The ACT test is a significant step in a student’s academic journey. Harley Wade from State of Writing has identified seven common mistakes that students often make. Avoiding these pitfalls can make a difference in your test performance. Here are the main mistakes to note and how to avoid them.
1. Lack of Time Management
Many students fail to keep track of time when learning and completing tests.
Harley Wade, an experienced writer from the State of Writing, points out that when writing school papers, students can bypass this pitfall by outsourcing some of their assignments to Stateofwriting.com – a UK writing service, which allows them to get their essays fast.
However, when dealing with tests, this approach won’t work. Learners who struggle with time management tend to rush through sections or leave questions unanswered.
Time management is crucial during the ACT. The ACT is a timed test, and each section has a strict time limit. To avoid this mistake, practice with timed tests at home. Get comfortable with the pace you need to maintain.
Use a watch or a timer to keep track of time during the test, ensuring you have enough time to attempt each question. Divide your time wisely among the sections, and if you get stuck on a question, move on and return to it if you have time left.
2. Ignoring the Instructions
It might seem obvious, but ignoring or skimming over the instructions can lead to avoidable errors. Each section of the ACT has specific instructions that guide you through answering the questions. Misunderstanding these instructions can result in incorrect answers or wasted time.
Familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions in advance so you don’t waste precious minutes figuring out what is being asked during the test. Always read the instructions carefully before starting each section. This advice is also relevant when writing college papers.
For example, if you need to write a dissertation, ask your professor, “how to start a dissertation?”. By doing this before you start working on your paper, you ensure that you don’t have to edit your introduction as much once you finish writing it.
3. Neglecting Practice Tests
Underestimating the value of practice tests is a common mistake. Practice tests help you understand the test format, types of questions, and time constraints. They also show areas where you need improvement. Harley Wade advises learners to take multiple full-length practice tests under realistic conditions.
This means sitting down for the entire duration without interruptions and adhering to the time limits. Reviewing your practice test results is equally important. Identify the questions you got wrong and understand why you made those mistakes.
4. Overlooking Easy Questions
In the rush to complete the test, students sometimes overlook the easier questions. Every question on the ACT carries the same weight, so it’s essential to secure all the points you can. Don’t rush through the test and miss out on easy points. Read each question carefully and ensure you understand it before answering.
If you come across a challenging question, don’t spend too much time on it. Mark it and move on. You can always come back to it later if you have time remaining.
5. Failing to Review Answers
Not reviewing your answers can cost you valuable points. During practice tests, develop the habit of reviewing your answers if time permits. This practice will be helpful on the actual test day. Often, students make careless mistakes that can be caught and corrected with a quick review.
Leave a few minutes at the end of each section to go back and check your answers. Look for any questions you might have missed or marked incorrectly.
6. Skipping the Writing Section
The ACT Writing section is optional, but many colleges require it. Skipping this section might limit your college options. Even if your chosen college doesn’t require the Writing section, having a good score can boost your application. It demonstrates your writing skills and shows that you are prepared for college-level writing.
Therefore, take the time to prepare for the Writing section, practice essay writing, and include it in your test plan.
7. Poor Preparation Strategy
A haphazard preparation strategy can lead to poor performance on the ACT. Students often focus too much on one section and neglect others. A balanced preparation plan is crucial.
Identify your strengths and weaknesses across all sections of the test. Divide your study time accordingly, giving more attention to the areas where you need improvement. Use various study materials, including prep books, online resources, and tutoring if necessary.
Make a study schedule and stick to it, ensuring you cover all aspects of the test thoroughly.
Conclusion
Avoiding these common mistakes can significantly boost your ACT score.
Remember to manage your time effectively, read instructions carefully, take practice tests, prioritize easy questions, review your answers, include the Writing section, and follow a balanced preparation strategy.
With careful planning and diligent practice, you can approach the ACT with confidence and achieve the score you aim for.