Getting a good score on the ACT is essential for anyone hoping to attend college. The ACT is a standardized test that measures college readiness and is used by admissions officers to compare applicants. A high ACT score can impact your chances of admission at some colleges and may even qualify you for certain scholarships. But how do you achieve a good score on the ACT?
In this article, we’ll provide you with the top 10 ACT tips and tricks that will help you get a good score on the test. These tips are recommended by test-prep experts and cover everything from using quality study materials to developing good test-taking habits.
By following these strategies, you’ll be able to raise your score and feel confident on test day. So, whether you’re taking the ACT for the first time or looking to improve your score, read on to learn how to get a good score on the ACT.
Top 10 ACT Tips and Tricks to Get a Good Score on The ACT
Are you preparing for the ACT and looking for tips and tricks to help you ace the test? Look no further. Here are some expert-recommended strategies to help you raise your score and feel confident on test day.
1- Use Quality Study Materials
To prep for the ACT, it’s essential to use reliable and accurate study materials. Look for resources like “The Official ACT Prep Guide,” which includes official tests for practicing.
You can also access free resources on the ACT website, such as practice questions and tests. Don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers, ACT tutors, or peers for help when you need to brush up on a concept or learn something new. An online ACT prep class can also be a great option.
2- Hone Your Time-Management Skills
The ACT is a timed test, so it’s crucial to practice taking it under timed conditions. Get a sense of how long you can spend on each question in each section, and practice time-management and prioritization strategies to help you game the ACT to your best time advantage. Remember that some sections give you more time per question than others, so adjust your strategy accordingly.
3- Use the Same Answer Choice When Guessing
The ACT doesn’t penalize you for wrong answers, so it’s best to avoid leaving any questions blank. If you have to guess, use the process of elimination. But if you’ve run out of time, commit to the same answer for your guessing. Experts suggest choosing the first column of the answer sheet (answer A or F) as it generates the most correct guesses.
4- Prioritize Answering the Questions You Know
Answer the questions you know first, even if it means jumping around. This strategy gives you more time to work out questions you don’t know. Also, focus on your strengths to improve your score. Prioritize passages or questions that you’re confident in, and don’t forget to go back to any questions you skipped.
5- Memorize Common Math Formulas
The ACT Math section includes concepts in algebra and geometry, and specific formulas are needed to solve many of the problems. When studying for the ACT, research the formulas you may need to know and do your best to memorize them. About 40% of math questions will rely on geometry and trigonometry formulas.
6- Increase Your Reading Speed
If you can decrease the time it takes you to read questions and understand passages, you’ll have more time to contemplate the answers. Practice techniques that increase your reading speed, such as skimming, taking advantage of your peripheral vision, and focusing on important words. Underline, circle, or draw arrows around (or mentally review) important concepts, main ideas, or supporting details.
7- Develop Good Test-Taking Habits
Developing good test-taking habits can help you stay focused and calm during the ACT. For example, make sure you’re well-rested and have eaten a nutritious meal before the test. During the test, take deep breaths, and if you start to feel anxious, take a moment to stretch or close your eyes.
8- Write Neatly and Clearly
When taking the ACT, make sure your handwriting is neat and legible. Graders need to be able to read your answers to give you credit for them. If your handwriting is difficult to read, it could result in lost points.
9- Learn From Your Mistakes
After taking a practice test, take the time to review and understand the mistakes you made. Identify your weaknesses and focus on improving them. Make sure to understand why you got a certain question wrong, and learn from it so you don’t make the same mistake again.
10- Stay Motivated and Positive
Preparing for the ACT can be a long and challenging process, so it’s important to stay motivated and positive throughout. Set achievable study goals, reward yourself when you reach them, and take breaks when you need them. Remember that your hard work will pay off in the end, and stay positive even if you don’t get the score you were hoping for. There are always other options, such as taking the test again or exploring different colleges.
Conclusion
Scoring well on the ACT can impact your chances of admission at some colleges and may even qualify you for certain scholarships. We recommend preparing at least a few months in advance by reviewing ACT subject matter, taking practice tests, and identifying your weaknesses.
Remember to stay calm and focused on test day, and don’t forget to use these expert-recommended strategies to help you ace the test. Good luck!