Preparing for the ACT can be a daunting task, but with the right strategies, you can improve your chances of success. The ACT test is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. It consists of four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science.
Here are some general strategies that can help you succeed on the ACT
- Familiarize yourself with the test format: It is important to understand the format of the test and the types of questions that will be asked in each section. The ACT website offers free practice tests and study materials.
- Practice time management: Each section of the ACT is timed, so it is important to practice time management strategies. Make sure to pace yourself during the test and allocate enough time for each section.
- Read the instructions carefully: Make sure to read the instructions carefully for each section of the test. This will help you understand the format and requirements for each section.
- Answer easier questions first: Start with the questions that you know how to answer easily. This will help you gain confidence and build momentum as you move on to more difficult questions.
- Guess intelligently: The ACT does not penalize you for guessing, so it is better to make an educated guess than to leave a question unanswered. Use the process of elimination to eliminate clearly wrong answers and then make an educated guess.
- Review your answers: Make sure to review your answers before you submit your test. This will help you catch any errors or mistakes you may have made and improve your score.
How to fill the Bubble sheet
- Mark the circles in the ID section. One circle per row.
- Mark the circles in the Name section (First, Middle, and last name)
- No points will be earned if the circle is marked half or some line.
- No point will be earned if multiple circles are marked in a row.
- 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 back-up calculator, if you want one)
- A snack
- A bottle of water
Quick Revision Tips: For the quick revision make a cheat sheet for your own, which will be helpful to be remember during the test time.
English
- Focus on grammar rules, punctuation, and sentence structure.
- Read the entire passage before answering questions.
- Fanboys coordinating conjunctions.
- Knows yours Idioms.
- Practice recognizing rhetorical devices such as metaphors and similes.
Mathematics
- Review basic math concepts such as algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
- Memorize important formulas and equations.
- Practice solving problems quickly and efficiently.
- Use the calculator to save time, but don’t rely on it too much.
Reading
- Read actively and engage with the passage.
- Identify the main idea and supporting details.
- Look for clues in the text that indicate the author’s tone and purpose.
- Practice skimming and scanning to save time.
Science
- Focus on data analysis and interpretation.
- Understand scientific concepts and terminology.
- Practice recognizing trends and patterns in graphs and tables.
- Look for key information in the passage and questions.
Writing (optional)
- Plan your essay before you start writing.
- Use specific examples and evidence to support your argument.
- Use proper grammar and spelling.
- Review and revise your essay for clarity and coherence.
To Prepare smartly for the upcoming ACT, download our free e-book. Check out the Socrato YouTube channel for test prep strategy.