The American College Test (ACT) is one of the most popular standardized tests to prove your competence. However, you need to learn the best way to prepare for ACT to ace the exams and prove yourself. In this piece, you will learn some of the best tips for ACT.
How to prepare for ACT
Millions of students take this exam yearly, but not everyone gets an excellent score to enter prestigious universities. Preparing for this entrance exam takes two to three months. The tips below will help you prepare.
- Take practice tests
It would help if you saw some examples of ACT questions to understand how the exam works. Taking practice tests will make you ready to ACT, providing a clearer picture of how quickly you can finish the exam and how many sections you will answer.
Typically, there are 215 ACT questions divided into five sections. These are English, reading, science, and math sections and an optional easy. Also, you will have two hours and 50 minutes to complete the real exam, so make sure you finish the practice tests within this time frame.
- Skip questions you do not understand
You may feel like two hours and 50 minutes is a lot of time, but it isn’t. If you do not understand a question at first glance, skip it and move on to the next question. This is one of the best ACT prep tips for writing exams. When you have answered all the questions you know, you can go back to the difficult ones. Even if you don’t answer all, you will have a chance at a better score if you answer all the ones you know.
- Do not neglect your studies
ACT preparation for just a few months before the exam isn’t all you need to pass. The exam tests your competence based on what you learn in high school. So, paying attention to your studies is vital. Consider taking up advanced placement classes and doing tasks for extra credits. Take advantage of all the academic opportunities your school provides and build your knowledge base. This way, ACT preparation isn’t overwhelming during the last few months before the exam.
- Make a study schedule
It will help if you add a structured study schedule to prepare for ACT. Set aside a few hours daily to study a section of the ACT practice test. The hours you spend studying daily will depend on the exam date. However, it is better not to spend too much time on ACT studies at the expense of your other studies. Learning how to do good on ACT depends more on the quality of each lesson, not the quantity.
- Consider signing up for an online prep program
Self-study is a great way to prepare for the ACT. However, it is not ideal for everyone, especially those who lack concentration. If you are having trouble concentrating or can’t identify the best materials, consider an online prep program. These programs are tailored to get you ready for ACT within a short time.
The right program will be comprehensive yet specific enough to help you learn only the most essential things. Ensure you go for a program with a good reputation in the industry. Check out reviews from other students and learn as much as you can about the brand’s credibility. Remember that a program isn’t good just because it is expensive.
- Sign up for ACT early
One of the most underrated ACT tricks is signing up for the exam early. A rule of thumb is to sign up and pick a date that is at least three months away from the day you sign up. This gives you ample time to train and master the practice tests for ACT. You can sign up on the ACT website from your home computer or mobile phone.
Bottomline
Now you know how to prepare for ACT, consider starting right away. You can take the exam if you are in the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade. If you haven’t gotten to the 10th grade yet, consider improving your studies for better preparation when you are ready.