Counselor Overview
The Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education at The University of Alabama developed Crimson Compass to support students in standardized test preparation as they look toward admission to UA and other institutions. Beginning with the Fall 2028 freshman class, UA will again require standardized test scores for admission — making early awareness and preparation especially important for students and families.
Crimson Compass provides accessible pathways that combine test prep, college-planning guidance and exposure to future academic and career opportunities. The initiative includes both a self-paced online option and an immersive on-campus experience to meet students’ varying needs and schedules.
Program Snapshot – Tide to Success (Online)
- Self-paced online course covering college-planning fundamentals and ACT prep
- Designed to be completed in approximately 6-7 hours total
- Free for all students in the state of Alabama
- Course material is available online for two years
- Launching Fall 2026
Program Snapshot – UA ACTivate (Residential Experience)
- On-campus program combining ACT prep with real college experiences
- Helps students build confidence in navigating academic resources and campus life
- Students have rigorous, in-person standardized prep materials and guidance
- Summer 2026 sessions: June 15-18 and July 13-16
- Cost of $799
- Ideal for high school sophomores and juniors, as students must be aged 16 and older.
Who Should You Recommend This Program To
Recommend Crimson Compass to students who:
- Are planning to attend college and want to strengthen their ACT test-taking skills
- Would benefit from structured guidance on college planning and next steps
- Are in grades 9-12 and beginning to think seriously about admissions timelines. Note that UA ACTivate is for high school sophomores and juniors, aged 16 and older. Tide to Success is open to all students in grades 9-12.
- Want flexible preparation they can complete on their own schedule (Tide to Success)
- Would thrive in a short-term, on-campus learning experience that builds familiarity with college life (UA ACTivate)
- May not otherwise have access to test-prep resources – Tide to Success is free to students in the state of Alabama
Talking Points for Students and Families
- Crimson Compass is designed to help students prepare for college expectations earlier, with support in both testing and planning.
- With standardized test scores being required for admission to UA in Fall 2028, this is a great way to get ahead.
- Students can choose what works best for them – a short online experience, an in-person summer program, or both!
- The online Tide to Success course will be completely free for students in the state of Alabama, making it an accessible way to begin preparing now.
- These programs aren’t just about test prep – they help students better understand college pathways and build confidence.
Email Blurb
Subject: Help Your Student Prepare for College – New Opportunity!
Preview: Standardized test preparation and more.
The University of Alabama has launched Crimson Compass, a new initiative designed to help high school students prepare for college success through ACT readiness and college-planning support. With standardized test scores required for UA admissions beginning with the Fall 2028 freshman class, these programs provide an early and helpful foundation.
Students can participate in Tide to Success, a free, self-paced online course available to Alabama students, or register for UA ACTivate, a short summer residential experience that combines test preparation with a preview of college life. Both options are designed to build confidence, skills and a clearer path to higher education. Note that UA ACTivate is for high school sophomores and juniors, aged 16 and older.
You can learn more about Crimson Compass by visiting crimsoncompass.ua.edu.
Newsletter / Announcement Copy
Help Students Get a Head Start on Standardized Test Prep
Crimson Compass, developed by The University of Alabama’s Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education, offers new opportunities for students in grades 9-12 to prepare for college and standardized testing. The initiative includes Tide to Success, a free online course for Alabama students, and UA ACTivate, an on-campus summer experience that blends ACT preparation with college experience. These programs are designed to give students the tools, confidence and direction they need as they begin planning for life after high school. Note that UA ACTivate is for high school sophomores and juniors, aged 16 and older.