The ACT Standardized Test-Taking Strategies

The ACT is a college entrance exam that many colleges and universities in the United States use as part of the college admissions process. In the ACT, students are assessed in five core areas: English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing (optional). The validity of ACT scores is five years from the date of testing.

Colleges often use ACT scores for admissions. The reason for this is twofold. It shows how well you’ve prepared for college academically. Additionally, if you are admitted, your ACT score will be included in the college’s annual ACT statistics. What are the benefits of increasing your ACT score? Without a doubt. Are you able to improve your ACT score? Without a doubt. The ACT is made up of four sections. These include science, reading comprehension, math, and English.

Relaxation and calmness are essential during the test. Before test day, there are a few key points to keep in mind. On test day, you can use some helpful tips and strategies

Some Crucial Tips for Upcoming ACT:

• Plan your study time instead of cramming: The ACT tests the knowledge you’ve acquired over the course of your high school career, so cramming is pointless. Tests are designed to measure students’ ability and knowledge during academic sessions.
• Get to know the test: Before your test date, familiarize yourself with the structure of the ACT. Learn and review the directions for each of the sections on the test during your test preparation.
• Attempt easy questions first: First, answer the questions for which you are certain you have the correct answer. Make a mark next to each question you skip in your exam booklet so you can quickly find it later.
• Each question on the ACT has only one correct response: Even if it appears that two correct answers exist, you can only choose one, so choose the best answer for each question.
• Read each question carefully: Never assume you understand a question until you’ve read it from beginning to end. Students will occasionally give an answer they remember from a similar question on a practice test.
• Practice, practice, practice: Let us say it one more time. Practice, practice, practice! There is no substitute for practice.
• Make a timetable: Because there is a time limit for completing the test, do not spend too much time on any one question. Limit yourself to 1–2 minutes for the more difficult questions and no more than 10–20 seconds for the easier ones.

How to fill the Bubble sheet:

1. Mark the circles in the ID section. One circle per row.
2. Mark the circles in the Name section (First, Middle, and last name)
3. No points will be earned if the circle is marked half or some line.
4. No point will be earned if multiple circles are marked in a row.
5. Mark the circles with a #2HB pencil.

Gather Important Material:

• Your ACT Admission Ticket
• Acceptable ID
• Two No. 2 pencils
• A fresh eraser
• A sharpener
• A calculator with new batteries (and a backup calculator, if you want one)
• A snack
• A bottle of water

It is Important to Know:

• On test day, focus on the test rather than the section directions.
• Get a sense of how long each section will take and how many questions will be asked.
• Bring a watch or a timer, and set it for 5 minutes before the end time to go over all of the answers.
•  Go over all of the questions in each section first, then circle the easy ones.
•  If you’re not sure which answer is correct, consult the answer booklet.
• Fill in the bubble sheet with the final answers.
• When the machine scores the bubble sheets, make sure there are no marks on them.
• Machines, in most cases, cannot distinguish between stray marks and correct answers.

The helpful tips:

• Study the direction of each ACT section and get familiar with section directions before the test. On the test, day-use your time for the test, not for section directions.
• Get familiar with the time and number of questions in each section.
• Bring your watch or timer and set the time 5 minutes early before the end time to review all the answers.
• Read all the questions of each section first and mark the easy questions.
• Use the answer booklet if you are not sure of the correct answer. Mark the final answers in the bubble sheet.
• Avoid leaving marks on the bubble sheets as the machine scores them. Usually, machines cannot distinguish between stray marks and correct answers.
• Fill the grid-in answers correctly and neatly in the Math Grid-in section.
• Use #2HB pencil to fill the bubble sheet.

Strategy to answer the questions – 

• Review all the questions first in each section. 
• Mark the easy, difficult, and unknown questions. 
• In the ACT usually, easy questions are preceded by hard questions, answer all the easy questions first. 
• Read the hard questions at least a couple of times to make sure you understand the question correctly.     
• Manage your time while test-taking, spend a few moments on easy questions, and spend the rest time on hard questions.     
• Eliminate the incorrect answers so you can narrow down the correct answer selection. 
• All the questions will have only one correct answer.   
• There is no penalty for incorrect answers, so Do NOT SKIP the questions and guess the correct answers.

Is a Practice Test needed to Ace the ACT Test?

• Taking practice tests isn’t just good for getting familiar with the ACT format and sections-it’s also great for learning from your mistakes.
• Study both the questions you got wrong and the questions you got right after every practice ACT Exam.
• Practice tests help you learn what each test asks, how to structure them, the time limit, and more.
• To ensure you’re taking these practice tests correctly, ensure you follow the directions that come with them.
• ACT Practice Test is crucial for the student and academy owners to get insight into tests and their strengths, and weaknesses in each subject. Moreover, we track the progress and put focus on suitable topics.
• Prepare the right topic so the preparation is easy and efficient, giving better results in less time. The practice test can help you understand exactly what each test is asking, how they’re made, the time limits, and more.

Smart Strategy for ACT preparation downloads a free ACT e-Book. Grade your ACT practice test bubble sheet online to get a detailed Socrato diagnostic report.