ACT Prep It's A Test Thing.
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It's a Test Thing.. was founded over a decade ago to assist students in improving their ACT scores. Hello, my name is Jacob Hogan. Welcome to my page.
If you have found your way here, I guess you are wondering what this company is all about, and if this company could possibly benefit you. Well, first of all, let me tell you a little about me. I grew up in Decatur, and graduated from Decatur High in 1991. I then attended the University of Alabama where I received a Bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science and a Master’s degree in Public Administration. Over the past two decades I have worked in city government and been a corporate trainer and recruiter. I have always had a passion for helping others. In fact, I have been working with students as a teacher and tutor in either a part-time or full-time capacity for nearly fifteen years. For the past six years, I have been working full-time doing test prep where I have specialized in preparing students for the ACT. All in all, I have worked with just over a thousand students over the past fifteen years. Since working in test prep full-time, I have had the opportunity to design and teach ACT and SAT classes, hire, train, and manage test prep tutors and teachers, create ACT instructional material that has been used for tutoring, small group and classroom instruction, as well as design a variety of programs for schools around the area. Just over two years ago, I formed this company with the dream of making a difference in the lives of our youth by helping them get the best ACT score possible and as such get into college or get that scholarship they deserve. I know that there are a lot of people and a lot of companies out there that provide test prep services, most notably the ACT. So, why should you consider utilizing our services? Well, I would hope that anyone that I have ever worked with would attest to three things that set us apart and that you can expect from It’s a Test Thing… First of all, I have and continue to be passionate about providing the very best quality instruction possible. I know that I have been blessed to be able to find what I am good at, and in doing so make a quality living for my wife and two daughters. Second, I think anyone would tell you that if there is anyone out there that knows more about the ACT, that I would like to meet them. Over the past six years, I have dedicated myself to becoming the very best ACT expert around. I have taken every ACT I can get my hands on, and routinely make a 36 on them. My car tag says ACTGUY, and my students often tell me that they take pride in knowing they are receiving instruction from the most knowledgeable person about this test around. Thirdly, anyone I have worked with, I think would tell you that once you work with me, you are like family. I always have been and continue to be absolutely committed to doing everything I possibly can to assist a student in reaching their maximum potential. I truly take to heart the saying, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
In the end, I always tell parents that my goal is to see a student do their absolute best on the ACT, and if that means that they can get that elsewhere, than I will be satisfied. I just feel that the expertise I have developed combined with my commitment to seeing to it that a student reaches their potential, has allowed me to provide the best ACT prep around. As the Founder and President of It’s a Test Thing… you can be assured that my company will always hold true to these ideals. For now, I am providing all of the tutoring, small group and class instruction, but it has become impossible for me to meet the demand that exists for my services. As such, over the next year or too, I will be expanding my business to bring on new ACT Tutors and Instructors. But, you can rest assured that when you walk through our doors, whether you are taught by me or one of our other tutors or instructors, you will always have my commitment to you that we will do everything we possibly can to see to it that a student gets the best ACT score possible!
Just a reminder that our ACT class for the October test will start this Sunday. We still have 4 openings for anyone interested in signing up! Feel free to text or email me if you are interested... Jacob Hogan 256-684-2789 [email protected]
It's a Test Thing... will only be offering one class for the October test, so anyone interested should reserve their spot before it fills up. ACT will be releasing the October test, so anyone that signs up for our class for the October test test can get a free analysis of their test when it gets released.
ACT Class #1 ($550): _____
Sunday, September 20th 1:00-5:00 PM
Sunday, September 27th 1:00-5:00 PM
Sunday, October 4th 1:00-5:00 PM
Sunday, October 11th 1:00-5:00 PM
Feel free to email me ([email protected]) or call or text me (256-684-2789) to get the registration form or to sign up.
07/31/2026
Our classes for the next ACT will be starting next weekend! We still have few openings for anyone interested in signing up! just email me or text me, and I will send you the registration form!
ACT Class #1 ($550): _____ ACT Class #2 ($550): _____
Sat., Aug. 8th 9:00-12:00 PM Sun., Aug. 9th 1:00-4:00 PM
Sat., Aug. 15th 9:00-12:00 PM Sun., Aug. 16th 1:00-4:00 PM
Sat., Aug. 22nd 9:00-12:00 PM Sun., Aug. 23rd 1:00-4:00 PM
Sat., Aug. 29th 9:00-12:00 PM Sun., Aug. 30th 1:00-4:00 PM
Sat., Sept. 5th 9:00-12:00 PM Sun., Sept. 6th 1:00-4:00 PM
Sat., Sept. 12th 9:00-12:00 PM Sun., Sept. 13th 1:00-4:00 PM
It's a Test Thing... It's a Test Thing... in Decatur is an educational center that assists students in preparation for tests... The ACT Guy provides comprehensive ACT prep.
07/28/2026
Here at It’s a Test Thing… we know that there are a lot of ACT classes that you could sign your son or daughter up for, but we believe you will find that our classes provide students the very best chance to improve their ACT score. I have taught well over 100 ACT classes (honestly it might be 200, I just stopped counting years ago), over the past 20 years, and in the process of teaching these classes, I have been able to figure out not only what to teach but how to teach the material in a way that students can grasp and implement when they take the test. Our classes are designed to provide students with lots of practice and feedback throughout the class. In fact, each week students that complete their assignments can expect to get their homework scored, analyzed, and provided feedback so as to assist them going forward. By the 5th week of the class students will have received 12 hours of instruction and given ample feedback so as to be prepared to take a real ACT practice test. I then hand grade each and every test and spend countless hours analyzing and providing feedback on the test itself. I then meet with every student individually to go over how they performed on the test and explain to them what they need to do when they take the actual test to get the very best possible results.
Having analyzed too many tests to count over the years, I would like to think that I have developed an expertise in trying to figure out what a student has done well and he or she hasn’t done so well on so as to be able to direct them on what will be needed to get them closer to their goal. We even go to great lengths to make ACT instruction fun (to the extent that this is possible) by incorporating ACT Jeopardy and fun quizzes with a prize box that we give prizes from. Having taught ACT classes for two companies before starting my own business 13 years ago, I would often find myself frustrated at the unwillingness of these companies to seek out or even correspond with students that had worked with that company previously. I strive to make sure that every student that I work with knows that I will always be available to them for guidance and direction as they continue to work toward their ACT goals. I hear from students almost daily asking for me to analyze a test or look over a homework assignment or just recommend to them what can be done to continue to improve. I always do my best to help them in any way that I can until they reach their goal.
In the end, I hope that people know that It’s a Test Thing… is ultimately about helping families navigate their way through the arduous process of preparing for and taking the ACT and then utilizing those scores to venture onward toward their dreams. And to anyone that ever has a question about the ACT or how it is used in the whole college admissions and scholarship process, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly. Whether you ever sign up for any of our services, I am always here to help in any way that I can!
Sincerely,
Jacob Hogan
The ACT Guy
Founder/Owner
It’s a Test Thing…
[email protected]
256-684-2789
It's a Test Thing... It's a Test Thing... in Decatur is an educational center that assists students in preparation for tests... The ACT Guy provides comprehensive ACT prep.
07/20/2026
As I sit here in the office all set to start working with a new set of students for the July ACT, I wanted to take the time to say a heartfelt thank you to all of the parents who entrusted me with helping their sons or daughters ontheir journey. I continue to be amazed and inspired by the determination, resilience and mental fortitude of the students I have been blessed to have the opportunity to work with. Just when I think I'm too exhausted to work another 12 hour day, I will have a student walk through my doors and blow me away with their progress. Anyone that ever has any doubts about our future, I always say, needs to come spend a day with me... I am almost certain their opinion would change. It's a Test Thing... understands that is a privilege to be able to do what we do, and I know personally that I would not be able to male a living doing what I love if not for the countless individuals that support me and recommend others to use our services. My words could never properly express how genuinely grateful I am, but God willing, I will be able to do this for years to come and continue to assist these amazing young people on their paths to creating a better future for themselves and others. The best of luck today to all of those students taking the ACT, and a reminder to all of those families I have been working with... I will always be here to help in any way that I can!!
Sincerely,
Jacob Hogan
ACT Class
We only have a couple of openings left in our class for the July test that is set to start this coming weekend. If you would like to sign-up, email me at [email protected] or text me at 256-684-2789, and we will get you signed uo before the class gets full!
ACT Class #1 ($550): _____
Sunday, June 14th 1:00-5:00 PM
Sunday, June 21st 1:00-5:00 PM
Sunday, June 28th 1:00-5:00 PM
Sunday, July 5th 1:00-5:00 PM
04/17/2026
My sincerest apologies to anyone trying to access our website over the last couple of days… apparently the site was down, and I was not aware of it. We are back up and running now!!!
It's a Test Thing... It's a Test Thing... in Decatur is an educational center that assists students in preparation for tests... The ACT Guy provides comprehensive ACT prep.
04/17/2026
Looking to enhance your ACT test preparation? Discover the resources and support available on our website to help guide your academic journey. Explore everything we offer and take the next step toward achieving your goals.
http://itsatestthing.com
04/14/2026
We've made some changes to our website... Check it out and let us know what you think!
It's a Test Thing... It's a Test Thing... in Decatur is an educational center that assists students in preparation for tests... The ACT Guy provides comprehensive ACT prep.
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1629 4th Avenue SE, Suite 108
Decatur, AL
35601
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