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Free ACT resources for parents & students

Your ACT score opens doors. Start here.

Quick, clear guides and a TOPS scholarship calculator — built by a PhD who's coached 1,000+ families.

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Dr. Paul Carey Jr.

Dr. Paul Carey Jr.

Founder · Your Coach

PhD in physical chemistry. 20+ years in education. 1,000+ families guided. Everything here is free — and when you're ready for the real climb, I coach live every week inside The 35+ Blueprint.

Free guides · No signup

Start with the most-read guides

Short reads. Real answers. Current for 2026.

Louisiana · TOPS
Every TOPS tier — and the new Excellence award
The exact ACT scores that unlock each award level.
Read the guide → Enhanced ACT
The new ACT, explained in plain English
Shorter test, optional science. What it means for your student.
Read the guide → Planning
When should my junior take the ACT?
The simple timeline that works, with 2026–27 test dates.
Read the guide → Planning & Timing
Every ACT test date for 2026–2027
All seven dates, every registration deadline, and how to pick yours.
Read the guide → ACT Scores
What's a good ACT score in 2026?
Full percentile table — and the only number that actually matters.
Read the guide → Study Plans
The realistic 8-week ACT study plan
Week by week, built for a student who already has a full schedule.
Read the guide → Test-Day Strategy
Digital or paper ACT: which should your student take?
The real differences, the scoring-scale debate nobody mentions, and how to pick before you book.
Read the guide → ACT vs SAT
Fewer students take the ACT. Here's why smart families still choose it.
The real participation numbers, charted — plus four advantages nobody explains.
Read the guide → Louisiana · TOPS
Could you have to repay your TOPS Scholarship?
What the 2026 repayment bill said, what happened to it, and what to watch.
Read the guide →
See all 17 free guides →

What's your score worth?

In Louisiana, one ACT point can be worth thousands in TOPS money. Move two sliders and see your student's tier — and how close the next one is.

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Two ways forward

Keep learning free

Ten guides on the ACT, test timing, and TOPS. Read them all, share them with other parents.

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Your score is the key

Scholarships, admission, ROTC — your ACT score unlocks something real. These guides show you the door. The 35+ Blueprint walks you through it.

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Questions? Email paul@drpaulpreps.com — a real person answers.