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ACT Test Prep

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Why is it important to prep for the ACT?

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Tip

  • This is not a test in which you are familiar.
  • The timed component is difficult for most students

If you would like, check out the ACT Prep Loom Video… which covers the information from these slides. Keep in mind that the dates are INCORRECT in the video.

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Familiarity will help your score: Prepping before your first test will put you at ease.

  • Timed �Become accustomed with the amount of time you have.
  • Content�Identify content areas on which you need to focus..

1. Why?

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How do I prep for the ACT?

Tip

  • Practice! Practice! Practice!
  • This test is a lot about knowing how to take the test.

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Use multiple resources:

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  • ACT Prep Resources

Resources.

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2. How?

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  • Keep in mind that math gets harder as you go.

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  • “No change” is an answer about 20% of the time in English.

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  • Don’t discount simple answers. They are often the correct choice in the English section.

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  • Reading and Science are a lot about how well you read.

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A few more tips...

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Reading Strategies:

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  • Identify the types of essays you are reading.

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  • Rank the essays based on difficulty for yourself.

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  • Start with the easiest essay.

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  • Read the 1st and last sentence of each paragraph.

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  • Read the questions.

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A few more tips...

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Why invest the time and money?

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Your efforts can result in big rewards!

  • Some colleges use ACT/SAT scores for scholarships.
  • Can help your acceptance chances if your GPA is lower than you had hoped.

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Higher scores can translate into scholarship dollars: In some cases 1 or 2 points can mean thousands more/year in scholarships.

  • Admissions (Most commonly NOT Required…Test Optional)�However, ACT scores are still considered by many schools when submitted. Schools which do not consider scores are called “TEST BLIND” (ie. CA System Schools)
  • Scholarships�ACT scores can be a factor in scholarship decisions.
  • Course Placement�If you don’t submit an ACT score, your college may require you to take placement tests.

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3. Why?

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NDSU

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UW Eau Claire

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Gustavus Adolphus

CSB/SJU

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How many times should I take the test if I hope to submit a score?

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Tip

  • Plan to take the test 2-3 times officially by September.
  • Take a couple of practice tests too!

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Forest Lake Area High School is likely a test site for these dates.

  • March 12
  • April 13
  • June 8
  • July 13

You want to be done testing by Sept. of your senior year.�

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4. Upcoming Test Dates

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  • This class currently has a waitlist

  • March 21, 28, and April 1

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  • Register through Community Education

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  • There is a PrepStar Premium class offered in August.�

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5. Upcoming PrepStar Blast Dates

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Check out a score chart to understand how number correct affects your

Score by section.

https://youtu.be/pWNLJg8AGy4

Tip

Understand when not to stress about the number of questions you don’t know.

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ACT Score Breakdown

MN defines �“college ready” �as a 22 or above composite score

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Many MN State 4 Year Universities (Mankato, Winona, etc.) have an automatic acceptance policy with a 22 on the ACT.

  • If you don’t earn a 22, many schools also have automatic acceptance GPAs (3.0 for schools like Mankato, 2.7 for schools like Bemidji)
  • If your GPA or ACT does not meet automatic acceptance criteria, there is a lot you can still do to help your application.

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6. Earning a 22

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ACT College Readiness Benchmarks

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ACT Measures...source: act.org

English

  • Your ability to read short texts/essays and make appropriate edit and revision decisions.

You should consider tone and text style.

Math

  • Your math skills through Algebra II
  • Your knowledge of basic formulas.
  • Computational skills with use of a calculator.

You should review formulas. Consider that math questions become increasingly difficult.

Reading

  • Your ability to read closely and reason using evidence provided.
  • Identify main ideas, interpret details, make comparisons, understand cause-effect, utilize multiple texts.

How much you read has a significant impact on this section.

Science

  • Your ability to recognize concepts related to chemistry, biology, earth/space, and physics.
  • Your ability to understand relationships between evidence and conclusions, generalize, and make predictions.

Reading skills are critical to this section.

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ACT Score Report

Select & identify colleges to send your score report at time of testing or be willing to potentially pay for a score report to a college later.

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What else you need to know.

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Tip

If you are taking the March 12, be prepared.

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Be sure that your phone (or anything else that makes noise) is powered down and in your backpack.

  • Bring 2 sharpened #2 pencils (no mechanical).
  • Bring a calculator.
  • Arrive by 7:40 am to the lower level science wing for check in.
  • If your phone makes a sound, you will be escorted out of the test and your test made void.

* You will be released to go home after the test.

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Important Info.

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Questions?

  • Shouldn’t my coursework be enough preparation?
  • What if I’m a poor test taker?
  • What about the SAT? This might be YOUR test.
  • Your questions?

Feel free to ask your Ranger Connect Teacher, Dean, or Mrs. Bonnett if you have an unanswered question.

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Keep in Mind

  • Spring is a great time to visit colleges.
  • Many colleges have Saturday visit options in March and April
  • Schedule your visits now!

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Remember that it is best to be on campus when the college students are in attendance.

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