The ACT is a standardized, multiple choice achievement test many colleges and universities require for entrance, in addition to high school transcripts and additional entry materials. Although the ACT can seem daunting, with proper preparation, it doesn’t have to be.
What does the ACT test?
Everyone who takes the ACT will be tested to see what they have learned throughout their time in school on subjects like science reasoning, math, reading, and English. Some colleges also require a written portion as well, which consists of responding to a single social issue in essay form. While the multiple choice portions are machine-scored, trained readers go through every essay, assigning scores based on a preselected standard.
How is the ACT scored?
Each section is scored, added together, and then averaged to provide an overall composite score between one and 36. Different learning institutions accept different scores, but overall, a good goal to shoot for is a score of at least 22 to 24 to avoid conditional admissions or remedial coursework. The student should check with the colleges or universities they wish to attend to form a firm scoring goal. Additionally, while some schools look at only the highest score the student achieves, others will take an average of the scores, which means it’s important to go in prepared the first time, rather than taking it once just to see what it’s like. Waiting to schedule the test until after doing some practice work can be helpful, as the student will have a gauge of how long it’s going to take to feel confident in their abilities.
Preparing for the ACT
Preparing for the ACT can be undertaken in many forms. Many tutoring companies and similar institutions offer classes and ACT prep, as well as one-on-one sessions to help students get ready. For those who are comfortable working on their own, there are a variety of materials available. Books with study tips and practice ACT test questions are excellent ways to prepare alone.
There are also several ACT prep websites with online courses, questions, and prompts. While some are available to anyone and everyone, others require a registration and fees. The official ACT website is one such site; because the ACT test questions change, sometimes significantly, it is a good idea to go straight to the source to ensure the preparations are the right kind of preparations. Understanding how the ACT test questions work in standardized tests is half the battle of scoring well, and the more a student practices, the more confident they will feel when the time to take the ACT actually comes.
Test-Taking Tips
The night before the test should be reserved for resting and letting information and preparation sink in. Staying up late cramming in additional information and practice can do more harm than good, as an extra few hours will do little to improve on months of ACT prep. A full night of sleep (aim for a minimum of eight hours) will be much more beneficial for the brain.
When the time comes to take the actual test, arrive at the test center a little early so you have plenty of time to find the right room and get settled in. Bring number two pencils with good erasers, a regulation calculator, and a watch to keep an eye on the time. Listen to the verbal instructions carefully, and read all the directions before beginning. There is no penalty for guessing, so going through and answering questions you know before returning to more difficult questions is generally the best use of given time. If time is running out and all the questions haven’t been answered, it is better give a guess (an educated one if possible; if not, choosing the same option each time provides better odds of selecting the right answer) than to leave anything blank.
If you have a learning disability or are confined to a house or hospital, arrangements can be made through your school. Scores are available online after the test, and the ACT will send your scores to preselected colleges for you. Aim to take the test early in the season so that if you are unhappy with your score, you still have an opportunity to take it again.
