Donald Strickland

The ACT.org is well-aware of dilemmas such as these, that’s why they have launched the ACT Profile, which is a free online college and career planning tool. This tool responds to your needs when it comes to your question “What do I do?” in terms of planning for your college education and career later on.

The ACT test will open new doors for you. You may have studied for months to take this test, aiming to get a high score so that you can enroll in the college or university of your choice. After the ACT testing, you can find yourself at a crossroads, starting from where you would pursue higher education to choosing your major and applying for a scholarship.

We have Practice Test that you can use: Practice Tests for ACT Math 

How Does The ACT Profile Work?

The ACT Profile is a mobile resource that takes note of your interests, values, and abilities and matches them to your prospective majors and occupations. The most credible government and private resources are used by the ACT Profile as they provide high-quality information to guide you in your major or occupation choices.

Through the ACT profile app, students can interact with their peers and teachers.  These parties are also able to plan for activities and share resources in an effort to work together to pursue the best education and career options for the future.

Related Topic: ACT Test Introduction, Registration, Dates & Score

The Benefits Of Signing Up For An ACT Profile

In a nutshell, the ACT Profile will help you:

• Explore your options after high school.
• Discover your interests and majors that complement your interests, values, and abilities.
• Discover schools that fit your budget and educational needs.

When you sign up for an account in ACT Profile, it will be yours for life. You can upload photos and videos that highlight your strengths in your account. To make your profile more attractive and viable, you can also build a digital portfolio and feature it there. You can use another app, Pathbrite, to make your ACT Profile look more interesting. Being web-based, Pathbrite can assist you in sharing your portfolio and credentials to the colleges of your choice and your possible employers.

Other than students, parents, and counselors are also free to register and create an account in ACT Profile. To be able to do this, go to actprofile.org and sign up using a computer, a tablet or a smartphone. You then proceed with creating your profile where you are required to respond to self-assessments that will emphasize your unique values, interests, and abilities. As you enter details about yourself, you can get support by accessing interactive major and career maps.

In the ACT Profile, you will be asked to enter your responses to the app’s interest inventory feature. The career section of this tool includes 26 sections, all featured in the Career Map. As you click on a particular career area, you will be presented with a list of careers. Click on a certain career and it will bring you substantial information about the tasks and the training involved, along with the salaries, etc.

You can highlight some majors, schools, careers, and occupations as your “favorites” in your ACT Profile. You can revisit these areas of interest later. When you return, you can check if your areas of interest match your educational plan. Through the ACT Profile tool, you can explore various workable options and save your “favorites” while at the same time share them with fellow students, school admission officers, counselors, and parents, among others who also have an ACT Profile.

We have Practice Test that you can use: Practice Tests 2 for ACT Science

Valuable Features In ACT Profile For Immediate Guidance

A recent feature that has been added to ACT Profile is the “expanded counselor”. This feature is designed to help counselors use their ACT Profiles to reach out to their students. Counselors can view their students’ insights and selections so they can better help them with their college and career plans.

A host of benefits are offered by the ACT Profile to students, counselors, schools and colleges, parents, school admission officials and employers as they become proficient in using this app. With proper information, guidance and preparation, students can become more motivated to plan for their education and future.

Related Topics:

• ACT Practice Tests for Science
• ACT Registration and Requirements
• Practice Tests 3 for ACT Math
• Practice Tests 3 for ACT English
• 3 Things You Need To Do On Actual ACT Test Date
• How To Apply For The ACT Test
• How Hard Is The ACT Test?

The ACT Reading section can go by so fast. Time is of the essence in this test. You’ll come across 40 questions that you have to answer in 35 minutes, which means you have to answer each question in less than a minute. It can be a challenge if you have a problem with your reading speed, so you have to know some practical ACT Reading tips for slow readers.

Be aware of the necessary skills for reading the passages in the ACT Reading test and answering the questions before the clock runs out.

Check our Practice Tests 3 for ACT English 

1. Learn how to analyze.

This is the first skill that you have to know in order to cope with the Reading section of the ACT. It doesn’t have anything to do with the speed of your reading, but with pacing. Analyze the questions being asked after the passages.

One of the most effective ACT tips for slow readers is to take a look at the question, try and figure out the answer and proceed on to reading the explanation. Do the same process for every question in the test. Go over the easy and simple questions first. Most students would want to speed up with this process, but you have to analyze each of the questions until you become familiar with them.

Related Topic: ACT Test Introduction, Registration, Dates & Score

2. Get to know the skill of timing.

This is when you become focused on being time-oriented. You’ll be required to read four passages in the Reading section of the ACT test and you need to answer 40 questions in 35 minutes. That gives you less than a minute to respond to every question.

What you should do in this case is to give yourself 8 minutes to read and answer the questions for each of the passages. Make it 4 and 4 to be sure. This means that you need to read a passage for 4 minutes and spend the other 4 minutes answering the questions. You should have consumed 32 minutes by then, which gives you an extra few minutes to go back and work on the questions that you found difficult.

We have Free Practice Tests 3 for ACT Math

3. Speed read and skim, don’t over-read the passages.

Your skill for speed reading is called for in this step. Four minutes of your time needs to be allocated for skimming. Fast reading is required here because other than familiarizing yourself with the concepts in the passage, you have to answer each question as well.

A lot of reading is necessary because you should be looking at the question and then go back to the passage where you can find the answer. But since the first tip (analyze) has already taught you to become familiar with the questions, you can quickly go over them and speedily look for the answers in the passage.

Focus your time on reading the first paragraph because it tends to contain a lot of information. Then go down to the conclusion or the bottom paragraph. It is just as crucial. After doing these, move back to reading the body paragraphs. You’re actually skimming when you’re doing this. Note that you’ll be able to derive much useful information if you concentrate on reading the first sentence and the last sentence of each paragraph.

Related Topic: ACT Practice Test

4. Do away with the boredom by making your reading fun.

Boredom can make you easily forget what you have just read. That’s why you should find a way to make your reading fun and interesting. It’ll be easy to comprehend if you do so. Make a mental game out of the reading task that you’re doing.

You can, for instance, pretend that you’re a seven-year-old kid playing with your friends, and you’re digging for treasure in your yard. And that your pirate’s chest that’s full of gold is the bunch of information that you need to fill in the right bubbles in your answer sheet. Working up your imagination can make reading fun.
These ACT Reading tips for slow readers are only as good as you expect them to be if you have already practiced your skills by doing ACT Reading practice tests. Take advantage of these materials and include them in your study plan so that you can get rid of test anxiety and tackle the ACT Reading section like a pro!

Related Topics:

• Registration and Requirements
• Free Practice Tests for ACT Science
• Free Practice Tests for ACT Math
• Free ACT English Practice Tests 
• ACT Test Day Requirements To Bring With You On The Exam Day
• How ACT Reviewers And Guides Help You Boost Your ACT Score
• Why You Need Help In Preparing For Your ACT Test

If you’re thinking of going to college, then you would probably need help in preparing to take a college admission test like the SAT or the ACT. A good ACT score can help a student get into top colleges and universities, as well as qualify for college scholarships. So, you need to kick off your ACT prep early. This article will give you prep tips to help you prepare for the ACT.

The American College Testing or ACT is a multiple-choice test given five times annually at various locations. The ACT test has an optional essay section. The test is designed to measure the student’s academic achievement in four major curriculum areas: English, Science, Math, and Reading. Materials covered on the four sections of the test correspond to the topics covered in regular high school classes. Numerous colleges and universities in the US use the student’s ACT scores as part of the admission process.

Check our ACT English Practice Tests

• Benefits Of ACT Test Preps
• Popular Test Prep Methods For High School Students
• Take practice tests
• Join an ACT prep class
• Prep Online
• Get a private tutor
• Get good ACT test prep books
• Relax and rest before test day

The ACT test doesn’t test the intelligence of the student and it doesn’t necessarily reflect the student’s high school grades. The ACT is a predictable test and students can prepare for it by taking review classes and answering practice tests.

Preparing for the college admission exam is like studying for any tests Students need to review the test format to become familiar with its content. A good study guide and ACT practice tests will help you:

• Answer questions on ACT
• Get great ACT Scores
• Compare the ACT and the SAT
• Have the best tips and strategies for the ACT test

The best tip for mastering the ACT test is to start preparing early. In fact, students are recommended to start their ACT test prep the summer between their sophomore and junior year. Many students will then go on to take the ACT test during their junior year and during the fall of their senior year.

Related Topic: ACT Test: What You Need To Know

1. Take Practice Tests

What would be your score if you take the ACT test today? To find out how you would measure up, take a practice test under conditions that imitate the real ACT testing environment. For instance, shut off your phone and use a timer while taking the practice test.

The practice test score of the students would be their baseline. Students can use their baseline score to help them create a study plan based on what they need to work on. If you think you need to focus on math drills, build up your vocabulary and tame test day jitters – the ACT practice tests also familiarize students with the different sections and directions of the real ACT test so there would be no surprises.

ACT practice tests will help you see your strengths and weaknesses so you can create a targeted action plan for enhancing your score. Students can also follow it up with other test prep books to keep practicing right up to the ACT test day.

2. Join An ACT Prep Class

If students find it hard to study on their Saturdays off, they might want to consider a class guided by an instructor who will hold them accountable. Test prep classes for the ACT test ranges from small group settings to larger classrooms coached by ACT test experts if students take a prep course via school. Find an environment that’s best for you. You can see our post to help you on studying for the ACT.

Check our ACT Practice Tests 5 for Science

3. Prep Online

Super busy students may find it hard to schedule an ACT prep class between after-school jobs and their leisure time. However, online ACT test prep lets student prepare for ACT when and where it suits them best, skip ahead or repeat lessons. Online ACT test prep is best for self-starters who prefer to study at their own pace.

4. Get A Private Tutor

If you want a completely customized approach, you can consider preparing for the ACT test with a private tutor. Private tutoring sessions guarantee you will get immediate feedback as well as personalized lessons to your learning style and needs. For instance, if students have mastered sentence completion but need to work on Geometry, their tutor will adjust their ACT prep plan accordingly. Private tutoring sessions are also the most flexible method in terms of scheduling and it is great for students with limited availability or fast-approaching deadlines. Private tutors will meet your convenient time and place.

More review materials: Practice Tests 3 for ACT Math 

5. Get Good ACT Test Prep Books

ACT test prep books are just like study guides. These will help students know what kind of questions to expect in the actual ACT test and will tell them which section they need the most help with – if any. The ACT test prep books also help students understand what kind of strategy or method they need to follow to score better on the real ACT test.

6. Relax And Rest Before Test Day

On the day before the real ACT test, get plenty of rest and a good night sleep. Have a healthy breakfast before heading off to the test. Make sure you bring everything you need for the ACT test, such as pencils, calculator, and your ACT admission ticket. Even if you are a fast test taker, use up given time to your advantage.

With all the preparation you have done, you are bound to get the ACT test score you’re aiming for to get into a good college or to apply for a scholarship.

If you want to know more about the ACT, see our post here on the History Of The ACT.

Related Topics:

• ACT Practice Test
• ACT Math Test Overview, Content Type And Tips To Score High
• ACT Practice Tests for  Math
• ACT Practice Tests English
• 3 Reasons Students Score Low On The ACT Test And What To Do About It
• ACT Test: Should You Aim For A High Score?
• Ace The ACT Writing Test Scores
• How Hard Is The ACT Test?
• ACT Frequently Asked Questions
• ACT vs SAT

First of all, you may ask, “What’s a good ACT score?”

The best way to answer that question is by understanding why graduating high school students take this standardized test in the first place, to get admitted to their chosen colleges or universities.

While passing the ACT is already an achievement in itself, it may not be enough to get a student to the college of their choice. Even a good score like 29, which is above the national average is not enough if you want to get into an ivy league school.

If you want to enter Princeton, for example, you would need to aim for a score of 32 to increase your chances of ensuring your slot. That’s because more than 75% of test passers scored above 32 based on the data of U.S. News & World Report: National Universities Ranking.

Check our Practice Tests for ACT English

• • Composite Score
  • 21 Tips to Get the Best ACT Score Possible
  • The Night Before The Test Preparations:
  • The Day Of The Test:
  • During The Test:
  • Additional Study Tips:

How ACT Scores Are Calculated

While ACT scoring not complicated, it is not straightforward either. In ACT, your raw score is converted into a scaled score for each section. The score scale ranges from 1 to 36. Then your scaled scores for each section are averaged to get your composite ACT score, which ranges from 1 to 36. This may sound confusing for now so it will be explained further below.

Your raw score is the number of questions you answer correctly for each section. This is the most straightforward way to score -no further calculations, no waste of time, just count the correct answers and it’s done. However, using raw scores for ACT brings a little problem. The problem is that ACT test questions are different for each test date. Some test dates may have harder or easier questions. To ensure that scores are within the same standards they scale the scores.

Your raw scores for each section are translated to scale scores. For example, if you correctly answer 9 to 10 questions in the English section, you get a scale score of 5.

Take note however that the raw to scaled score translation may differ for each ACT test date. That is because that adjust the scale based on the difficulty of the ACT test on a certain date.

Related Topic: ACT Test Introduction, Registration, Dates & Score

Once the scaled scores for each section are calculated, they are averaged to get your composite score, which is also the final score. Needless to say, you have to answer everything right to get the composite score of 36 except in match, which allows for one mistake.

Start reviewing with our helpful contents: Practice Tests for ACT Math

While an ACT composite score of 36 may be difficult to achieve, it is definitely the best goal to aim. Here are some easy but effective tips to help you get that elusive score of 36 on your ACT test:

1. Balance studying and leisure activities.

It is easy to think that studying only without giving yourself some downtime is a good way to learn. But that is wrong. You would easily lose your motivation that way. Have some fun too.

2. Don’t let your brain experience a burnout.

Studying too much without giving your brain a rest would result in burnout and when that happens it will be hard to learn anything. Take breaks when studying to give your brain some time to process what you’ve learned.

3. Improve your sleeping habits.

When you study, your brain stores what you read in the short-term memory. Information only gets transferred to the long-term memory when you sleep. So get enough sleep.

4. Take practice tests often.

ACT Practice tests familiarize you with the test structure and improve your skills. It also tells you what you need to improve on.

5. Make a study schedule and stick with it.

The human brain loves familiarity, that is why it learns best when you feed it information at the same time of the day, every day.

6. Eat healthy, brain-boosting foods.

Eat foods to support brain function such as avocados, blueberries, walnuts, and dark chocolate.

7. Use an ACT study guide.

Look for an ACT study guide that gives you an overview of the test and the topics you need to study. You don’t need to study all the topics you have studied in high school, so a study guide will tell you where you should begin and end.

More review materials: ACT Practice Tests 3  for English

8. Prepare everything you need for the test the night before.

Make sure that your requirements are ready for the test.

9. Give your brain a rest.

You don’t want your brain to get tired the night before the exam because it needs all the energy it can muster for the difficult test. There is no need to review the day before the exam.

10. Sleep early.

So you can wake up early and have more time to prepare.

11. Write down your thoughts.

Feeling anxious? Let go of the anxiety by writing it down on paper. Writing them down will help release nervous feelings.

Related Topic: ACT Scores

12. Eat a good breakfast, so that you don’t run out of energy during the test.

A good breakfast should have protein for energy, water for hydration, and carbs to satisfy your hunger.

13. Double check that everything you need is in your bag.

You don’t want to reach the testing venue only to come home because you forgot something.

14. Go to the test site at least 30 minutes before the exam.

This gives you a short time to rest before the test.

15. Relax.

Forget any other problem you have and just focus on the test.

More review materials: ACT Science Practice Test

Students who decide to take the ACT test often ask about how to study for the test. While it’s tempting to just head to the library and get every high school science books you can find, that just won’t work.

The most effective ways to study for the test are written in ACT test study guides and reviewers. ACT study guides tell you about the coverage of the test and the ways to go about it. Reviewers and practice tests will give you an idea about the structure of the test and the types of question to expect.

Using ACT study guides and practice tests will bring you closer to having a great ACT score.

How ACT Study Guides Will Help You Ace Each Subject

English: ACT reviewers and guides will help ACT test-takers review English components included in the ACT test. The English section contains technical writing skills (punctuation and usage) and concepts of style and organization. This section in the ACT test is an overall evaluation of student’s expertise in the English language.

Mathematics: An ACT test study guide will give students the topics they need to study for the math section. The subject requires students to combine knowledge and skills from all of their years of learning math. Many of the items comprise high school level Math ability, but students will also be asked to recall much easier Math procedures as well as modeling in order to find the correct answer.

Reading: An ACT test guide will help you understand the way this section is organized and the format of the test questions. The ACT Reading test requires more than just knowing the words and acquiring basic meaning from text. Students will be asked recall questions, but they will also need to use analysis and reasoning to produce conclusions beyond the text. Check out our post here for some very helpful ACT reading tips.

Science: ACT test study guide and a reviewer will guide students how should they think about ACT Science and what high-level strategies they can use to answer questions in this section.Students will encounter scientific information as well as data in the ACT Science section, which they can refer to as they answer test questions. Although background information on the topic may help, your ability to reason and analyze is more important.

Writing: The ACT Writing section is optional, but a large number of students choose to take the test to meet college application requirements. ACT test guides and reviewers will help you find out exactly what ACT test scorers will be looking for when they evaluate your performance on this section. These will also inform you about what to expect in this section.

Related Topic: ACT Test Introduction, Registration, Dates & Score

Why You Need An ACT Test Study Guide

An ACT test study guide can help you in many ways:

1. Know what you need to study, instead of randomly picking topics to review for the test.
2. Save time by studying only the topics included in the test.
3. Gain confidence by becoming familiar with the test structure and the types of questions found in the test.
4. Increase your chances of passing using effective study strategies.

But with so many ACT test study guides out there, you should look for in a good ACT test study guide. The ideal ACT test study guide will:

• Provide you with a clear overview of the ACT test, explaining what you will encounter on the test day.
• Explain how to use the logistics of the ACT test (scheduling, timing, and format) to your advantage.
• Introduce you to the content of the ACT test before giving you a thorough overview of the different areas the test may ask about.
• Teach students strategies they can use for each section and on the test as a whole to get the highest possible score.

Related Topic: ACT Test: Should You Aim For A High Score?

ACT Study Guides Can Boost ACT Score

Because the ACT score is important for getting into college or university in the US and students are expected to spend a lot of time getting ready for the test, students should get the right advice. If students follow the wrong advice, it might be too late for them to improve their score. It’s important for students to get the best ACT test study guide before deciding on their ACT test prep plan. See also our ACT Practice Test here.

Most other ACT test study guides just list a few pointers without much reasoning about what makes them worth buying. A good ACT test study guide will provide you everything you need to know about the ACT test and help you address your weak areas.

Related Topic: ACT Scores

Who Are ACT Test Guides For?

ACT test study guides are for test-takers who are serious about their ACT test prep. They must be motivated to get a high ACT score and they need to be willing to put in hard work. Getting through these ACT test study guides and reviewers will take dozens of hours because the test itself covers a lot of materials.

Reading ACT test guides and reviewers is the first and easiest step of ACT test prep. Students will need to put in serious work to get the score improvements they want.

ACT test guide and reviewers are also for students who want to improve their ACT test scores by more than 2 points. To make consistent improvements at this level, students need more than just tricks. It is important for students to practice standard English usage, understand math concepts, learn how to interpret scientific data, and answer questions more efficiently.

Related Topics:

5 Reasons You Should Not Be Scared Of Taking The ACT Test

7 Items You Shouldn’t Bring During the ACT Test Day

3 Things You Need To Do On Actual ACT Test Date

3 Reasons Students Fail Their ACT Test And How To Resolve Them

How To Apply For The ACT Test

How Hard Is The ACT Test?

You can be taken off-guard by the ACT test, particularly the Math section. That is if you are not prepared. With all study tips and ACT practice tests out there, how do you get a good ACT Math score?

• Don’t Get Overwhelmed
• 5 Tips On How To Get Good ACT Math Scores
• Review Math Formulas

The first thing you need to do to avoid having that overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety about the ACT Math test is to know what’s in it. Get a good idea of what you’re going to see in the test. You can see our ACT Math Practice Test here.

In the Math section of the ACT, you’ll find 60 questions that you need to answer within 60 minutes. That gives you a minute to answer each question in the test. At the same time, be aware that not all the questions in ACT Math are created equal. The questions also progress in difficulty. Questions #1- #20 are categorized as easy, questions #21- #40 are medium and questions #41-#60 are considered as hard.

The ACT Math test includes higher math topics. These include number and quantity, algebra, functions, geometry, statistics and probability, and also other essential skills that you have learned before eighth grade.

Start reviewing with our helpful contents: ACT Practice Tests 3 for Science

1. Pay attention to the small details.

You have to pay attention to the details. This is important to get a good score on the Math portion of the ACT test. Oftentimes, test-takers say they missed some Math questions because of “stupid mistakes” when in fact they could have easily been prevented in the first place. In these instances, students know how to arrive at the correct answer but failed to get all the details. Sometimes, the student is in a hurry that he failed to mark the correct answer.

ACT Math problems are designed to test your ability to take notice of and interpret every number, word, graphic or symbol in a math problem. Teach yourself how to scan and analyze math questions, particularly the minute details of math signs, decimals, graph and chart components and how story problems are worded. Double check your answers and make sure that you marked the correct ones.

Related Topic: ACT Practice Test

2.Know how to handle multiple-choice questions.

The ACT Math test is composed of multiple-choice questions. You will not be asked to show how you solve math problems. Instead, you will find that the answers to the math problems in the ACT test are right in front of you. You simply have to choose the correct one from among the options. As you prepare for the ACT Math, learn ways to eliminate wrong answers and the different ways the questions would try to confuse you with answers that may seem right but are actually wrong.

A good practice is to always answer the easy questions first, then go back to the difficult ones once you are done.

Check our Practice Tests 1 for ACT English

3. Look for effective ACT Math Prep Materials.

You will find a lot of ACT Math prep materials out there and choose the best one can be tricky. The key here is to look for credible sources online that offer study guides, helpful tutorials, and practice tests. Start with ACT.org.

A study guide will tell you what’s included in the test and what topics you need to review. ACT tutorials will show you how to solve math problems and you can test your skills with ACT practice tests.

4. Limit your use of calculators.

While practicing for ACT Math, try not to use the calculator. In the ACT, you are allowed to use the calculator, but be careful not to waste your time on it. Test and improve your analytical skills by doing mental math and estimation. More often than not, they’ll make you arrive at the right answer instantly. Using the calculator tends to consume more time.

Note as well that writing down some math problems on a piece of paper will improve your accuracy. At the same time, consider that you could easily enter a wrong number in your calculator but it is actually harder to write down an incorrect number. Think carefully whether it is necessary to use the calculator and avoid its use as much as you can.

 Learn more review materials here: Practice Tests 2 for ACT Science

5. Get information about what’s in the Math test and practice, practice, practice.

Be in the know about the topics that you’ll encounter in the Math section of the ACT test. Your goal is to not be overwhelmed by the items that are right in front of you when you’re about to take the test. There are numerous sources of information and practice materials at your disposal. Be resourceful when looking for these.

When you take practice tests, it would be good to start with topics that you find difficult. Start with areas that you need to improve on. Do the easy questions last.

Visit our website: ACT Test Dates for 2021-2022

Of all the sections in the ACT test, the Math section is the most topic-based. Some problems that you’ll come across within this portion would require your knowledge of specific formulas and techniques. Still, there are also items where you can apply one or more general strategies in order to eliminate wrong answers. You’re going to have to use your pen and paper and your calculator on the rest of the questions. With practice and effective study strategies, you can pass the test and good a good ACT math score.

Don’t just memorize math formulas you’ve learned in high school, but make sure that you know how to use them. Again, watching tutorials is a great way to refresh your memory. This is also the best time to revisit math formulas that you never really understood. If they are covered in the ACT math test, learn how to use these math formulas and answer ACT practice tests to test if you understand their application.

Related Topics:

• Practice Tests for ACT Science
• ACT Practice Tests 1  for Math
• ACT Math Practice Tests 3
• 7 Items You Shouldn’t Bring During the ACT Test Day
• 3 Reasons Students Fail Their ACT Test And How To Resolve Them
• 3 Things You Need To Do On Actual ACT Test Date
• How To Apply For The ACT Test

Just as students prepared for what’s on the ACT test, they also will benefit from gearing up for all the logistics of taking the exam. Students must get everything they need gathered and packed away in their bag the day before their ACT test. All of their ACT prep would count for nothing if they didn’t make it to the test or have the proper pencils to answer their test papers. Test-takers will still appreciate having their backpack pre-packed as they are getting ready the morning of their ACT test.

It would be a good idea for students to print a couple copies of their ACT admission ticket, indicating they have a good ACT test prep. Test-takers must not leave this to the last minute, as printers can break or they may rely on school or their local library for printing resources.

You must eat breakfast, bring snacks and drinks, and do any exercises that help to cope with stress. Your physical health can have a huge impact on your ability to answer the test.

Test-takers must not bring their cell phone to the ACT test. Even if they are confident it’s in silent mode, they never know – it’s not worth the risk of having their ACT scores canceled. Students are not allowed to bring their cell phones in the testing room.

As part of students ACT prep, test-takers must make a checklist and double check that they have everything they need before leaving in the morning. By ensuring that you’re well-prepared, you’ll have an easy and relaxing morning as possible before your ACT test and you can focus all your attention on doing your best.

Learn more: ACT Math Test Overview, Content Type And Tips To Score High

1. Prepare What You Need To Bring.

   

ACT admission ticket.

Students are required to bring the printed ACT admission ticket. The ACT will not accept images of the admission ticket from a cell phone or other devices. To print the admission ticket, you must log into your ACT account.

Photo ID.

The full name of the test-taker should match the name he registered with, and the picture of the test-taker should clearly resemble the picture he uploaded during registration.

Acceptable forms of ID include driver’s license, passport, and current official school ID. If students don’t have any of these, they can also have a school official fill out the ACT Identification Letter Form.

Unacceptable forms of ID include Learner’s permits, credit cards, employee IDs, Social Security cards and birth certificates. Students must have an ID with their admission ticket.

Related Topic: ACT Test Introduction, Registration, Dates & Score

#2 Pencils and an Eraser.

Students are not allowed to use pens, highlighters, liquid paper, mechanical pencils, and any other writing utensils, not even for the ACT Essay section.

Calculator.

Students can use most 4-function, scientific, as well as graphing calculators, but with certain restrictions.

As long as students have their printed admission ticket, calculator, ID, #2 and pencils, they should have no problem making it through their ACT test.

You can also check our post here on What To Bring On the ACT Test Day here.

Related Topic: ACT Test Dates

2. Arrive At The Test Center Earlier Than Your Test Schedule.

It’s important that test-takers arrive on time to their ACT testing center, as ACT won’t admit latecomers to the test. It would be ideal to arrive at the ACT testing center around 7:30 a.m., or a little earlier if you are worried about logistics like a parking spot. Arriving much earlier could mean you’re not rushing to get in after test-takers have already started to enter the ACT testing center. The sweet spot would be right around 7:30 a.m.

Adding up to preparing the day before the ACT test, students should also familiarize themselves with the route before ACT test day if they are taking the test somewhere other than their usual high school. Students should consider what traffic conditions will be like to prepare for any unexpected delays. Underestimating the time it takes to get to the ACT testing center will be a highly stressful way to kick off your day.

Upon entering the ACT testing center, students must make sure they know where their belongings are supposed to be and they must double check that their cell phone is turned off. The ACT is strict in prohibiting any technology that could make a sound or could possibly record the ACT testing materials, so a mistake like this could result in a test getting canceled.

Start reviewing with our helpful contents:  ACT Scores

3. Listen To Instructions.

Test-takers must make sure to listen to all the instructions of the proctor and must follow them. The whole process of the actual ACT test is rather rigid, and test-takers need to fill out everything correctly to ensure their ACT test scores don’t get delayed. Also, just as a ringing cell phone, as well as opening and looking at the test booklet before the ACT test officially begins, could result in your ACT scores getting canceled.

The proctor will instruct test-takers when to start the test, so wait for the proctor’s green light before kicking off on your first section. Once you’ve gotten through this process, you will finally start taking the ACT test.

Taking The ACT Test

The ACT comprises of four test sections, or five sections if you choose to take the ACT Essay test. The ACT test sections are always in the same order: English, Math, Reading, Science, and the optional Writing. Once you commence the ACT test, it would look like this:

• Start with the 45-minute ACT English test.
• When instructed by the proctor, go immediately onto the 60-minute ACT Math test.
• Take a 5-minute break – have a snack or use the restroom. Return to your desk and complete the next two ACT tests.
• Tackle the 35-minute ACT Reading test.
• When instructed, move right onto the 35-minute ACT Science test.
• If you are not taking the ACT Writing test, gather your things and leave quietly. However, if you will take the Writing section, take a 5-minute break after the Reading and Science tests. After you complete the Writing section, you’ll be all finished with your ACT test!

Related Topics:

• What To Bring On ACT Test Day
• ACT Reading Tips
• ACT Math Practice Test
• ACT Reading Test Basics & Practices to Improve Scores
• ACT English Practice Tests
• ACT Science Practice Tests 2
• ACT Test: Should You Aim For A High Score?
• ACT Practice Test
• Ace The ACT Writing Test Scores
• How ACT Reviewers And Guides Help You Boost Your ACT Score
• 5 Tips on How To Get Good ACT Math Scores
• 3 Reasons Students Fail Their ACT Test And How To Resolve Them
• How Hard Is The ACT
• Preparing For ACT Test
• ACT vs SAT

Colleges and universities use the ACT test (American College Testing) to get a broad idea of the student’s academic abilities and as a way to compare students in the institution’s applicant pool. Nonetheless, the ACT is a standardized test, which means that the student’s ACT test score can be used to compare him to students in the rest of the country.

It has been said that GPA scores are not standard, but ACT test scores are. Institutions find it hard comparing the student’s GPA to another, but they can simply compare one student’s ACT test performance to another. Colleges and universities use the ACT test because there are substantial differences in curricula, funding, difficulty, and grading among US secondary schools.

In addition to utilizing ACT scores as an easy way to compare students in their applicant pool, colleges and universities also use ACT test scores to determine the aptitude of a student in different academic subjects. An ACT Math Test score of 32 may tell colleges or universities that a student is ready to take on their college program’s higher-level Mathematics, while an ACT test score of 21 might tell institutions that the student may not have the proficiency they need. The ACT test scores of the student let institutions see where he on a broad academic spectrum, and determine if that student would be able to make it at their school. You can check out our ACT Math Practice Test here.

Although the GPA is an important part of the student’s college application, his ACT test score will be closely evaluated and used in more ways than one. This is why ACT test preps are important to increase your chances of scoring higher on the test. If you want to know what’s the ACT prep course is the best for you, see our Best ACT Prep Course here.

We have Practice Test that you can use: ACT English Practice Tests

Why Take the ACT Test?

• So why take the ACT test? ACT test score can help you get into a good university. And by impressive, it does not mean a test score of 21.
• The ACT test scores of the students will follow them around. When they apply for their first entry-level job, their ACT test score is going to be on their resume.
• It can help balance the student’s low GPA. So, if a student flunked  World History for example, and ruined that 4.0, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have the ability to do well in college. High ACT test scores of a student can show knowledge and skills that his GPA can’t.

Related Topic: ACT Test Introduction, Registration, Dates & Score

1. ACT Test Score Is Used for Scholarships

In most cases, above 30 ACT test score is good for college scholarships. Scoring above 30 point puts a student in the 90th percentile of test-takers, meaning the student has scored better than 90 out of every 100 test-takers. Above 30 points is a great ACT test score, but scholarships can be up for grabs for students scoring in the mid-20s or even lower, which just depends on which scholarships they are applying for. Students may be surprised at how much money they can get for their ACT test scores. Here is a sample of the ACT test score spectrum.

Related Topic: Practice Tests 3 for ACT English 

Scholarships Available for Various ACT Test Scores

Nonetheless, your ACT test score isn’t always just one test score. Some college scholarships will need to see certain subsection scores above particular points. For instance, some engineering scholarships require the student’s ACT Science test scores to be in the top ten percentile but do not care about the scores of the student on the ACT English section. This could differ by institution, field, and scholarship.

Related Topic: ACT Registration and Requirements

2. ACT Test Scores Can Make a Difference In Your Future Job

Some employers would ask their applicants for their ACT test scores, even if the applicant is years out of college. The ACT test prep and the test itself might be hard for you at age 17, but the rewards can still be beneficial for you at age 27 and beyond.

We have Practice Test that you can use: Free Practice Tests 3 for ACT Math

3. The ACT test gives you a sense of accomplishment.

Taking the ACT test is an accomplishment. You will be able to know your own strengths and weaknesses, and achieving your ideal score would boost your confidence.

Bottom Line

The ACT test score of a student doesn’t just matter for his college admission, the test score can acquire higher class placements, good scholarships, as well as a job post-college. This is why you should study as hard as you can for your ACT test.

Related Topics:

• What To Bring On ACT Test Day
• Free Practice Tests 3 for ACT Math
• Free Practice Tests for ACT English
• Free Practice Tests for ACT Science
• 5 Reasons You Should Not Be Scared Of Taking The ACT Test
• 7 Items You Shouldn’t Bring During the ACT Test Day
• 3 Things You Need To Do On Actual ACT Test Date
• How To Apply For The ACT Test
• ACT Frequently Asked Questions
• History Of The ACT
• ACT vs SAT

What is the ACT test? University of Iowa professor, Everett Franklin Lindquist, launched the ACT test in 1959. The ACT test was originally conceived as a competitor to the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test, later called the Scholastic Assessment Test), which has been offered since 1901.

The ACT testing was created in response to changing patterns in college attendance in the United States and a desire for an exam that more accurately judges the ability of a student to perform well in college or university. The ACT, which is a non-profit organization, is still based in Iowa City.

The ACT was dubbed American College Testing when Lindquist founded the company, but the company changed its moniker several years ago. The company is called ACT – pronouncing the three letters, A. C. T. The ACT has also expanded their company to include career preparation, adult education, as well as other services.

The first ACT test was in the form: English, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Natural Sciences, and was administered to 75,460 test-takers. The first ACT test lasted 3 hours, with 45 minutes given to each of the four test sections. The ACT test has scores devoted to each test sections on a scale of 0 to 36 (but today it is 1 to 36) and a composite score of the four sections.

Check our Free ACT Practice Tests for English

The Addition of Essay Section

In 1989, ACT replaced the Natural Sciences test to a Science Reasoning section and changed the Social Studies test with a Reading section. Also, ACT added the optional Writing section to the test in 2005. The decision of the College Board to add an essay section on the SAT likely prompted the addition of ACT’s optional Writing section.

Related Topic: ACT Test Introduction, Registration, Dates & Score

2009 Profile Report of ACT Test

According to the Profile Report of ACT in 2009, the non- profit organization administered the ACT test to 45 percent of the 2009 high school graduating class, which is over 1.4 million students. Also, several states, which include Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Colorado, administer the ACT test to high school juniors as part of their mandatory state tests.

All four-year colleges and universities in the United States now accept the students’ ACT scores, making the test an appealing alternative for students who struggle with the SAT test. In 2010, the number of test-takers taking the ACT test surpassed the number of SAT test-takers for the first time.

Start reviewing with our helpful contents: Free Practice Tests for ACT Math

Computer-based Version

In May 2013, ACT made it known that a computer-based version of their test will be made available – kicked off in the spring of 2015 for institutions that administer the ACT test during the school day. The new version of the ACT test will retain the same content as the test’s paper version, which still endures until today.

The computer test version of the ACT, to be administered through the Internet, will optionally include test questions requiring the test-taker to generate his own answers, along with the typical multiple-choice questions.

We have Practice Test that you can use ACT Math Practice Tests 3

Writing Section’s New Format

In 2015, ACT slightly changed the format of the Writing section. Test-takers are now given 40 minutes to write an essay, and this section is scored out of 36 rather than out of 12. Writing section contains prompts that determine how test-takers interpret huge changes that are happening in the world, kicking off the essay to a broader focal point than previous prompts that emphasized on issues particularly related to high school.

The popularity of the ACT testing increased across the Midwestern states, while SAT still grasps both coasts, which include highly populated states like California and New York. Nonetheless, in the 21st century, the ACT test started to acquire a larger percentage of the testing market, and ACT testing is expanding out of its typical areas of influence.

Possible reasons for this include incidents of SAT’s scoring errors, a growing dissatisfaction with the SAT’s testing method, and a growing number of colleges or universities accepting the ACT test. The ACT has successfully influenced a number of states into requiring their test for all high school seniors.

In February 2017, ACT announced the first summer test date, which will take place in July 2018. The new ACT test date boosts the number of United States national administrations of the ACT testing from six to seven.

Related Topics:

• Practice Tests for ACT Science 1
• Free Practice Tests for ACT English
• ACT Practice Test
• Ace The ACT Writing Test Scores
• How ACT Reviewers And Guides Help You Boost Your ACT Score
• 5 Tips on How To Get Good ACT Math Scores
• 3 Reasons Students Fail Their ACT Test And How To Resolve Them

A few days before your ACT test, you may feel different emotions about it, depending on how prepared you are. But if your ACT test prep has been effective, then you can feel confident about taking the test. You’ll want to be 100% sure, so what last-minute reviewing can you do? Divide your remaining time wisely for your ACT test prep. Your extra effort is bound to pay off with proper time management and smart preparation. See our Best ACT Prep Course here.

• • • Last Minute ACT Test Prep
    • What To Do On The Day Of The ACT Test
    • What To Do During The ACT Test
    • What To Do After Taking The ACT Test

Learn more review materials here: Free Practice Tests for ACT Science

1. When doing a practice test, analyze your wrong answers

Don’t focus only on your scores on the ACT practice test that you’ve taken. Be particular about your mistakes as well. This is the part where you’ll have to consider your weaknesses and improve on your problem areas. Target a specific topic in the test and analyze why you find some questions difficult to answer. For every incorrect answer, understand where you got it wrong and figure out the method that you should have applied to arrive at the right answer.

Related Topic: ACT Test Introduction, Registration, Dates & Score

2. Check your pacing and your timing

Taking ACT practice tests should give you a sense of how you should pace and handle your time during the test. The key here is for you to be not overwhelmed during the ACT test day as well. The experience of a rigid time pressure should not frazzle you. In your test prep, observe how you feel when answering questions in 30 seconds and 1 minute. How do those short periods of time affect you when reading and answering the questions? This is how it would feel in the real ACT test environment.

We have: Free ACT Math Practice Tests

3. Sleep early in the night before the test

Have at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep and wake up an hour before you leave for the test. This way, your senses, especially your brain will feel alert when you arrive at your test center.

Related Topic: ACT Registration and Requirements

4. Eat a healthy breakfast

Your breakfast should be protein-filled in the morning before you take the ACT test. The foods that you eat should make you feel energetic, not sluggish. Eggs, chicken, and fish are a great source of protein. If you don’t feel like eating your breakfast, you can try munching a handful of nuts or a bar of granola. If you normally drink coffee, do so. Otherwise, don’t force it because coffee can make you feel anxious and nervous if you’re new to it.

We have Practice Test that you can use: ACT English Practice Tests

5. Dress comfortably

Dress for ACT success, so to speak, and that means dressing for comfort. Take layers of clothing with you so you won’t be distracted by a too hot or too cold temperature or weather. On the night before the test, pack up everything you need so you won’t forget anything, especially if you’re a bit slow in the morning.

Related Topic: ACT Practice Test

6. Keep your calm and focus on what you are doing

Answer the questions as they come. Don’t feel disheartened if you can’t figure out the answer for a particular test item. Skip it for the moment and move on to the next question. Relax and keep yourself from feeling overwhelmed.

7. If you come across a difficult question, skip it

If you’ve found yourself on a hump because of a difficult question, skip it and move forward. Go back to that item when you’re done by the end of the section. The time pressure on the ACT can be nerve-wracking. If you’ve spent more than a minute on a particular question in Reading, Math or Science, move on to the next questions. Come back to that problem item in the ACT test later. Especially in the English section, assign only 30 seconds for every question. You wouldn’t want to run out of time and miss the easy points along the way.

We have Practice Test that you can use: Free Practice Tests 3 for ACT Math

8. Verify your answers

If you have remaining time after answering all the questions on your test paper, make good use of it. Browse through your answers and check them one by one. Don’t rush through the questions, but instead go over the fixable goofs so you can earn more points. Fill in all the bubbles on your ACT answer sheet. Wrong answers are not penalized in the ACT, so there’s no harm in guessing.

Start reviewing with our helpful contents: ACT Science Practice Test

9. Clear your mind and make good use of your breaks

Test-takers are given 2 break sessions on the ACT test day. That is, if you’re taking the writing section as well. The first break is allocated between the Math section and the Reading section, and the second break is scheduled between the Science section and the essay section. Calm your nerves, eat your snacks or go to the bathroom during your break periods at the ACT test.

Related Topic: Free ACT Practice Tests for English

10. Know that you can revoke your score

Did something go horribly wrong in your ACT test that made you worry about your score? If so, be aware that you are allowed to cancel your score on the ACT test.

Related Topic: ACT Registration and Requirements

11. If you plan to retake the ACT test, consider ordering the test information release

If you are positive that you’re retaking the ACT test, you can order the Test Information Release. The TIR is a service offered by the ACT that allows you to review your test results in more detail. Come your next ACT test date, your TIR can be a valuable studying tool that’ll give you an idea about your weak points in a real ACT testing environment.

Start reviewing with our helpful contents: Practice Tests for ACT Science

12. Relax After Taking The ACT Test

Relax and decompress after taking the ACT test. Don’t get so frazzled about what may have gone wrong during such undertaking. That particular matter is out of your hands at this point, so focus your time and energy on doing what you can enjoy for the time being.

Related Topics:

• ACT Scores
• Free Practice Tests for ACT English
• 5 Reasons You Should Not Be Scared Of Taking The ACT Test
• 7 Items You Shouldn’t Bring During the ACT Test Day
• 3 Things You Need To Do On Actual ACT Test Date
• How To Apply For The ACT Test
• How Hard Is The ACT Test?
• Preparing For ACT Test

With your requirements packed and ready in your bag for the ACT test day, you should be all set to take this important test. You only need to bring the items mentioned above on the ACT test day, which we outlined in our blog on the 5 important things to bring with you on the exam day:

1. A printed copy of your admission ticket
2. A valid photo ID.
3. At least two #2 pencils and a good-quality eraser.
4. An approved calculator.
5. A noiseless watch with no audible alarms.

Start reviewing with our helpful contents: ACT Scores

Now you need to be aware of the things you are not allowed to bring inside the testing center:

1. Technologies with recording or communication capabilities

The only technology allowed in the ACT testing room is the calculator. Laptops, cell phones, cameras, and tablets, among others, are not allowed. Security is maximized on the day of the ACT test. Anyone caught cheating will be investigated.

Cellphones and wearable devices should be switched off. Keep them inside your bag. You will not be allowed to use them even during break times. If you are caught using them during the test, three things might happen:

• Your score will get canceled.
• You will be asked to leave.
• Your device will be taken away from you.

Forget about cheating. Be aware that there were high-profile ACT cheating scandals that ruined some students. Those caught cheating on the ACT test can be expelled from their schools and have their scores canceled. Some were even banned from entering college.

Related Topic: ACT Registration and Requirements

2. Dictionaries, translators, textbooks, notes and any other documents

The only document that’s allowed on your desk is your ACT test booklet. Other reading, review materials or “cheat sheets” are not allowed. Leave all your review materials at home.

3. Other writing tools, except for #2 pencils

You’re not allowed to use bullpens, highlighters, or colored pencils during the test.

4. Food and beverages

You will not be allowed to eat and drink during the test. You’re also not allowed to drink water inside the testing room. Not only can eating and drinking distract you, but just imagine how spilled liquid can ruin your test!

It’s best to eat a full breakfast before the test. Pack some healthy snacks like a chicken sandwich, nuts, and fruits that you can eat during the break. Avoid snacks that will make you feel sleepy or sluggish later on, such as chocolate bars or sweet drinks. If you tend to feel anxious, avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, or soda. Stick to water.

Visit our website to learn more review materials: ACT Science Practice Tests

5. Correction fluid or tape

Want to change your answers? Simply use your eraser. Correction fluid or tape isn’t necessary and you’re not allowed to use them during the ACT test.

6. Cigarettes and other tobacco products

Smoking is prohibited inside the testing room.

7. Smartwatch

If you’re wearing a watch during the test, make sure it’s not a smartwatch. You won’t be allowed to wear that inside the testing room.

Related Topics:

• What To Bring On The ACT Test Day
• ACT Test Dates
• How To Apply For The ACT Test
• ACT Test: Should You Aim For A High Score?
• Why You Need Help In Preparing For Your ACT Test
• How ACT Reviewers And Guides Help You Boost Your ACT Score
• 5 Reasons You Should Not Be Scared Of Taking The ACT Test
• 3 Reasons Students Fail Their ACT Test And How To Resolve Them
• ACT Math Practice Tests 3
• ACT Math Practice Tests 1
• How Hard Is The ACT
• Preparing For ACT Test

It can be disappointing if you’re an achiever in high school but finished with a low score on the ACT test. If this happened to you, you’re not alone. This is a common problem, but there are ways to avoid it. Using effective techniques, you can be smart both in school and on the ACT test. First, you should understand why some intelligent students score low on standardized exams such as the ACT.

Start reviewing with our helpful contents: ACT  Practice Tests for Math

Why Intelligent Students Score Low On The ACT Test

There are several reasons why smart students get low ACT scores and if you think you are going down the same path, being knowledgeable about these situations could give you some ideas. You see, standardized tests are different from the tests that you typically take in high school. Here are the reasons behind this problem:

1. Multiple subjects tested

In high school, if you’re going to have a math test, all you have to do is study math. However, in the ACT, you’ll meet math, science, literature and writing in one comprehensive test. That’s why taking the ACT test needs you to study harder. You have to engage in an effective ACT test prep routine, which happens to be more time-consuming and challenging. See our Free ACT Practice Test here.

Check our ACT Science Practice Tests

2. There is a time limit for every section of the ACT

It’s rigorous to take the ACT test because of the time pressure. Your time for answering the items in every section is limited. You’ll have varying reactions because of this time limit. You might become nervous or anxious. Or you might rush answering because you don’t have much time to answer all the questions in the timed topic divisions.

3. Some questions and answer selections in the test are misleading

That’s right. The ACT test can be tricky, and some answer options can fool you into thinking that you’ve filled in the right bubble in your answer sheet. It’s different from the tests that you take in school, which are usually straightforward.

Expectations for you to get a high ACT score can put too much pressure on you. This standardized test is important. It will help you get high quality and successful college education or in case of failure, the opposite. As a result, you might be pushing yourself too hard, resulting in a low score. Check out the ACT Scores here.

We have ACT Practice Tests for English

Different ACT Problem Scenarios

These are just some reasons students fail their ACT test, even though they are high achievers in school. The different scenarios below explain why:

Scenario #1

Your studying methods may be wrong. Did you prepare well for the ACT test? That is, did you spend enough time studying for it? On the day of the test, you may have had enough time to answer all the questions and you were not anxious. You were optimistic about the results, only to be disappointed by a low score. How come?

It is common for many students to get a low score on a standardized test, although they have studied enough for it. If such is the case for you, you might need to change your strategy for studying for the test. Even if you’re a math whiz in the classroom, it doesn’t always translate to a high ACT math score. Consider that in a standardized test, the math section covers more topics, which requires more skills and knowledge from you. Some questions are also phrased in confusing or misleading ways. This is why you can’t always expect your studying methods in the classroom to get you a high score on the ACT.

The resolution to the first scenario is to change the way you study. This means that in your ACT test prep, you should include familiarization with the topics that will be included and how you’re going to be tested on the ACT. Be aware of the types of questions given in the test and how they are worded.

Take plenty of practice tests, which will familiarize you with the real thing. At the same time, properly review each of your answers, particularly the incorrect ones. You need to be able to have a good grasp of your weak points in the test so you can improve on them.

Visit our website to learn more review materials: Practice Tests 1 for ACT Math

Scenario #2

You may have studied insufficiently for the ACT test because you were overconfident. Sometimes, high achieving students are used to acing tests in school that they think they can do the same on the ACT test. They expect the ACT test to be just as easy.

Consider that the ACT test is a different kind exam. You may become confused in answering the questions if you haven’t been exposed to them before. To measure how knowledgeable you are, the test makers of the ACT have deliberately designed many questions to be misleading and confusing. If you’re clueless about this strategy, you can be tricked easily resulting in a low score.

You can correct this tendency through practice and more practice. Arrange a regular study schedule a few months before taking or retaking the ACT test. Get hold of study guides from Test Prep Toolkit so that you can carry out a program that is most suitable for you. Taking practice tests is a must. Take 3-4 of them online or in your local library. Get used to the type of tests and the questioning strategies that tend to comprise the ACT test. Always take time to review your wrong questions, too, and figure out why you missed them. Knowing your weak points can make you better prepared to take the ACT test with all its peculiarity and intricacies.

You can also see our material for studying for ACT here to help you more on your ACT studies.

Related Topics:

• ACT Practice Test
• ACT (American College Testing) Test Guide – Registration, Test Dates & Scores
• Practice Tests for ACT Science
• How ACT Reviewers And Guides Help You Boost Your ACT Score
• Why You Need Help In Preparing For Your ACT Test
• ACT Test: Should You Aim For A High Score?
• ACT Registration and Requirements
• ACT Test Dates
• ACT Frequently Asked Questions
• History Of The ACT
• How To Get Good ACT Scores

The key to preventing terrible scenarios on your ACT test day is proper preparation. It’s not just about studying for months, but preparation to ensure everything goes as planned for the test day. Getting stuck on a question is bad, but breaking your pencil in the middle of the test has been just as disastrous. Part of acing the ACT test is knowing and Coso how do you go about with these?

• What To Bring With You On The ACT Test Day
• Other Things That You Might Need When Taking The ACT Test
• Prohibited Items In the ACT Testing Room
• Other Important ACT Test Day Tips

Learn more review materials here: Practice Tests for ACT Science

• A printed copy of your admission ticket. Log in to your account on the ACT website where you registered and print out your admission ticket. Only the paper copy of this document is allowed on the ACT test day. Images of this ticket on your mobile phone or other electronic devices will not be accepted.
• A valid photo ID. The full name and photo on your ID should match what’s on your ACT registration. Which valid IDs can you use on the ACT test day?

1. Your current school ID
2. Your driver’s license
3. Your passport

If you don’t have any of these, have a school official or a notary fill out a downloaded copy of an Official ACT Identification Form. If you took part in the ACT Talent Search, you should prepare a copy of your talent search identification letter.

On the ACT test day, you can’t present Credit cards, birth certificates, employee IDs, Social Security cards and learner’s permits as ID. Personal recognition doesn’t count either, so don’t be complacent. Even if your test administrator is someone you know, you can’t take the test without approved ID. Your admission ticket and valid photo ID are important requirements on the ACT test day.

At least two pieces of #2 pencils and a good quality eraser. Always make sure to have a spare pencil in case the one you’re using breaks. Pens, mechanical pencils, liquid paper, highlighters and other writing accessories are not acceptable, including for the ACT essay test.

See our full post on What To Bring On ACT Test Day here.

• An approved calculator. Although there are particular limits, the ACT allows 4-function, graphing and scientific calculators for the test. Be aware of the of the limits and uses of the calculator in the ACT.

On the ACT test day, it is vital that you bring with you. Your admission ticket, valid ID, and calculator. These are ACT test requirements that you need to enter your testing room.

Related Topic: ACT (American College Testing) Test Guide – Registration, Test Dates & Scores

• Additional #2 pencils and a small, handy pencil sharpener. These are essential backups should mishaps take place while you’re taking the test. They will bring you much-needed convenience if you’re taking the ACT Plus Writing test where you will need to write an essay.
• Extra calculator batteries. The last thing you would want to happen while taking ACT Math is to have a dead calculator. That’s why you need to bring extra batteries for this test accessory. In fact, it makes sense to put new batteries in your calculator on the day before the ACT test. See to it that your calculator is operating well a day before taking the test as well.
• Snacks and drinks to replenish you during your breaks. Although eating is not allowed in the testing room, The ACT test schedule includes breaks. Bring nutritious snacks and drinks with you to energize you on this long and important test.
• A noiseless watch with no audible alarms. This comes in handy because you’ll need to keep track of the time when taking the different sections of the test. Don’t forget about the time limit for every section of the ACT. You need to be aware of the time when taking the ACT test. But this is an optional ACT test requirement, specifically if it distracts you or causes anxiety.

Check our ACT Practice Tests for English

With these items packed and ready in your bag for the ACT test day, you should be all set to take this important test. You only need to bring the items mentioned above on the ACT test day. Be aware of the restricted items to bring in the testing center such as:

• Technologies with recording or communication capabilities. The only technology allowed in the ACT testing room is the calculator. Laptops, cell phones, cameras, and tablets, among others, are not allowed. Security is maximized on the day of the ACT test. Anyone caught cheating will be investigated and reported in the news. Be aware that there were high-profile SAT cheating scandals that ruined some students. Those caught cheating on the ACT test can be expelled from their schools and have their scores canceled. Some were even banned from entering college.
• Dictionaries, translators, textbooks, notes and any other documents. The only document that’s allowed on your desk is your ACT test booklet. Other reading materials or “cheat sheets” are restricted.
• Other writing tools, except for #2 pencils.

Related Topic: ACT Math Practice Tests 3

ACT test prep can start from many months until the test day as well as the night before that schedule. It is just as crucial to study and be prepared for the different test topics and get your gear ready the night before. Pack every necessary item in your backpack the night before the ACT test day. Your backpack should be prepacked as you are all set and ready on the morning of the ACT test.
Have an extra copy of your admission test ticket. A back-up for this requirement could be useful. Prepare this a few days before the test and not during the last minute. Because anything can happen, such as printers breaking and so on.

See also our Best ACT Prep Course here.

Eat a nutritious breakfast. Make sure that you are physically ready for the test. Go on with whatever routine exercises that you do every morning, and don’t forget to pack your snacks and drinks. Your morning on the ACT test day should be stress-free and relaxed. This will help you to be emotionally and mentally ready for your long-awaited feat.

Remember not to bring your cellphone to the testing room. It is not enough to silence your phone because you wouldn’t want to risk having your ACT score canceled. Leave it outside!

Make a checklist and make sure all the ACT test requirements discussed in this article are in your backpack. With everything ready, you can focus all your attention and energy on doing your best so you can ace the ACT test. If you do this right, you can easily gain admission to the higher learning school of your choice.

Related Topics:

• Practice Tests for ACT Science 3
• ACT English Practice Tests 4
• How ACT Reviewers And Guides Help You Boost Your ACT Score
• ACT Test: Should You Aim For A High Score?
• ACT Registration and Requirements
• ACT Test Dates
• Preparing For ACT Test

If you want to improve your ACT Science score, the two important skills you need to pay attention to is your reasoning and analytical skills. You need to be able to identify patterns in the data presented in tables, maps, and graphs, as well as your ability to interpret questions rationally, taking into consideration the patterns you have extracted from the data.  Most problems will provide you with more information than you need to answer the ACT Science test questions correctly.

The ACT Science section will not directly test your knowledge of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Earth Science. You don’t need to remember every Science concept you’ve learned from school, instead, you must know how to reason as well as solve problems scientifically.

The ACT Science test checks your scientific reading comprehension skill. It checks whether you can analyze and draw conclusions from tables, charts, graphs, and experimental procedures. Similar to the ACT Reading test, the ACT Science test passages will provide almost everything you need.

• Tips To Boost Your ACT Science Test Score:
• You Must Get Used To The Passage And Question Types
• Stay Calm During The Test
• Manage Your Time
• Take ACT Science Practice Tests
• Get Some Help
• Get Comfortable With Graphs
• Conduct Scientific Experiments
• Use Extra Time To Check Your Work And Fix Errors
• Bottom Line Is:

Start reviewing with our helpful contents: ACT Practice Tests for Science 

1. You Must Get Used To The Passage And Question Types

The ACT Science test usually has three types of passages: Conflicting Viewpoints (typically 7 questions), Research Summaries (typically 6 questions) and Data Representation (typically 5 questions). These passages are not in order – test-takers will usually see 3 five-question sections, 3 six-question sections, and 1 seven-question sections, which have appeared on some recent ACT tests.

Related Topic: ACT Test Introduction, Registration, Dates & Score

2. Stay Calm During The Test

Don’t worry about not having advanced scientific knowledge. Even though it’s a science test, you don’t need to memorize science concepts. You can still score higher as long as you improve your ability to analyze and interpret scientific problems.

3. Manage Your Time

The huge obstacle separating you from your ACT Science test target score is the limited time you are provided to read 7 passages and then answer 40 test questions. The 35 minutes time frame might not be enough for you to finish the test, so you need to speed up if you want to finish the ACT Science test.
Answer the questions systematically. Don’t dwell too long on a passage. Instead, quickly read it. Then get the main point and analyze the figures. This should help you solve the questions being asked.

However, if you think you’re running out of time, you’re probably spending a disproportionate amount of time on difficult test questions. It would be better if you identify the difficult and time-consuming questions, highlight them, and you can come back to them later. If you want to finish the ACT Science test, don’t spend two minutes on a single test question.

Start reviewing with our helpful contents: Practice Tests for ACT Science

4. Take ACT Science Practice Tests

One of the most reliable ways to improve your score on the ACT Science test is to answer real ACT Science practice test. Time yourself and try to finish the test in less than 35 minutes. Check your mistakes and understand why you committed those errors. Analyzing your mistakes will help you improve.

More review materials: ACT Practice Test

5. Get Some Help

Although the ACT test can be self-studied, several students find that getting some extra help from a tutor or support from fellow students who have taken the test can make a huge difference.

6. Get Comfortable With Graphs

In expressing scientific data, the ACT Science test tends to include graphs, charts, as well as other visual tools. In fact, about one-third of the ACT Science test is composed of Data Representation questions. There’s no reason to be terrified with graphs and charts, as they are intended to be a clear and concise way of organizing data.

You can be more comfortable with graphs if you read a lot of scientific publications or research. You can measure your skills in data interpretation by first glancing at the graph to determine what it represents and then read the article to see if your interpretation is correct.
ACT test-takers aren’t expected to be an expert in all science subjects. The ACT Science test covers such a broad range of topics. What is expected is for the students to have the basic skills to analyze, interpret, and solve scientific problems.

Related Topic: ACT Scores

7. Conduct Scientific Experiments

If you want to do well on your ACT Science test, it would be better for you if you’re familiar with the scientific method as well as experimental design. Conducting scientific experiments is an ideal way to enhance your science skills for your ACT Science test. Even though the ACT Science test isn’t the ACT Math test, test-takers will still be expected to work with numbers on the exam. Often, scientific experiments will be explained numerically in a graph or table. You can also check out our ACT Math Practice Test here.

8. Use Extra Time To Check Your Work And Fix Errors

On your ACT Science Test, you only have 35 minutes to answer the 40 questions. Since you will be going straight to the test questions, you will not be as time-pressured as you are in the ACT Reading section. Thus, use that extra time when you’re finished to go over your answers. Check our post here for some ACT reading tips.

Related Topic: ACT Practice Tests 4 for English

Getting your goal score on your ACT Science test isn’t as difficult as it seems. You don’t need to be a science expert in order to get the high 20s or even 30s score on your ACT Science test. All you need to do is pay extra attention to the details, watch your time, and take a lot of ACT Science practice tests before your ACT test date.

Related Topics:

• Practice Tests 1 for ACT English
• ACT Test Dates
• ACT Registration And Requirements
• ACT Test Introduction, Registration, Dates & Score
• How To Apply For The ACT Test
• ACT Test: Should You Aim For A High Score?
• Why You Need Help In Preparing For Your ACT Test
• How To Improve ACT Reading Score

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!

Now that you are about to finish high school, you still have one hurdle left before you can move on to college—the college entrance standardized test.  You have three options, fortunately, when it comes to this dilemma: Either you take The SAT, take the ACT or just take them both.

• Just Blindly Picking One Is A Bad Idea
• Test Structure
• Number Of Questions And Time To Answer Them
• Scoring
• Pricing

Related Topic: Free ACT Math Practice Tests

You may be asking, why not just pick one and go with it? Well, the truth is you can do that, but it’s a bad idea for the reason that these tests are so different from each other both in format and in focus. In fact, a particular student may do well in SAT and do badly in the ACT or vice versa. If you want to improve your chance of getting a high score, you have to know which of these tests will be the right fit for you.  This article will tackle those differences to help guide you in choosing between ACT and SAT.

Related Topic: SAT Registration

SAT and ACT  offer mostly the same sections now that SAT has been restructured, but there are still some differences.  They both have a math section, a reading section and both offer language sections ( writing and languages for SAT and  English for ACT). They also now offer optional essay tests that do not affect your main score.

The differences, on the other hand, are few, but important. First, ACT offers a science section while SAT does not. It is important to consider this in choosing between ACT and SAT. If science is your forte, the science section will add significantly to your ACT  score. On the other hand, if you are not very knowledgeable at science, it will drag down your ACT score and thus ACT is a better choice for you.

Another difference lies in the focus of the Math Section.  ACT Math covers more topics than SAT does. While SAT focuses on algebra and data analysis, ACT  covers logarithms, graphs of trig functions, and matrices. Also, many of ACT Math questions deal with geometry and trigonometry. Finally, ACT lets you use calculators for all math questions while SAT only lets you use calculators on some questions.  So, again, if you are good at math, then you’d be okay with both ACT and SAT, but if you are not confident with your math Skills take the SAT.

More review materials: Free Practice Tests for ACT Science 

ACT has more questions than the SAT, that is because it has more sections.  SAT also gives more time for answering each question than ACT. So If you don’t like working under extreme pressure, you should look into taking the SAT. Here is the breakdown:

SAT Sections

•       Reading: 65 mins, 52 Questions
•       Writing and Language: 35 mins, 44 questions
•       Math No Calculator: 25 mins, 20 questions
•       Math Calculator: 55 mins,  38 questions
•       Essay (optional): 50 mins, 1 essay

ACT Sections

•       English: 45 mins, 75 questions
•       Math: 60 mins, 60 questions
•       Reading: 35 mins, 40 questions
•       Science: 35 mins, 40 questions
•       Writing (optional): 40 mins, 1 essay

You may think that hands down, SAT is better because it has fewer questions but more time allotment, but hold your horses for a bit there, because there is an equalizer.  Most people tend to spend a lot of time solving math problems without using a calculator. So that SAT Math section that bans calculators may also take a lot of your time. So unless you are good with mathematics, both tests are equally difficult.

Related Topic: SAT Test Dates

SAT and ACT differ in their scoring systems. First, the total score you can get in SAT ranges from 400- 1600, while in Sat the range is only 1-36. But that is not the only difference, the way scores are calculated are also different.

For ACT, a scale of 1-36 is used for each section. Then your four section scores are averaged and the result is your total score. For the optional ACT writing section, a scale of  2-12 is used in judging your essay. The Essay test question will not count toward your final score.

On the other hand, SAT uses a scale of 200-800 for both the Math and Evidence-based reading and writing sections. And the scaled score for both sections is combined for a total score. As for the SAT optional essay test, you will receive 3 scores for each dimension—reading, writing, and analysis – all of which will range from 2 to 8.

Related Topic: Free English Practice Tests 

ACT and SAT also vary slightly in pricing. ACT charges $46.00 for regular test and $62.50 for the ACT with writing test.  On the other hand SAT charges $47.50 for the regular test and $64 if Essay test is included. These fees do not include additional fees that depend on your specific situation.

So there you have it, these are pretty much the major differences between the SAT and ACT.  Use the information here to decide which test to take based on your skills and talents. Just make sure that you have weighed every pros and cons for each test before deciding to register for one.

No matter which tests you choose or you choose to take both, taking SAT practice tests or ACT practice tests will help you.

Related Topics:

• ACT Practice Test
• Practice Tests for SAT Math
• SAT Requirements
• SAT Practice Tests
• SAT Writing And Language Questions
• ACT Test: Should You Aim For A High Score?
• SAT Reading Practice Tests
• SAT Writing Practice Tests

Getting a high ACT score has some amazing perks. That’s why it makes sense to engage in an effective ACT test prep program. Even if your parents spend hundreds of dollars to have you ready for the ACT test, they know that they are left with thousands more on the table. Passing the ACT test with a score of at least 25 lets you get benefits like $10,000 in cash of scholarships. It depends on what your prospective colleges and universities have to offer based on your ACT score.

• The Rewards Of Having High ACT Scores
• Reasons You Get A Low ACT Score
• You haven’t started a study plan early enough
• The ACT test prep learning style that you adhere to isn’t effective
• You need to familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of the ACT test
• You may be pressuring yourself, which causes anxiety
• You might have negative thoughts about yourself

An ACT score of 29 can have you admitted into Mississippi’s Bellhaven College with $5,000 worth of assistance for your college education. College freshmen who scored 27 or higher on the ACT test are granted with $10,000 funds in scholarship at the Bluffington College in Iowa. A 28 ACT score can make you a recipient of $10,500 per year at the Illinois Wesleyan University. Benefits may vary from college to college, but scoring high on the ACT test definitely pays off.

The best thing about the ACT test is you can retake it if you got a low score. High school students are given up to 12 times to pass and ace the ACT test. There are thousands of online resources that guide you into passing the ACT test with flying colors, but only a few discuss why students sometimes get low scores on the ACT test.

Related Topic: ACT Test Introduction, Registration, Dates & Score

You may have started to study too late for the ACT test. It takes months of studying for the materials to truly sink in. This applies to other standardized tests like SAT, GRE, and others. These tests are not only meant to challenge your knowledge but your reasoning ability, too. Cramming before the test simply won’t work for the ACT.

The test items in standardized exams tend to require you to infer, predict and draw conclusions skills that you may not be practicing in your everyday school life. That’s why you need ample time to brush up on these skills because you will encounter them on the ACT test. The key to mastering these skills is through repetition, and you simply can’t achieve mastery of various topics a week prior to the exam.

The resolution to this problem is to put together a study program several months before the big day of the ACT test. Note the days that you have set aside for your ACT test prep and commit to them.

Related Topic: ACT Scores

Different students learn in different ways, and this applies to your ACT test prep, too. Some learners are comfortable studying alone, while others do well with a group. Taking online quizzes alone may help you learn faster, or it may be easier for you to learn when you’re with your friends quizzing each other. What’s important is that the learning style you implement suits you, otherwise you are bound to do badly on the test.

You can see our reviews of the Best ACT Prep Book here.

Before choosing your learning strategy, know if you are an auditory or visual learner and carry on with a study method accordingly.

Related Topic: ACT Registration and Requirements

Technically, you have to prepare in different ways for different kinds of exams. The ACT test comes from the usual tests that you take in high school. It’s like saying there are varying methods of taking your vocabulary quiz and your midterm exams.

For the ACT test specifically, you can take practice tests or get yourself enroll in ACT test prep program to become familiar with the test questions and structure.

Related Topic: ACT Practice Test

Test anxiety can be overwhelming. There’s nothing else that you can think of on the days before the big day. Your jitters might even cause you to develop hives. You’ve sworn to yourself that nothing matters except getting a perfect score on the ACT. You’ve hoped and despaired over that fact, only to come out with an awful and disappointing score. How could you have done things differently?

You can prevent this scenario by taking steps to overcome test anxiety. Take deep breaths, visualize to calm your head and do some stretching to calm your nerves. Relax and believe in yourself that you have prepared enough for the ACT test and even make an affirmation that you can ace the exam.

Maybe you’ve thought of yourself as a bad test-taker. This tendency is what they call a cognitive distortion, and it can harm you more than you know. The concept of cognitive distortion lies in the premise of what you believe, you will become.

Forget about your past failures in taking exams. Consider the mistakes that might have led to your low score and correct them this time. Maybe you need to study earlier or sleep more. Take time to motivate yourself, aiming to rock at the ACT test that you’ll be taking. Note down the words I am a super test taker on numerous post-its and stick them all over your room, your car, your bathroom mirror and so on. You can even set it as your computer screensaver and password! On the ACT day, you should feel super and believe that you are worthy of the fantastic perks of a high ACT score.

Related Topics:

• 3 Things You Need To Do On Actual ACT Test Date
• 5 Tips on How To Get Good ACT Math Scores
• How ACT Reviewers And Guides Help You Boost Your ACT Score
• Why You Need Help In Preparing For Your ACT Test
• 5 Tips on How To Get Good ACT Math Scores
• History Of The ACT
• How To Get Good ACT Scores 

It’s the ACT test that you’re going to take or retake, and you know just how important it is. The ACT test is basically the standardized test that will open new doors for you. It can help you get you into the college of your choice or receive a valuable scholarship if you achieve a high score.
What other rewards can you get a high ACT score?

We have: Free ACT Math Practice Tests

Scholarships That Can Have You Cruising Through College

Your parents know that paying hundreds of dollars for your ACT test prep program can leave them with thousands more on the table. Students who get high scores on the ACT can become recipients of big amounts of money from various colleges across the nation. In fact, if you get a good ACT score, you can benefit from a scholarship without further application requirements. Check our review of the Best ACT Prep Course here.

Consider what some of the colleges and universities in Western New York have up-for-grabs for high ACT scorers. At D’Youville, an ACT score of 24 can have you earning $3,000 per year. At Niagara University, the same score can have you granted about $7,000 of free money annually. Scoring a 27 on the test can likewise get you $17,000 per year in the same university.

If you belong to the top 20% in your class and achieve a 28 ACT score, you can get a scholarship worth $9,000- $15,000 from the Rochester Institute of Technology. The State University of New York will offer a free ride that includes room and board if you get an ACT score of 28. The University of Buffalo offers free tuition with a room, board, and a book allowance if your score on the ACT is 33. If you’re interested in these privileges, visit the websites of these schools and your other choices. You can call them too to inquire about scholarships and benefits you can get according to your ACT score.

Visit our website: ACT (American College Testing) Test Guide – Registration, Test Dates & Scores

Scholarships are indeed attractive if you want to college without spending a lot of money. But other than scholarship money, a high ACT score can bring you under-the-radar benefits. An All-College Honors program awaits you at Canisius College if your score on the ACT is 28. Well-merited perks go with this, such as individualized mentoring, research grants and internships, living accommodations and specialized field trips.

Score 27 on the test and you can be rewarded at Niagara University with an admission to their Honors Program, which includes opportunities with campus lecturers, the benefit of attending special classes, visits to notables and invites to exclusive mixers. The perks offered by the University of Buffalo University Honors College are also splendid where you can earn free housing, teaching support, and scholarship opportunities.

Check our Practice Tests for ACT English 

Valuable Tips For Getting A High ACT Score

Considering these benefits and privileges, it is worth committing your time, effort and resources to taking the ACT test. Do plenty of research on what perks await you if you get a high ACT score. These said, you have to be dedicated to your ACT test prep program so you can ace it and cruise your way in earning a good quality education in the college or university of your choice. How do you get a high score on the ACT? Here are some important tips:

On the night before taking the test, find time to relax

Cramming during this time can leave you feeling anxious and unable to rest. As long as you’ve given enough time for your ACT test prep, you should do fine. Everything that you’ve studied throughout the year is stored in your mind and will make you ready to take the ACT test. Do something else to take your mind off the ACT test at this very significant time, like hanging out with a friend or watching a movie. But get enough sleep the day before the test. Daytime sleepiness can cloud your thinking.

Related Topic: ACT Scores

Master the ACT test strategies that you have learned in your test prep

Spending plenty time for your prep and other resources should familiarize you with the strategies that you need to know for the ACT test. Again, it is crucial to provide time for your review and study, such as a few months or more. This will make you feel confident to take the test. The quickest refresher when it comes to the ACT is to take practice tests. You can access them here in the Test Prep Toolkit and your local library.

We have Practice Test that you can use: ACT Science Practice Tests 1

These tips are specific for each test in the ACT:

• When taking the English test, read the sentence and the paragraph carefully. Inability to perform complex calculations.
• In the Reading test, the three-stage method of previewing, reading and reviewing is useful. Pay more attention to the big ideas and not the minute details in the passages. Be aware of how the ideas connect and take notes as you read along so you can quickly find the answers.
• As you take the Science Reasoning test, make use of the three-stage method as well. That is, preview, read and review. Be particular about data trends, variable relationships and what is being measured. Do not let irrelevant information or scientific and technical jargon mislead you. You’ll find them in most of the passages in the test, but you can ignore them.

You can ace the ACT test the first time, or else, you can retake it, and that’s the best part of it. Nothing beats firsthand experience as the best teacher. Combine it with an effective test prep program and a sensible attitude and you can get the highest ACT score that you’re aiming for with its wonderful rewards.

Related Topics:

• Free Practice Tests for ACT Science
• Free Practice Tests for ACT Math
• ACT Practice Test
• ACT Science Free Practice Tests
• 7 Items You Shouldn’t Bring During the ACT Test Day
• 3 Things You Need To Do On Actual ACT Test Date
• How To Apply For The ACT Test
• How To Get Good ACT Scores

ACT test prep is not just about studying for months, but also preparation to ensure everything goes as planned for the test day. Getting stuck on a question is bad, but breaking your pencil in the middle of the test has been just as disastrous. Part of acing the ACT test is knowing and complying with the ACT test day requirements.

We have Free Practice Tests for ACT English

What To Bring With You On The ACT Test Day

1. A printed copy of your admission ticket

Log in to your account on the ACT website where you registered and print out your admission ticket. Only the paper copy of this document is allowed on the ACT test day. Images of this ticket on your mobile phone or other electronic devices will not be accepted.

Related Topic: ACT Test Introduction, Registration, Dates & Score

2. A valid photo ID

The full name and photo on your ID should match what’s on your ACT registration. Which valid IDs can you use on the ACT test day?

• Your current school ID
• Your driver’s license
• Your passport

If you don’t have any of these, have a school official or a notary fill out a downloaded copy of an Official ACT Identification Form. If you took part in the ACT Talent Search, you should prepare a copy of your talent search identification letter.

On the ACT test day, you can’t present credit cards, birth certificates, employee IDs, Social Security cards and learner’s permits as ID. Personal recognition doesn’t count either, so don’t be complacent. Even if your test administrator is someone you know, you can’t take the test without approved ID. Your admission ticket and valid photo ID are important requirements on the ACT test day.

Learn more review materials here: Free Practice Tests for ACT Science

3. At least two pieces of #2 pencils and a good quality eraser

Always make sure to have a spare pencil in case the one you’re using breaks. Pens, mechanical pencils, liquid paper, highlighters and other writing accessories are not acceptable, even for the ACT essay test.

Related Topic: ACT Registration and Requirements

4. An approved calculator

Although there are particular limits, the ACT allows 4-function, graphing and scientific calculators for the test. Be aware of the limits and uses of the calculator in the ACT.

We have: Free ACT Math Practice Tests

5. A noiseless watch with no audible alarms

This comes in handy because you’ll need to keep track of the time when taking the different sections of the test. Don’t forget about the time limit for every section in the ACT. You need to be aware of the time when taking the ACT test. But this is an optional ACT test requirement, specifically if it distracts you or causes you to be anxious. Don’t wear your smartwatch though, because this is not allowed.

Related Topic: ACT Practice Test

Other Things That You Might Need When Taking The ACT Test

* Additional #2 pencils and a small, handy pencil sharpener. These are essential backups should mishaps take place while you’re taking the test. They will bring you much-needed convenience, especially if you’re taking the ACT Plus Writing test where you will need to write an essay.

* Extra calculator batteries. The last thing you would want to happen while taking ACT Math is to have a dead calculator. That’s why you need to bring extra batteries for this test accessory. In fact, it makes sense to put new batteries in your calculator on the day before the ACT test. See to it that your calculator is operating well a day before taking the test as well.

* Snacks and drinks to replenish you during your breaks. Although eating is not allowed in the testing room, The ACT test schedule includes breaks. Bring nutritious snacks and drinks with you to energize you for the test.

Related Topics:

• Practice Tests for ACT Math
• ACT English Practice Tests
• Practice Tests 3 for ACT English 
• 5 Reasons You Should Not Be Scared Of Taking The ACT Test
• 7 Items You Shouldn’t Bring During the ACT Test Day
• 3 Things You Need To Do On Actual ACT Test Date
• How To Apply For The ACT Test

One of the reasons you’re finding it hard to boost your ACT Reading test score is that the questions in this section deal more with meaning compared with other ACT subjects. Unlike on Math or English questions, it would be difficult to apply a set of formulas or rules to answer ACT Reading test. Also, Unlike in the ACT Science test problems you can’t apply visual pattern recognition as well as graph interpretation skills to the passages in the Reading section.

However, with practice, you can develop your skills to improve your scores.

• Find the point of view of the author when reading passages
• Highlight anything that appears important
• Time yourself as you take your ACT Reading practice test
• Do numerous ACT Reading practice tests
• Know the ACT Reading test structure
• Always follow ACT reading comprehension procedure
• Go back to the passage for the vocabulary in the topic questions
• Predict a possible answer before looking at the choices
• Simplify complicated questions
• Always move on to the next passage after 9 minutes
• Do the passages in any order
• Don’t Get Stuck

Related Topic: Free ACT Practice Tests for English

You Can Also Use These ACT Reading Test Tips Below:

ACT Reading test tip: Don’t get lost in the details by reading too quickly because you might miss some important information. You have to know the roles of each paragraph and look for the author’s point of view. It also helps to mark the location of important details in case you need to come back to it later.

Related Topic: ACT Test Introduction, Registration, Dates & Score

Look for words or sentences that reveal the opinion of the author or express the main idea of the paragraphs. You can also write important notes on your test booklets to help you remember useful details. Encircle or highlight 3 to 5-word summaries of each paragraph. But, don’t get so carried away with your highlighting or you might run out of time.

Related Topic: ACT Practice Test

Don’t spend more than 3 minutes on reading and marking each passage or you might not have enough time to answer all the ACT reading test questions. But as you progress through your ACT Reading practice tests, you’ll be more confident and become more precise with the timing in taking notes and answering questions.

Related Topic: ACT Registration and Requirements

Get your ACT Reading practice test forms from an ACT practice book that you can find in a bookstore or a local library. You can also download it online. Now, find a spot to answer your ACT reading practice test. Get rid of any distractions and turn on your timer so you can check how you are doing. Make sure you answer all the ACT Reading test questions. You need to practice many times!

Start reviewing with our helpful contents: Free Practice Tests for ACT Math

The ACT Reading test is the third section of the ACT test. It is a 35-minute test that kicks off immediately after a 10-minute break. The ACT Reading test contains four passages with 10 test questions each and has forty multiple-choice questions. The four passages in the ACT Reading test come in Prose, Fiction, Natural Sciences, Social Studies, and Humanities. As the test allows you to do the four ACT Reading passages in any order, you can start with the topic you are most familiar with.

A. Read the passage and then write down notes next to each paragraph.

Keep your attention on the topic as well as the purpose of the passage.

B. Read each test question and pinpoint useful clues.

Write down the keywords and references that can help you locate the answer.

C. Predict the answer before looking at the answer choices.

We have Free Practice Tests for ACT English

Most words can change meanings based on how they are used in a sentence. Never assume the correct answer is the common definition of the word. Check the passage again to find out how that word is used in the context.

Before looking at the ACT Reading answer choices, it is better to predict a possible answer by understanding the context of the passage. Then compare the answer choices with your prediction. This way, you can save time. An ACT Reading test tip: don’t waste your time weighing the choices, choose the best answer and then move on.

If you encounter a confusing or unclear ACT Reading test question, rephrase it.

The ACT Reading test allows you to answer 40 questions (10 questions each passage) in 35 minutes, which means you will have less than 9 minutes to answer each of the 4 passages, so it’s important to pace yourself while taking the ACT Reading test.

Although the ACT Reading test contains 4 passages, that doesn’t mean you have to deal with them in the order they are presented.

ACT Reading test tip: Find out which passages are easier and which ones you find difficult during your ACT Reading practice test. For instance, if you find Prose fiction passages easier than Natural Science passages, do the Prose Fiction first and tackle the Natural Science later.

Learn more review materials here: Free Practice Tests for ACT Science

If you find yourself getting stuck with a difficult passage, keep moving. You might be able to understand the text via context in the ACT Reading test. As you read the passage, try to find any transition words as these are hints that will reveal if there’s a change in ideas, characters, direction, etc. Read them to make it sure you stay on the topic throughout.

Related Topics:

• Practice Tests for ACT Math
• ACT English Practice Tests
• Practice Tests 3 for ACT English 
• 5 Reasons You Should Not Be Scared Of Taking The ACT Test
• 7 Items You Shouldn’t Bring During the ACT Test Day
• 3 Things You Need To Do On Actual ACT Test Date

Can’t make up your mind about taking the ACT test? Don’t throw in the towel just yet. There are valuable benefits of taking the ACT, so it’s actually worth the try. All the hours that you’ve spent studying will lead you to better days in the future. It may be tough or it may seem insignificant for now, but the future will be kinder to you if you take the ACT.

Check our Practice Tests for ACT English 

Why Should You Take the ACT Test?

1. The ACT test is accepted by all major 4-year universities. There are some universities that require their incoming students to have up-to-standard ACT scores. Students who have taken the ACT test are considered to be college-ready. Show them that you’re smart enough and willing to take the academic challenges of college life by taking the ACT.
2. If you have low high school GPA, you can make up for it by passing the ACT. There might be problems with one of your subjects in high school, pulling your GPA down. Don’t worry because if you study well and get a good score in the ACT, you can make up for your low high school GPA.
3. If you fail, you can always retake the ACT. It may be such a drag on those times when you have to take the final exam in high school. And it can be a real bummer if you didn’t get a passing score. Didn’t you wish you can have one more chance to take the test? And that if you could, you promise, promise to do better. The case is like that when it comes to the ACT. If you do badly the first time, you can retake it. There’s always a better luck next time where you are given the opportunity to practice. In the ACT test as well, practice makes perfect (or a good score, at least).
4. You can evaluate your capabilities and weak points through the ACT. Having taken the test, you can then look back and check on which topics you are able to excel in. In which areas did you score well and where did you fall short? Through the test, you’ll realize what subjects you’re doing well at and what you need to improve on. This is an important benefit especially for high school students who are undecided on what course and job they’d like to pursue in the future.
5. You’ll be able to apply for scholarships if you get a good score. There are colleges that offer merit-based or academic scholarships for high school students who gain a certain ACT score. Likewise, these students who are qualified for scholarships also have good high school GPAs. You can get the upper-hand on the competition if you get an excellent score on the ACT test.
6. It can be a great asset for your employment. The perks of a good ACT score goes beyond your education. As a newbie in the workforce, your resume might be a little thin. Many employers ask their applicants about their ACT scores, and by all means, take pride in mentioning yours. With a good score in the ACT, you can show your prospective bosses that you’re the employee they’re looking for.
7. There’s a science section in the test. Comparing the SAT and the ACT standardized test admissions, the ACT happens to be the only test that includes a science section. This is an important benefit, especially if you excel in the subject. Taking the ACT will enable you to showcase your skills in science, particularly if you’re planning on becoming a STEM student. Think about taking the ACT if you’re considering taking chemistry, biology or engineering or any science-based fields in college.
8. You just might get it right by guessing. You can guess your answer away in the ACT test. While in the SAT, a slight penalty is imposed on guessing, in the ACT, you wouldn’t need to leave an item blank. There’s a ¼ chance that you’ll guess the right answer, or even a 1/3 or ½ probability if you use the elimination process. You don’t have to get stuck on a number in the ACT test because you can actually guess it right.
9. You can use a calculator to solve math questions. It lessens the stress when you’re allowed to use a calculator to figure out math questions in the ACT. All you need to do now is master the application of math formulas and understand math concepts to be able to confidently solve math problems.
10. By taking the ACT, students can save time. It’s mainly because they don’t have to take several exams, as typically required in the SAT.  Indeed, the best way of passing the ACT or the SAT is to develop your skills by taking past examinations and ACT practice tests. In March 2016, the new SAT has been launched, that’s why there are now lesser official exams of it. On the other hand, there is a bunch of past ACT exams that students can access for practice.
11. In the ACT test, you’ll always have selections for choosing the correct answer, unlike in the SAT. Thus, the backsolving strategy will always come in handy, particularly in solving math problems.
12. You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment after taking the ACT test. Passing the ACT test is an accomplishment you can be proud of. It will boost your confidence and this added credential can boost your chances of getting into your college or university of choice.

Related Topic: ACT Test Introduction, Registration, Dates & Score

Pass The ACT

The benefits of taking the ACT are worth it and to get them, you need to pass the test. Check out study guides, sign up for ACT review lessons, and take ACT practice tests to increase your chances of getting a passing score.

Related Topics:

• ACT Practice Test
• Free ACT Math Practice Tests
• ACT Science Practice Tests 1
• Free Practice Tests for ACT Science
• ACT English Free Practice Tests 4
• 3 Things You Need To Do On Actual ACT Test Date
• ACT Registration
• 5 Tips on How To Get Good ACT Math Scores

Fret not. You’re not going to die if you take the ACT test. In fact, you might enjoy tackling its challenge after learning about its rewards. There are many reasons you should not fear the ACT test. The most important reason is it will help you get into the college of your choice. The ACT test will not be nerve-wracking to the point of torture, especially if you gave enough time studying for it. It is even possible for you to ace the test.

• Calm Your Fears
• Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Take The ACT Test
• Be Motivated to Take The ACT Test

Where Are Your Fears Coming From?

If you feel fearful or anxious about taking the ACT test, ask yourself where those fears are coming from. People are generally fear what they don’t know. This may be the reason you’re afraid to take the ACT test. If you’re not prepared and consider it as the great “unknown,” then taking the ACT test is bound to scare you.

So prepare, prepare, prepare. Study for a few months before the test using various ACT test prep resources. If you use ACT practice test materials, you can breathe easy as the ACT is fast approaching. Become familiar with the format of the test and the types and methods used in the questions. You can also read more tips and information about the ACT test or ask your school questions about the registration all the way to get your score report.

Check our Free ACT Practice Test – Full Length Practice Questions with Explanation

To address the fear of the unknown, the solution is to get as many information as you can about the ACT test. Get to know the feel of the ACT test by taking practice tests. There are many of resources available online and in your local library.

Take a trip to your test center sometime before the test day, too. You wouldn’t want to be scared of losing your way and arriving late in your testing center. It’s important to be knowledgeable about the details of your ACT test so you won’t be overwhelmed.

Finally, don’t be anxious about taking the ACT test because you can always retake it if you get a low score. You may retake the ACT test for up to 12 times. Every retake should make you a better test taker because no ACT test prep can be better than firsthand experience!

These and more are some of the reasons you should not be scared of taking the ACT test. Besides, what will make you brave enough to hurdle this undertaking is the fact the ACT test is it’s required in many states. There are many good reasons you should take the ACT test, and they will be enough to encourage you and move past your fears.

We have ACT Reading Test Basics & Practices to Improve Scores

1. All colleges and universities in the US accept ACT scores

You need to have an ACT score to enroll and study in the college of your choice. If you get a higher score, you’ll have higher chances of gaining admission in a selective college. Most universities in the U.S. won’t let you enroll if you don’t have a standardized exam score from the ACT or SAT.

2. You may need to show your ACT score if you want to apply for a job

Somehow, you’ll have to get into the real world and look for ways to earn money, so you look for a job. Many good employers will ask for your ACT score before hiring you. Even if your ACT score is several years old, you might need to point it out in your resume. Your employer will measure your intelligence, diligence, and knowledge through your ACT score.

3. Having a high ACT score may qualify you for a scholarship program

Many universities and colleges offer scholarships to students with high ACT scores. This is a dream-come-true for any aspiring college-bound high school student.

Related Topic: ACT Test Introduction, Registration, Dates & Score

4. The ACT test includes a science section

You might be wondering what perks you’ll get from a standardized test featuring a science section. What’s great about this is if you ace the subject and you want to pursue a science course in college, it will increase your chance of getting accepted.

Related Topic: ACT Test Dates for 2021-2022

5. In many states, the ACT test is a requirement

If you live in a state that requires the ACT, then, you have to take it. In these states, it is compulsory that high school students take the ACT test to graduate.

The following states require students to have ACT scores letting them enter college: Missouri, Minnesota, Hawaii, Alabama, Montana, North and South Carolina, Nevada, Wyoming, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Kentucky, Colorado, Utah, Tennessee, and Mississippi. In these states, high school juniors are required by law to take the ACT and the first time that they take it, it is free.

Related Topic: ACT Registration And Requirements

Taking the ACT test has many benefits. If you want to study in a good school, earn a scholarship and land a good job, taking the test and getting good scores will help you. The results that you’ll get from it will help shape your future.

Related Topics:

•  How To Get Good ACT Scores?
• How ACT Reviewers And Guides Help You Boost Your ACT Score
• ACT Test Dates
• How To Apply For The ACT Test
• ACT Test: Should You Aim For A High Score?
• 3 Reasons Students Fail Their ACT Test And How To Resolve Them
• 7 Items You Shouldn’t Bring During the ACT Test Day
• 12 Tips For Reviewing Your ACT Test
• Why You Need Help In Preparing For Your ACT Test

You have to be in-the-know if you’re going to take the ACT test. You’d want to make sure that every prep and planning you do along the way makes sense. The key to acing the ACT test and getting admitted to the college of your choice is to prepare for it using effective study strategies and choosing the best date to take the test. Yes, studying is a significant part of taking the ACT, but so is effective ACT test prep and the proper calculation of your ACT test date. What is the best date to choose for your ACT test?

The answer to that question does not mean you pick the earliest date you can find. When selecting an ACT date, you have to verify when your college deadlines are. Like most of the students, you want to get a high score in the ACT to be able to gain admission to the college or university of your choice. At the same time, you might be wanting to avail of a scholarship. Knowing your deadlines for your college and scholarship applications are major factors when it comes to deciding on the best ACT test date for yourself.

• What Happens If You Miss Taking Your ACT Test?
• How To Change Your ACT Test Date?
• How Much Does It Cost To Apply For An ACT Test Date Change?
• Be Prepared The Next Time Around

Apply The 1/3-2/3 Rule When Choosing An ACT Test Date

Most colleges typically set their deadlines on January 1 of your senior year. Other than that, there’s January 15, which is a common deadline as well. There are some colleges that set their deadlines later, particularly in the months of February or March. Otherwise, if you’ve applied for early action or early decision, then your deadlines will probably be scheduled in November.

You’re bound to receive your ACT test score three weeks after taking the test. Thus, you ought to leave this much amount of time in between your test date and the first deadline that you should comply with. The ACT test is administered 6 times in a year, in the months of February, April, June, September, October, and December.

When choosing the best date among these months are for taking the ACT, you can consider the 1/3- 2/3 rule. Applying this rule means that you can render 1/3 of the time from your starting point and the deadlines of your applications at the first time and allocate 2/3 amount of time the second time between where you’re at and your required deadlines.

So, for instance, if your ACT test prep started in January of your junior year, you can decide to take the test in April. If you plan to retake the test, you can opt to make it in October. This is not to say that this rule suggests that you take the ACT test twice, but many students have considered taking it three times or more.

Related Topic: ACT Test Introduction, Registration, Dates & Score

As you choose your ACT test date, you ought to make sure that you will actually be there to accomplish this undertaking. Mark your ACT test date on your calendar because you wouldn’t want to miss this significant day in your academic life. But what happens if you miss taking the ACT test by your designated date?

There are many reasons why you might miss taking your ACT test. On the night before the test, you might not have been able to sleep well, making you feel sick the next morning. You might wake up feeling feverish and plagued with various aches here and there. Another reason is that you might not have been able to implement an effective and sufficient ACT test prep regime. With such situations, you might decide to skip taking your ACT test and worry about it later even if you’ve already registered.

Related Topic: ACT Scores

What you should do in this case is to access your online ACT account and request an ACT test date change.

When online, log in to your ACT web account where you have accomplished your registration for the ACT test. As you have accessed your account, look for the make changes to your application tab and move on with the prompts that will guide you in selecting a new test date.

When doing this, you have to make sure that you’re adhering to the registration deadline. Otherwise, if your date change endeavor has gone beyond the late registration period, you have to apply to be considered for Standby Testing.

Related Topic: ACT Registration and Requirements

During your initial registration, you have paid for the ACT registration fee either for the ACT Test or the ACT Plus Writing Test. When you apply for a test date change, you’ll have to pay another fee, along with the late registration fee (if you missed the deadline) and the test standby application fee.

Considering the substantial cost of an ACT test date change, it is much better to drag yourself out of bed and head to your testing center to take your ACT test on the original date that you have scheduled. You can see the complete ACT Test Dates here.

Issues may arise pertaining to your test date change process, nonetheless, so make sure you’ll know what to do. If you cannot push through with the online process of changing your ACT test date, you can call the ACT body at 319.337.1270 to facilitate the process. Give them your full name as it exactly appears on the ID that you will present during your test day, your address, a credit card and your choice of a test date and a test center.

Related Topic: ACT Practice Test

After rescheduling your test, you should be ready to take it on your chosen date (the second time around). If you were overwhelmed with first-time jitters, you should be better prepared the next time. Be ready to implement an effectual study regime and a test prep program. You can hire a tutor or do self-study with the help of a plethora of ACT test prep resources and practice tests online and in your local library.

Related Topics:

• 5 Reasons You Should Not Be Scared Of Taking The ACT Test
• 7 Items You Shouldn’t Bring During the ACT Test Day
• 3 Things You Need To Do On Actual ACT Test Date
• How To Apply For The ACT Test
• How Hard Is The ACT Test?

Students can register for the ACT (American College Testing) test through email or online. The ACT test recommends students to have their ACT registration via online because it’s faster. Students can also immediately see if their preferred test center has available space. Applicants can print their admission ticket right away after submitting their payment.

• Security of Online Registration
• ACT Registration by Mail
• Registration Basic Steps
• Technical Requirements
• When Should Senior Students Take the ACT?
• ACT Test Dates
• ACT Scores and Score Reports

Registering Online

To apply for the ACT test online, students need to create an ACT Web Account, which students can do on the ACT official website. Both United States and international students can have their ACT registration online.

Once students have created an ACT account, they will be able to register for the ACT test. During the ACT registration process, applicants will be asked questions about their high school, their high school classes, their background, their interests and their family. Also, students will be asked for identifying information, such as their name, phone number, address, email, as well as their social security number. Upon accomplishing this information, applicants can proceed to the ACT registration itself.

The registration process will ask students to opt for their preferred test date. Students can choose whether they will take the ACT Plus Writing or ACT No Writing, and will be notified of any applicable payments. Students will also have the opportunity to order ACT items, such as the official ACT test preparation materials and the ACT Test Information Release.

During the ACT registration process, students will also be able to choose institutions where they would like to send their ACT test scores – although they don’t have to select any schools if they prefer not to. Students will choose where they would like to take the test, but test-takers are advised to apply for ACT test early since testing centers could fill up fast. Then, applicants will be asked to confirm all their information they have provided and provide a mode of payment. When registering online, ACT would only accept credit cards.

As per ACT’s official website, once a student has been registered for the test, they can’t cancel their registration and most ACT fees are non-refundable. However, as soon as test scores are available, students who are registered online will have the ability to print out their score report from their ACT online account.

If students are unable to test on Saturdays (usual ACT test day) due to religious beliefs or if they need to receive testing accommodations due to a disability, they will have to fill up additional documentation outside of their account in order to have the test administered to them.

Related Topic: ACT Test Introduction, Registration, Dates & Score

The ACT protects student’s information by encrypting it using Secure Sockets Layer software. Check if the URL starts with https rather than HTTP.

Registration through email is allowed for everyone and is the application process for students who are under 13 years old or for those who can’t pay for the registration using credit cards.

In order to register by mail, students need to request the ACT registration packet. The ACT will then email the registration packet to students, and after they complete it, students need to mail it back. Students requesting accommodated testing, non-Saturday testing, homebound or confined, are required to submit additional information.

• Create ACT account
• Login to ACT web account and fill up registration form
• Pay ACT registration fee

The ACT registration fee is $58.50 (with writing) and $42.50 (without writing).

To apply for ACT online registration system, students are required to use one of the operating system listed below.

• Windows (XP, Vista, 7, 8)
• Mac OS (10.5 or higher)

If students are going into their senior year and considering registering either Early Decision to their top choice institution or Early Action, there are only two test dates to take the test – September and October. If students are not planning to register early, then the December test date would be their choice, but that should definitely their last resort – as they should be focusing on completing their applications and completing the first semester of their senior year.

It is recommended that students avoid taking the December ACT test during their senior year. Also, it is not too late for current junior students to sign up and gear up for the June test, so they must not think they have only the fall to consider.

Related Topic: 5 Reasons You Should Not Be Scared Of Taking The ACT Test, 12 Benefits Of Taking The ACT Test

Even though it may be enticing to choose the next test date without really thinking about it, it’s actually an essential decision that should not be overlooked as students gear up to apply to college. The last thing that students want is to select a test date that is too soon and does not allow them to prepare properly for the test, which would not allow them to take advantage of ACT super scoring.

The first thing to know is when the ACT test is administered as well as the different registration deadlines. There are six test dates throughout the school year (from September to June) and occurring approximately every other month.

Related Topic: ACT Test Dates

About two and a half weeks after the test date, students can get their test scores online. The score report will include the scores of the students for each test section as well as their combined score. If a student has taken the test several times, the student can send a college only the scores from his/her best test date. However, some institutions may want to see scores from all the student’s test dates.

Related Topics:

• ACT Test Scores
• How To Get Good ACT Scores?
• 3 Things You Need To Do On Actual ACT Test Date
• 7 Items You Shouldn’t Bring During the ACT Test Day

What defines a passing ACT score is that it’s high enough to get students into the colleges they are applying to, so the best approach here is to look at the score averages of the universities or colleges that you want to apply to.

The ACT scores of the students don’t have to be perfect for them to pass. Even though it never hurts to bring up their ACT score, it just has to be good enough. Now, this gets a little complicated because the ACT score is not the only part of the student’s college applications. If the ACT score of a student is particularly low, college admissions officers may have higher expectations for other parts of their application, such as GPA and extracurriculars.

Start reviewing with our helpful contents: ACT practice test for Math

• What Students Must Remember About How To Pass Their ACT Test
• Worried About Reaching Your Target ACT Score?
• Interpreting ACT Scores
• ACT Test Scores Explained
• You Need To Have A Good ACT Test Score
• Should You Take The ACT Test Again?
• Potential Problems While Taking The ACT Test\

There might not be an official passing score of the ACT test, but that somehow appears to make things complicated. What a student might consider passing will depend on the college or university he hopes to get into, but students must think more in terms of target scores rather than just a good enough ACT score.

If students are worried that their ACT scores are not up to par, they don’t need to worry about it – there are a lot of things they can do to bring their score up, no matter where they might be on the percentile charts. What matters most when setting up a passing ACT score are the goals they set for themselves.

Check our ACT English Practice Tests

Perhaps the ACT scores the students have calculated seem higher than they would have expected. If the target score of a student seems intimidatingly high, these are the things to remember:

• Keep in mind that your target ACT score (75th percentile average) is a perfect goal. It is supposed to be higher compared to what you’re scoring now or maybe even what you expect to score.
• If the 25th percentile benchmark appears too high for you, consider re-evaluating the institutions of your choice – you might need to consider colleges or universities that are slightly less competitive.
• If your target ACT score is above the 75th percentile mark, it would be best for you to consider more competitive institutions

Start reviewing with our helpful contents: Practice Tests for ACT English 1

Let’s say you’ve already taken the ACT test and you’ve just received your ACT test score, how do you interpret your test score?

The ACT test score is an important piece of a student’s college admissions process since it helps to gauge his competitiveness as an applicant and determine next steps regarding ACT test prep.

Visit our website: ACT Registration And Requirements

The ACT composite score is based on a 36-point scale, the average of four multiple-choice sections, English, Reading, Math, and Science, scored from 1 to 36. Also, test-takers have ELA (English, Reading, and the optional Writing) and Stem scores (Math and Science) that depict how well they do across those areas.

To understand how a student compares to other test-takers, you need to look at your ACT percentile score, which marks out the percentage of test-takers who have lower scores less than yours. For example, if you’re in the 90th percentile, it means you have an ACT score better than or equal to 90 percent of other test-takers.

A breakdown of how well you did in each section and subsection can be found under Detailed Results. This shows you the percentage of correct as and incorrect questions across a range of skill sections and question types to help you identify specific areas you need to improve on.

More review materials: ACT Practice  Tests for English 3

So what’s really a good ACT test score? A good ACT score is one that makes you a competitive applicant to the institutions you are hoping to get into. It’s a score that helps you achieve your personal goals.

To be competitive, you need to score towards the upper end of the 25th to 75th college admissions percentile for the institutions you want to apply to. Colleges and universities publish these ranges specifying the test score distribution of their freshman class. Fifty-percent of the colleges and universities admitted students who had scores that fell between the 25th to 75th college admissions percentile, 25 percent had scores above and 25 percent had scores below.

More review materials HERE

How do the ACT scores of the students measure up? Just because the ACT score is in the 25 to 75 range doesn’t mean students have a fifty-fifty chance at being admitted. Nonetheless, ACT scores near the 75 percent and above range will give students confidence that they are a competitive applicant at that college or university.

Students are allowed to take the ACT test more than once. In fact, a number of institutions encourage students to take the ACT test multiple times by offering SuperScore as well as Score Choice options.

The SuperScore is an average of the student’s highest tests scores across multiple test dates, while the Score Choice allows students to send their highest ACT score from a single administration of the exam.

Students can continue to increase their skills, performance, and confidence in time for college admissions deadlines to make sure that their scores are competitive for the programs they are aiming for. The ACT score report of the students provides valuable information that helps them personalize their ACT test prep and prioritize their weaker areas.

Check our ACT Test Dates for 2021-2022

Here are some of the potential problems while taking the ACT test. If a student is a relatively high ACT scorer, he probably has a general idea of his strong and weak areas. Unlike the low scorers, the high scorers are likely strong on content overall. However, high scorers typically lose points due to these problems:

1. Loss of focus leading to careless mistakes.
2. They ran out of time and missed some questions.
3. There are some specific areas they haven’t mastered yet.

If you want to get close to your target ACT score, you need to address these problems through ACT test preps. These include reviewing study guides, answering practice tests, and signing up for review classes. Always pay attention to your weak areas first when you start reviewing.

Related Topics:

• ACT Practice Test
• ACT Practice Tests for Science 2
•  Science ACT Practice Tests 1
• ACT Math Test Overview, Content Type And Tips To Score High
• Practice Tests for ACT Math 1
• ACT English Practice Tests
• ACT Registration
• 5 Tips on How To Get Good ACT Math Scores
• How To Get Good ACT Scores

The ACT writing section is an optional essay that students can take as part of their ACT test. Although the ACT Writing test is not about any specific subject area, it’s a test of student’s English writing skills.

Test-takers will read a prompt and will get 40 minutes to create an essay about it. The really hard part about the ACT Writing test is that it’s optional. Students can take the ACT test with or without this section, so many students spend a lot of time agonizing over which path is better.

Writing an essay in 40 minutes seems a difficult thing to accomplish. The ACT graders expect students to write a well-developed, logical essay about a topic that he may not be familiar with.

The ACT Writing test is a bit different than other sections (English, Math, Reading, and Science) since this portion requires students to write an essay instead of answering multiple-choice questions. Although this might appear trickier, the ACT Writing test tips below can help students ace this section:

• Know How It Is Graded
• Ideas And Analysis
• Development And Support
• Organization
• Language Use And Conventions
• Proofread
• Final Thoughts

The ACT Writing test is graded on the following parameters:

• Ideas and Analysis
• Development and Support
• Organization
• Language Use and Conventions

Related Topic: ACT Test Introduction, Registration, Dates & Score

The ACT Writing test scores under this parameter are based on the student’s ability to generate relevant and engaging arguments on a specified topic. By writing about the topic at hand, test-takers should communicate to the ACT graders that they understand the issue that they’ve been asked to address.

ACT Writing Tips: If you rephrase a statement in your own words and make it specific to the argument, it absolutely demonstrates that you understand the prompt that the ACT graders have asked you to write about.

Related Topic: ACT Scores

The ACT Writing test scores under this factor are based on the student’s ability to rationally write about and support an argument or idea. Your rational argument development and the use of examples to support your claim could come to the aid of transmitting your ideas to the ACT graders.

ACT Writing Tips: Use specific examples to strengthen your argument. Try using examples from art, science, politics, history, and even your own personal history.

Related Topic: ACT Registration and Requirements

The ACT Writing test scores under this element are based on the ability of the test-taker to clearly and logically order the structure of his essay. The ACT graders want you to guide them through your argument in a rational way.

ACT Writing Tips: Since students are allotted only 40 minutes to write a coherent, short literary composition, it is best to use a 5-paragraph essay structure. You can also create an outline of your thoughts.

• Introduction: This is your chance to grab the attention of the reader. Tell the reader what the essay is all about.
• 3 Supporting Paragraphs: These contain statements that support your introduction and your stand on the topic. Each of your paragraphs should begin with a topic sentence, acting as a thesis statement for the paragraph. The following sentences in the paragraph should talk about an example that augments the main argument.
• Conclusion: Restate the argument while expanding on it a bit. One way to expand the argument is talking about its future implications as well as its positive effects.

Related Topic: ACT Practice Test

The ACT Writing test scores in this domain are based on the student’s ability to clearly articulate the argument while correctly and strategically using syntax, word choice and grammar. The ACT graders are also taking into account the student’s writing tone and style.

ACT Writing Tips: Creative, varied sentence structure as well as word choice help grab the attention of ACT graders. It is essential for you to demonstrate the command of the English language and use it effectively to prove your argument. Use appropriate words, varied sentence structure, and transition words to aid the logical progression of your essay and to make the essay stand out.

It could be stressful for ACT test-takers to read a short prompt and write an essay in 40 minutes. As students are granted a bit of time to write a well-developed essay, it is important that they pace themselves and budget their time wisely. Nonetheless, the Essay Timeline below breaks down how students should spend their time organizing and writing their essay.

1. Read the prompt in 2 minutes.
2. Develop the thesis and brainstorm supporting examples in 3 minutes.
3. Outline the essay in 4 minutes.
4. Write the essay in 28 minutes.
5. Proofread and edit the essay in 3 minutes.

ACT Writing Tips: If you are running out of time while writing your essay, ditch one of the three example paragraphs. It’s preferable for an essay to have two well-written supporting paragraphs compared to three poorly written supporting paragraphs.

If you still have time, spend about three minutes on proofreading your work. Try to look for huge, obvious errors. If you find one, delete it completely or correct it. Though neatness of the essay doesn’t necessarily affect your ACT Writing test score, it does make ACT test grader happy.

Getting 36 points in the ACT Writing test is hard. It’s like getting two English teachers to give you A+s on the same article. Technically, it’s tough. Don’t sweat it if your ACT Writing test score is a bit lower as it doesn’t affect your ACT composite score, and this section really is more of a bonus than anything regarding college admissions. Nonetheless, for perfect test score seekers out there, this firsthand insight into the ACT Writing test can hopefully help you get closer to your goal.

The ideal way to prepare for the ACT Writing test is to practice writing numerous essays within a time limit. Read about current events and issues affecting society. Reading high-quality publications helps improve your writing skills as you become familiar with how skilled writers structure their thoughts. You just need to do two things: read more and write more. Practicing in these areas will make you confident to ace the ACT writing test.

Related Topics:

• 5 Reasons You Should Not Be Scared Of Taking The ACT Test
• 7 Items You Shouldn’t Bring During the ACT Test Day
• 3 Things You Need To Do On Actual ACT Test Date
• How To Apply For The ACT Test
• How Hard Is The ACT Test?

The ACT (American College Testing) is a stressful test considering the impact scores can have on college admissions process. But how hard is the test? It is intimidating, but the test is not as difficult as it seems. The material on the ACT becomes much less challenging if students are familiar with the test structure and the way questions are asked.

You can also visit our review of the Best ACT Prep Book here.

For some individuals, learning the alphabet is hard because they struggle with a learning difference or maybe they are non-native English speakers. But multivariable calculus might be very easy. The point here is it is impossible to answer how hard the ACT test is because the answer would vary for everyone.

Nonetheless, there are some things this article can tell you about how hard the ACT test is:

Start reviewing with our helpful contents: ACT English Practice Tests 1

• Concentration and amount of reading required by the ACT test.
• ACT testing has gotten harder over the years.
• ACT test is tricky.
• The ACT Test needs good comprehension skills.
• How Hard is the ACT Reading test?
• The ACT Math Test Level is Harder Than SAT
• The ACT English Test is a Paradox
• ACT Science Test Needs You to Interpret Scientific Data

1. ACT test is hard because it is time-pressured.

The ACT test gives test-takers 3 hours and 25 minutes to answer all the 215 questions. Certain ACT test questions take longer than others to answer, but many students end up feeling they could have done much better if they only had more time. Students should answer the questions as fast as they can.

Related Topic: ACT Test Introduction, Registration, Dates & Score 

This is why it is best to skip questions that you find difficult and go back to them only when you’re done answering the easy ones.

2. Concentration and amount of reading required by the ACT test.

In the ACT test, there are plenty to read than on the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test). The ACT testing has complex science scenarios to sort through, longer reading passages and longer math word problems. The test can really challenge the student’s attention span. This is why full-length ACT test prep is so essential so test-takers can build the endurance and focus on this test demands. You can also visit our review of the Best ACT Prep Book here.

More review materials HERE

3. ACT testing has gotten harder over the years.

As students begin to do better on the ACT test, the nonprofit organization gradually modifies the test’s difficulty level. In 1970, the average composite ACT test score was 18.6. Then in 2014, the average composite score was 21. This may appear as if the ACT test has gotten easier. The ACT test has more than compensated by generating more difficult questions as well as passages that ensure only a few students are at the highest part of the scale.

More review materials: ACT English Practice Tests 3

4. ACT test is tricky.

The ACT testing may appear a pretty easy test to others as it is not trying to play mind games with the students, which is a typical sentiment test-takers have about the SAT. The ACT requires students to be very detail-oriented so they don’t make silly mistakes, but the answer to the test question is always in plain sight.

Related Topic: ACT Scores

5. The ACT Test needs good comprehension skills.

The ACT doesn’t test vocabulary and the passages vocabulary level is not high. The ACT, however, does reward the test-taker’s reading speed and comprehension skill. The faster students can read and understand a passage, the more time they will have to find the answers to the test questions that follow.

• • Timing: In the ACT Reading test, students need to answer 40 questions in a 35-minute time limit. The ACT Reading section moves at a fast pace. However, students can complete this section if they spend only about 30 seconds per question.
  • Distractors: ACT designed the wrong answer choices to trick students. One of the favorite tricks of ACT test is to place correct information from the passage into answer choices but use the information in a way that doesn’t really answer the question. Test-takers are recommended to read the passages very carefully to weed out these tricky answer options.
  • The ACT Reading contains four passages – the three passages are non-fiction and one is a prose fiction passage. So, 75% of the reading score of a student is from non-fiction passages. Test-takers would be uneasy with the non-fiction passages and they will be more comfortable handling the prose fiction passage. Thus, high school students should draw heavily on non-fiction passages during their English classes.

Despite these difficulties, students can definitely beat the ACT Reading test as it is one big open book test. All the students have to do is to carefully read and understand the passages.

Start reviewing with our helpful contents: Practice Tests 2 for ACT Math

The ACT Math test covers more higher-level math concepts, which include more matrices, conic, trigonometry and logarithms sections. The test also does not provide students with formulas and some test questions will require students to apply typical math formulas. You can also check out our ACT Math Practice Test here.

The ACT English section is a bit of a paradox. Though this section is undeniably the easiest test where students can make significant score gains, this test is also causing many test-takers a large amount of frustration the first time they encounter it.

Test-takers need to read 5 passages and they must decide whether the underlined portion is correct or not. Several students take the ACT English test but have no idea what the question is asking, which becomes very time-consuming. Nonetheless, the ACT English test only requires the basic rules of Standard English punctuation, writing, and grammar. Once students learn them from their ACT test prep, they can develop a plan of action for taking the ACT English test that leads to success.

More review materials: ACT English Practice Tests

You may be outstanding in your Chemistry class, extremely good at your Physics homework, and scored a 5 on the Advanced Placement Biology, but when you take the ACT Science test, you still find that this section in the ACT testing is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. This unfamiliarity with the distinctive format and content of the ACT Science test is precisely what trips up several students. The quick solution to this is to take ACT test prep and improve your scientific reasoning skills.

Related Topics:

• ACT Reading Tips
• ACT Practice Tests 1 for Math
• ACT Science Practice Tests 2
• Ace The ACT Writing Test Scores
• How To Get Good ACT Scores?
• ACT Test: Should You Aim For A High Score?
• ACT Test Dates
• How To Improve ACT Reading Test Score