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How should I study for the ACTs? What should I buy to prepare myself?
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Candice’s Answer
Find ACT practice test workbooks on amazon.com or see if anyone can lend you used ones. The best way to do well on the ACT is to take practice tests, check the questions you missed and learn from those misses in order to improve on the next practice test.
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Hi Zemira,
When applying to colleges and taking standardized tests, I quickly learned that the ACT testing style was more for me. Personally, I found it more straightforward than the SAT, but definitely faster paced. The exam itself is broken down into four sections (English, Mathematics, Reading and Science), where you are given just about enough time to answer each question. Some advice for taking this exam would be to practice, practice, practice. I would start by finding and purchasing prep books/materials. The section timing of the ACT is more limited, allowing you just enough time to answer each question. I would recommend taking several practice exams where you actively time yourself on each section. From here, you can benchmark which sections are taking you longer and need improvement as well as which sections your performance is stronger.
One final piece of advice, would be to confirm if the colleges/universities you are interested in accept the ACT exam for admission. Additionally, I would research if they superscore the exam as well. Super scoring allows the applicant(you) to combine your highest section scores from multiple exams. In other words, if you did exceptionally well in the math section of your first exam but did poorly on the english section of that same exam, you can take the english section score of a different exam and replace the english score of the first- allowing you to maximize your overall score.
Hopefully this was helpful & feel free to ask any other questions you may have!
Best of luck,
Nicole
Research the exam and see if it lines up with test-taking style.
If so, purchase or find prep materials.
When applying to colleges and taking standardized tests, I quickly learned that the ACT testing style was more for me. Personally, I found it more straightforward than the SAT, but definitely faster paced. The exam itself is broken down into four sections (English, Mathematics, Reading and Science), where you are given just about enough time to answer each question. Some advice for taking this exam would be to practice, practice, practice. I would start by finding and purchasing prep books/materials. The section timing of the ACT is more limited, allowing you just enough time to answer each question. I would recommend taking several practice exams where you actively time yourself on each section. From here, you can benchmark which sections are taking you longer and need improvement as well as which sections your performance is stronger.
One final piece of advice, would be to confirm if the colleges/universities you are interested in accept the ACT exam for admission. Additionally, I would research if they superscore the exam as well. Super scoring allows the applicant(you) to combine your highest section scores from multiple exams. In other words, if you did exceptionally well in the math section of your first exam but did poorly on the english section of that same exam, you can take the english section score of a different exam and replace the english score of the first- allowing you to maximize your overall score.
Hopefully this was helpful & feel free to ask any other questions you may have!
Best of luck,
Nicole
Nicole recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Yarek’s Answer
Just like you get to Carnegie Hall: practice, practice, practice!
Taking practice tests gets you familiar with the question style and format, as well as getting used to a time limited format. Take them just like you would an actual exam: use a timer, in a quiet room under similar conditions. When you go over your answers, use the questions you got wrong or had some difficulty with as a guide for where to focus your energy in studying.
Taking practice tests gets you familiar with the question style and format, as well as getting used to a time limited format. Take them just like you would an actual exam: use a timer, in a quiet room under similar conditions. When you go over your answers, use the questions you got wrong or had some difficulty with as a guide for where to focus your energy in studying.
Updated
Melody’s Answer
First, research the colleges you want to apply. Not all schools require the ACT. If they require the ACT, then in your junior year take a practice or this test to see how you are prepared. This will give you time to practice areas of concern by take a guide prep course or using prep materials through library or online.
Okay, thank you.
Zemira
Hi Melody, any additional information you can provide around how to study/study material would be helpful!
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