Why take the ACT?
The ACT is the best kept secret in college admission. For some reason, we often don't think of promoting it the same way that we promote the SAT, but students frequently find the same success or more on the ACT. If you have never heard of the ACT----or are curious to find another entrance exam to increase your odds----please look below at the following information.
What is the ACT?
Colleges use the ACT, a test designed by ACT, inc., as an "entrance exam" to figure out who they admit, so doing well on the ACT can help your chances with that certain college you've had your eye on. ACT scores are divided into four subjects, and you get a score between 11 - 36 points for each subject. You also get a "composite" (or average total) score between 11 - 36 points.
(Image: actstudent.org)
Score Breakdown
English - maximum 36 points
Reading - maximum 36 points
Math - maximum 36 points
Science - maximum 36 points
Interesting Fact: The ACT began in opposition to the SAT and was more popular in the north. Only in the past few decades has it moved to the south and become common as a universally accepted entrance exam.
What is the difference between the ACT and SAT?
The ACT is an "assessment test" that measures what you've learned in classes throughout your school career, while the SAT is an "aptitude test" that measures your critical reasoning skills and NOT what you've learned in classes. The CRCT and EOCT will have basically been preparation exams for the ACT because all three are "assessment tests."
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What if you guess wrong?
Also, there is no penalty for guessing incorrectly on the ACT. On the SAT, you will lose points if you guess incorrectly. Finally, the writing portion of the ACT is option but highly recommended because so colleges look at it. The bottom line is that studying hard at school can translate to success on the ACT.
Which colleges accept the ACT?
All of them! All four year universities now take the ACT. This means that taking the ACT can only improve your marketability for getting into the college of your choice. In my opinion, EVERYONE should try the ACT.
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What will the test look like?
The ACT contains 215 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete, including a short break (or just over four hours if you are taking the ACT Plus Writing). The ACT is administered in September, October, December, February, April, and June.
Want more info?
The best place to find information about the ACT is the company's Frequently Asked Questions page. The FAQ answers nearly any question students could possibly have..... and more!
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How do I study?
Below, you will find some resources that can prepare you for the ACT. I highly recommend the sites below. All sites have a free section, and some offer additional paid services. Look around for what fits you best! Also, remember, the CRCT and EOCT have been practice in themselves!
Use Your Education!
If you apply yourself in all your classes, the results will be higher ACT scores, and you will get a concrete reward for your work. Also, the testing strategies that you learn for all tests will translate on this test. Below is a list of tips and strategies for taking the ACT.
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Practice Your Vocabulary!
Make practicing vocabulary a part of your day. Expose yourself to new words, especially through games like Ruzzle, with the help of dictionary.com, of course. My personal favorite is Free Rice, since you send rice to hungry in need for each word you master.
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Use Your Library!
If you fret that you have to spend money on prep books, don't worry. Our school library has every prep book you can imagine. USE THAT RESOURCE! If you would like to buy a prep book, then you can find them through the websites for ACTstudent, Princeton Review, Knewton, or Kaplan. Amazon also has used prep books if you search for "ACT Prep" and look to the far right for the price options. Remember---Our library has them for free, and so does the public library!
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Take Practice Tests!
The more you take the tests, the more comfortable with them. Be sure to check out the ACT's practice tests and sample question of the day on the site below. Also, there is a paid online preparation course that costs $20 a year, but I do not know its quality. The free options look good, and as we always say, if you want to ace the test, go study from the people who make it!
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