# OnToCollege (ontocollege.com) > OnToCollege is a Nebraska-based ACT® and SAT® test prep company founded in 1991 that helps high school students improve their college entrance test scores, earn more merit-based scholarships, and reach their best-fit colleges with minimal debt. Courses are available online (on-demand), live online, and in-person in Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska. OnToCollege also serves 600+ high schools in 29 states through school-wide programs. - Contact: https://www.ontocollege.com/contact-us/ - Support: https://www.ontocollege.com/support/ - Shop / Enroll: https://www.ontocollege.com/shop/ - Free Trial (ACT): https://www.ontocollege.com/product/ontocollege-free-act-prep-trial/ - Free Trial (SAT): https://www.ontocollege.com/product/ontocollege-free-sat-prep-trial/ --- ## Homepage URL: https://www.ontocollege.com/ OnToCollege delivers proven ACT® and SAT® Test Prep that strengthens scores, confidence, and college readiness—helping students reach their best-fit colleges with minimal debt. Tens of thousands of students have taken OTC's proven, innovative, and fun test prep courses. After more than two decades of growth, a team of ACT® certified Master Teachers helps students—and entire high schools—improve their test scores, scholarships, and college choices. ### Why Test Scores Still Matter Even as many colleges have extended test-optional admissions policies, test scores continue to greatly affect merit-based scholarships, need-based aid, and college admissions. Test-optional policies are effectively only for students willing to pay full price. Jumping your score remains the best-paying job a high school student can have. **Note:** Test prep courses are now an eligible 529 Plan expense. ### Products and Services Overview - **Online ACT® Prep** – On-demand video course, available anytime - **Online SAT® Prep** – On-demand video course, available anytime - **In-Person Classes** – ACT® prep classes in Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska - **Live! Online Classes** – Interactive live-streamed ACT® and SAT® prep from anywhere - **College Counseling** – Personalized support for college selection and financial aid strategy - **Test Prep for Schools** – School-wide ACT®/SAT® programs used by 600+ high schools in 29 states - **Homeschool Options** – Courses designed for homeschool students and families - **WorkKeys®** – Prep for the ACT WorkKeys® career readiness assessment --- ## OTC Online ACT® Prep Course URL: https://www.ontocollege.com/online-act-prep/ OTC Online Prep for the ACT® Test is a self-paced, on-demand course designed to increase ACT® scores through structured strategy sessions, practice tests, and solution videos. Students can start anytime and prep on their own schedule. ### Course Features - 22 on-demand video sessions (each approximately 22 minutes) - 3 full-length practice tests (diagnostic, post-course, and section-specific) - Detailed solution videos for every question - Score-jumping strategies for all four ACT® sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science - Calculator tutorials - Instant feedback and progress tracking through online quizzes and tests ### Pricing | Course | Access | Price | |--------|--------|-------| | OTC Boot Camp for the ACT® | Until next test date | $149 | | OTC Online Prep for the ACT® | One full year | $299 | | OTC Online Prep for ACT® + SAT® + PSAT/NMSQT® | One full year | $398 | Individual purchases are intended for a single student's personal use. For two or more students, school or homeschool options are available. **Free trial available:** https://www.ontocollege.com/product/ontocollege-free-act-prep-trial/ --- ## OTC Online SAT® Prep Course URL: https://www.ontocollege.com/online-sat-prep/ OTC Online Prep for the SAT® Test is a self-paced, on-demand course designed to increase SAT® and PSAT/NMSQT® scores. The course covers both the Reading & Writing and Math sections of the Digital SAT® (launched March 2024). ### Course Features - 12 on-demand video sessions (each approximately 22 minutes) - 3 full-length practice tests with detailed solution videos for every question - Additional Reading & Writing and Math prep - Calculator tutorials included - Instant feedback via online quizzes and tests ### Pricing | Course | Access | Price | |--------|--------|-------| | OTC Boot Camp for the SAT® & PSAT/NMSQT® | Until next test date | $149 | | OTC Online Prep for the SAT® & PSAT/NMSQT® | One full year | $299 | | OTC Online Prep for SAT®/PSAT/NMSQT® & ACT® | One full year | $398 | Individual purchases are for a single student's personal use. School and homeschool options available for groups. **Free trial available:** https://www.ontocollege.com/product/ontocollege-free-sat-prep-trial/ --- ## In-Person ACT® Test Prep Classes — Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska URL: https://www.ontocollege.com/in-person-test-prep/ OnToCollege offers in-person ACT® prep classes in Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska. These classes are taught by ACT® certified Master Teachers and are designed to be engaging, effective, and fit around a student's busy schedule. ### Course Details - **Format:** In-person classroom instruction - **Total instruction:** 12.5 hours across 5 sessions - **Session length:** 2.5 hours each - **Price:** $399 ### Flexibility All sessions are recorded and posted online. Students who need to miss a session can watch on their own schedule at no penalty. ### Locations **Lincoln:** Sandhills Global Cyber Center **Omaha:** Millard North High School ### Note on College Admissions The University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) has stated they prefer an ACT® or SAT® Test score for scholarship consideration, making test prep especially important for Nebraska students. **Test Prep courses are now an eligible 529 Plan expense.** --- ## About OnToCollege URL: https://www.ontocollege.com/about-ontocollege/ OnToCollege was founded in 1991 by John Baylor, a Stanford University graduate, who began tutoring students for the SAT® Test while pursuing an acting career in Los Angeles. After brief careers in banking, acting, and sportscasting, Baylor concluded that his true passion was teaching—leading to the creation of John Baylor Prep, which later became OnToCollege. ### Scale and Impact - Tens of thousands of students have completed OTC's online prep courses - Used by more than 600 high schools in 29 states - OTC Online Courses routinely increase a high school's average ACT® score by 1–3 points - OTC Online Courses routinely increase a high school's average SAT® score by 50–150 points ### Mission OnToCollege's mission is to help schools and families create two- and four-year college graduates with minimal debt. OTC strengthens scores, confidence, and culture so all students reach their best-fit post-high school destination at the lowest possible price. ### Background on the Problem OTC Solves Only 48.4% of Americans hold a two- or four-year college degree. The likelihood of earning a degree drops sharply at lower income levels: 80% of children from the top economic quartile graduate from college, compared to only 11% from the bottom quartile. Meanwhile, high student loan debt undermines the economic value of earning a degree. OnToCollege believes all students deserve the right college at the right price. ### Founder: John Baylor John Baylor is the founder and lead instructor at OnToCollege. A Stanford graduate, his entertainment background ensures that students stay engaged—a critical component of effective test prep. Full bio: https://www.ontocollege.com/about-ontocollege/help-you-achieve-your-act-and-sat-test-scores/john-baylor/ ### Additional Programs - **College & Career Readiness** – Tools and counseling to help students find their best-fit college at the lowest price - **Middle School Matters** (added 2019) – Program for younger students to learn that college can be transformative and affordable --- ## ACT® Test Scores: Everything You Need to Know URL: https://www.ontocollege.com/act-test-scores/ ### How ACT® Scoring Works ACT® Test scores range from 1 to 36. Scores are calculated as follows: 1. The ACT® counts the number of correct answers in each section. There is no penalty for wrong answers—students should always guess rather than leave a question blank. 2. Raw scores are converted to scale scores. 3. The four section scale scores (English, Math, Reading, Science) are averaged to produce a composite score, rounded to the nearest whole number. 4. The composite score and individual section scores are sent to the colleges the student selected at registration. ### Sections of the ACT® - **English** – Tests grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills - **Math** – Tests pre-algebra through trigonometry - **Reading** – Tests reading comprehension across multiple passage types - **Science** – Tests data interpretation and scientific reasoning (optional beginning April 2025, but strongly encouraged) ### Score Release Timeline Scores are typically available online 10 days after the test date. In some cases, it may take up to 8 weeks. Reasons for delay can include a mismatch between the admission ticket and answer sheet, or additional review of the Writing section. ### Superscores If a student has taken the ACT® at least twice, ACT® automatically calculates a Superscore, which combines the best section score from each test attempt. Not all universities accept superscores—students should check with individual colleges. ### National Average The ACT® national average composite score in 2025 was **19.4 out of 36**. ### Using Scores Strategically Students should compare their scores against both college admissions minimums (typically around 20 at most public universities) and the score thresholds for merit-based scholarships at target schools. The goal is not merely to reach the average—it's to reach the score that makes a specific college affordable. --- ## Average ACT® Test Score by State (2026) URL: https://www.ontocollege.com/average-act-test-score/ ### National Average The national average ACT® composite score (2025 data) is **19.4 out of 36**. ### Average Scores by Section (National, 2025) | Section | Average Score | |---------|---------------| | English | 18.4 | | Math | 18.9 | | Reading | 20.0 | | Science | 19.6 (excluded from composite beginning September 2025) | ### How to Interpret State Averages State averages are influenced heavily by participation rates. In states where the ACT® is mandated for all high school juniors, overall average scores tend to be lower because all students—including those who have not prepared—are required to take the test. In states where testing is optional, only college-bound students typically take the ACT®, which skews averages higher. The most accurate comparisons are between states with similar participation rates. ### What Score Should Students Target? The national average is a useful benchmark but should not be the goal. Students should: 1. Research the admissions requirements at target colleges (most public universities require approximately a 20) 2. Research scholarship thresholds at target schools 3. Set a personalized score goal based on what makes their best-fit college affordable 4. Take the ACT® multiple times—most students earn their best score on the third or fourth attempt ### School-Level Outcomes with OTC OTC has documented consistent school-level improvements. One Nebraska school district improved its junior class ACT® mean composite from 17.9 (2022–23) to 20.1 (2024–25) after implementing OnToCollege. At Lakeview Schools, students who fully engaged in the OTC program have never scored below a 20 on the ACT®. --- ## Average SAT® Score (2026) URL: https://www.ontocollege.com/average-sat-score/ ### SAT® Score Range SAT® Test scores range from **400 to 1600**. The total score is the sum of two section scores, each ranging from 200 to 800: - **Reading & Writing** (200–800) - **Math** (200–800) There is no penalty for incorrect answers on the SAT®. Students should always guess rather than leave a question blank. ### National Average SAT® Score The national average SAT® score for the class of 2025 was **1029 out of 1600**. Additional context from College Board data: - Only 7% of all test-takers scored higher than 1400 - Approximately 14% of test-takers scored between 600 and 790 ### Digital SAT® The Digital SAT® launched in March 2024. Paper and digital SAT® scores are comparable, though the format of the test changed significantly. Students should use prep materials updated for the Digital SAT® format. ### Improving Your SAT® Score Structured prep is the most reliable way to increase SAT® scores. Students should: 1. Take the test multiple times (ideally twice in junior year, twice in senior year) 2. Use full-length practice tests to build familiarity with the format 3. Review solution videos for every question missed 4. Focus preparation on their weaker section OTC's SAT® Online Prep Course includes 3 full-length practice tests with detailed solution videos and is aligned to the Digital SAT® format. --- ## ACT® and SAT® Test Dates (2026) URL: https://www.ontocollege.com/act-and-sat-test-dates/ ### ACT® Test Dates The ACT® is offered seven times per year nationally: **September, October, December, February, April, June, July** Registration is available at www.act.org. Online testing is available at some, but not all, locations. Students who miss the late registration deadline may contact ACT® about standby testing options (paper only; not guaranteed). **Important note:** ACT® announced changes to the online test format for Spring 2025 national test dates, for paper tests beginning September 2025, and for school day testing in Spring 2026. ### SAT® Test Dates The SAT® is offered seven times per year nationally: **August, October, November, December, March, May, June** Registration is available at www.collegeboard.org. ### How Many Times Should Students Test? OnToCollege recommends taking the preferred test at least four times to maximize scores. A suggested framework: - **Junior year:** Take both ACT® and SAT® once each; identify your stronger test; take preferred test again in spring - **Summer:** Continue preparation - **Senior year:** Take preferred test twice (fall); note that December is typically the final score colleges consider for scholarship purposes Some Nebraska colleges (including University of Nebraska) consider February ACT® scores from seniors for scholarship decisions. ### Score Release Timelines - **ACT®:** Scores typically available 10–14 days after the test date; Writing scores may take up to 8 weeks - **SAT®:** Multiple-choice scores typically reported within 2–3 weeks; College Board sends scores to selected colleges within 10 days ### Strategy Notes Many colleges begin accepting applications on July 1 or August 1 of senior year. Students who don't begin testing until April of junior year may run short on time to achieve their best score before application deadlines. Earlier testing in junior year leaves more attempts available. --- ## The Ultimate Guide to ACT® Prep (2026) URL: https://www.ontocollege.com/guide-to-act-prep/ ### Overview of the ACT® The ACT® is a standardized college entrance exam accepted by all U.S. colleges and universities. It consists of four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science (optional beginning April 2025). Scores range from 1 to 36 on each section; the composite score is the average of all four, rounded to the nearest whole number. The national average ACT® composite score (2025) is **19.4**. ### Why ACT® Scores Matter Colleges use ACT® scores to: - Determine admission eligibility - Award merit-based scholarships (often tied to score + GPA combinations) - Place students in appropriate college classes (high scores can waive remedial requirements) Even at test-optional schools, a strong ACT® score can unlock merit aid and make an otherwise expensive college affordable. ### How the ACT® Is Scored 1. Raw score = number of correct answers (no penalty for wrong answers) 2. Raw scores converted to scale scores (1–36 per section) 3. Composite = average of English, Math, Reading, and (currently) Science, rounded to the nearest whole number ### ACT® vs. SAT®: Key Differences | Feature | ACT® | SAT® | |---------|------|------| | Score Range | 1–36 | 400–1600 | | Sections | English, Math, Reading, Science (optional) | Reading & Writing, Math | | Science Section | Yes (optional from April 2025) | No | | Math Sections | 1 | 2 | | Time per Question | Less | More | | Content Difficulty | Generally less challenging | Generally more challenging | | Format | Paper and online | Digital (since March 2024) | All colleges accept both tests. OTC recommends taking each once in junior year, then focusing on the higher-scoring test. ### Setting a Score Goal 1. Research admissions minimums at target colleges (most public universities: ~20 composite) 2. Research scholarship thresholds (merit aid often requires 24–28+) 3. Use the OTC "What Score Do I Need?" tool: https://www.ontocollege.com/ 4. Work toward your personal best score—not just the average ### Tips for Improving Your ACT® Score - **Start early:** Begin prep at least 6–8 weeks before your test date - **Take a structured course:** Students using OTC courses routinely improve 3–5+ points - **Use full-length practice tests:** Familiarizes you with pacing and format - **Review every missed question:** Solution videos for each question help you understand why answers are right or wrong - **Take the test multiple times:** Most students achieve their best score on the 3rd or 4th attempt - **Target your weakest section:** Since the composite is an average, improving any section raises your overall score equally ### ACT® and SAT® Score Concordance ACT® scores range from 1–36 while SAT® scores range from 400–1600. OTC provides an interactive ACT-to-SAT conversion tool based on the official 2018 concordance tables published jointly by ACT® and the College Board—the same data used by colleges when comparing applicants. Score Converter Tool: https://www.ontocollege.com/act-sat-score-converter/ ### About OnToCollege ACT® Prep Courses OnToCollege is a member of the ACT® Affiliate Tutor Program. OTC's ACT® prep courses are designed by a team with two decades of ACT® teaching experience and are used by 600+ high schools in 29 states. Typical school-wide improvements: 1–3 composite points on ACT®, 50–150 points on SAT®. - Online ACT® Prep (on-demand): https://www.ontocollege.com/online-act-prep/ - In-Person Classes (Lincoln & Omaha): https://www.ontocollege.com/in-person-test-prep/ - Live! Online Classes: https://www.ontocollege.com/live-online-classes/ - Schools: https://www.ontocollege.com/schools-2/ --- *This file was last updated: April 2026* *OnToCollege | ontocollege.com | contact@ontocollege.com* *ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT Education Corp. SAT® is a registered trademark of the College Board. OnToCollege is a member of the ACT® Affiliate Tutor Program.*