need to take SAT Subject Tests, the time to do so is immediately as or after you are finishing the highest level of study in that subject, so that it is fresh in your mind. So, in some rare cases, advanced students may take an SAT Subject Tests as early as their sophomore year, i.e. if they complete an AP class as a 10th grader.
What is the PLAN?
The PLAN is the pre-ACT, which students may take as sophomores in the Fall. It gives an indication of how students may perform on the ACT, as well as offering a career interest inventory.
What is the PSAT/NMSQT?
All students are strongly encouraged take the PSAT both as sophomores and juniors. The PSAT is a standardized test that provides practice for the SAT. For juniors, taking the PSAT is the only way to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs.
What are the national test dates for the SAT?
Please check the SAT website for registration deadlines: collegeboard.com