Question 1

My child is a Mexican-American dual citizen. How does that change the application?

Accepted Answer

Substantially. US citizens applying from abroad are typically evaluated in the domestic admissions pool, not the international pool — a meaningfully different competitive environment. Dual citizens are also eligible for federal financial aid and a much wider range of merit aid programs than international students. The ACT score still does work, but the strategic context differs. The consultation accounts for this up front.

Question 2

Should my child take the ACT or the SAT?

Accepted Answer

Both are accepted at every US university. The ACT often suits students from American-curriculum schools (ASF, Eton, Westhill), students who are quick at math, and students who prefer a direct question style. The SAT is more familiar in the local Mexico City prep market because of vendor presence, not because it's strategically superior. The honest answer requires looking at sample work — that's what the free consultation covers.

Question 3

Where can my child take the ACT in Mexico City?

Accepted Answer

American School Foundation (ASF) in Polanco/Bosques de las Lomas is the longest-running ACT test centre in Mexico City. Additional centres at Edron Academy, Greengates, Eton, and Westhill rotate by date. Families in Monterrey or Guadalajara have access to ACT centres at ASFG, Lincoln School, or Pan American School depending on the sitting. Confirm current authorized centres on the MyACT registration portal.

Question 4

Does my child still need the ACT for UT Austin?

Accepted Answer

Yes. UT Austin reinstated its test score requirement for the fall 2026 admissions cycle. Every applicant must submit an ACT or SAT score. For Mexican students applying without Texas residency, the Top 5% auto-admit rule does not apply, so the score and overall profile carry the full admissions weight. For UT Austin's competitive majors — McCombs, Cockrell, Computer Science — the score does substantial work on top of academic record.

Question 5

Do California UC schools require the ACT?

Accepted Answer

No. The University of California system has been test-blind since 2021 — UCLA, Berkeley, UCSD, and every other UC campus does not consider ACT or SAT scores in admissions decisions. For students whose California targets are UCs and CSUs, ACT prep is not relevant for those specific schools. For California privates (Stanford, USC, Pomona, the Claremont colleges), scores are required or strongly preferred.

Question 6

How does online tutoring work across the time zone?

Accepted Answer

Mexico City is essentially in the US Central time zone (CST, UTC-6), 1–2 hours behind US Eastern depending on daylight saving. Practically, scheduling a Mexico City student is no different from scheduling a Houston, Dallas, or Chicago student. After-school sessions correspond to standard US tutoring hours.

Question 7

Has the ACT changed for 2026?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Science section is now optional, alongside Writing. The composite is built from English, Math, and Reading. For Mexican students applying to US schools, taking Science is no longer required unless a specific target programme requests it. UT Austin specifically does not require the ACT Science section.

Online ACT® Tutor
for Mexico City Students

What Makes ACT® Prep Different in Mexico City

The SAT dominates the local market

Dual-national students are in a different position

Texas schools matter heavily

Tec de Monterrey is a real alternative

How Tutoring Works

Share Scores or Diagnostic Work

Get a Strategic Plan

Begin Tutoring

Students From Across Mexico City

What Families Say