Do you have a soon-to-be high-school grad? Achieving a high score on the ACT can help your student quality for scholarship dollars needed to pay for college. ACT test scores are also a major consideration for many college admissions processes.
So, what is the ACT? The ACT is a standardized test used for college admissions. It includes four test sections: English, Math, Reading and Science. While the test is meant to gauge students’ current level of knowledge on these subjects, putting in the time to study and prepare is still vitally important in order to feel confident and score higher on test day.
Our Columbus, GA tutors have provided 5 ACT test-prep tips to help your student in their efforts.
Use Study Materials
There are plenty of ACT study materials available for students to use, including official ACT prep books, online courses and practice tests. In addition, some schools offer ACT prep classes and many tutors, including our own, are equipped for ACT test prep.
Take advantage of all of the resources available.
Put In The Time
Studying for the ACT will take more than a few days. Commit to putting in the time it takes to be prepared for the big day. We suggest starting your studies at least three months in advance and spending several hours a week focused on preparing.
Also important to note about time: The ACT is a “faster” test than the SAT, lasting only three and a half hours. This means there is less time to spend on each question. As you are preparing, practice studying and answering questions while being timed. Take advantage of the free practice test available, and be sure to complete it more than once before the big day.
Have the Basics Memorized
Focus much of your studies on memorizing basic grammatical structure as you cannot rely only on what looks or sounds right. Come prepared by having common math formulas ready to use as you will not be able to reference them during the test. Unlike the SAT, the ACT includes a Science section, so be familiar with how to interrupt basic scientific data.
Focus on Weak Areas First
Use most of your time focusing on new concepts or areas you know are weaknesses for you. Targeting these areas well in advance will leave plenty of time to grow in them and feel more confident when the day of the test comes.
Cramming the difficult things right before the test may sound tempting, but the information will likely not stick and you will be left feeling unprepared for these subjects. Instead, leave some of the subjects you are confident in to review towards the end of your studies.
Be Prepared For the Day
As with any test, make sure you are physically prepared to show up and do your best! Make sure you are registered and know where and when you need to be. Get a good night’s rest and eat a hearty breakfast in the morning. Pack extra pencils and bring along an approved calculator for the test.
Our private, online tutors are ready to help you prepare for the ACT by providing materials, accountability and structure for your studies! Connect with them today and walk into your test with confidence.