ACT Study Tips & Tricks

Resources and materials that can be helpful in preparing for the ACT

ACT Timeline

Study Tricks: Before Test Day

• Set aside time for practice tests that are timed- this can be difficult with an already busy schedule- but it will make a difference on the test day.
• Struggling to create an effective studying schedule? Here are some premade study schedules that you can use! https://magoosh.com/hs/act-study-schedules/

• Find a quiet environment to take the practice tests
• If you have access to the public library, take advantage of it. It is usually quiet with very few distractions.
• Eat hearty foods before taking the practice then hunger will not distract you!

More tips like these on specific sections can be found at: https://magoosh.com/hs/act/2017/act-tips-and-tricks/#before

Tips for Each Section: English

• REVIEW:
• Basic Grammar
• How punctuation functions
• Basic sentence structures
• Parts of speech

You will be asked to apply these basic rules to passages in context

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Great FREE resource for English test subject at: http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation/english-practice-test-questions.html?page=0&chapter=0

IF you are having troubles answering questions...

• Choose the most concise answer (the most informative answer relating to the passage in question).
• Read the paragraph first
• Be careful with “no change” answers (only right 25-30% of the time that it’s an option)

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More info at: https://blog.prepscholar.com/15-act-tips-and-tricks-to-improve-your-act-score

Tips for Each Section: Math

Get to know your formulas!

• The ACT does not provide a list of common formulas that will be used throughout the exam, so memorizing them is essential.
• Know the most crucial formulas and how to apply them
• Here is a link to the Math Formulas on the ACT: https://magoosh.com/hs/act/2015/math-formulas-on-the-act/

Great FREE resource for Math test subject at: http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation/math-practice-test-questions.html?page=0&chapter=0

• Pay attention to diagrams. They will give you clues about which answer choices are most logical.
• Plug in answers and numbers!
• More info on this strategy at: https://blog.prepscholar.com/plugging-in-answers-a-critical-sat-math-act-math-strategy AND AT https://blog.prepscholar.com/plugging-in-numbers-sat-act-math-strategy

Tips for Each Section: Reading

Read at various times throughout the day- newspapers, academic journals, and challenging books

• Get comfortable with tricky reading material!
• Ask questions, look for answers, and make observations about the passage

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You will be asked questions about the passage that requires more than a surface-level of understanding

Great FREE resource for Reading test subject at: http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation/reading-practice-test-questions.html?page=0&chapter=0

IF you are having troubles reading the material in the given time span….

• Skim passages for efficiency
• Read the introduction and conclusion paragraphs as well as the first and last sentences of every body paragraph.

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More info at: https://blog.prepscholar.com/15-act-tips-and-tricks-to-improve-your-act-score

Tips for Each Section: Science

Analyze scientific writing to prepare

• DO NOT try to memorize scientific facts and data
• Be more concerned with knowing how to interpret facts and data that is given to you
• Read reputable publications; make sure to review the charts and graphs within these articles

Great FREE resource for Science test subject at: http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation/science-practice-test-questions.html?page=0&chapter=0

• Do the conflicting viewpoints section last IF needed
• More tips for this section at: https://blog.prepscholar.com/conflicting-viewpoints-in-act-science-strategies-and-tips
• Rely on visuals!! They should provide enough information for you to answer the majority of the questions you’re faced with.

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More info at:

https://blog.prepscholar.com/15-act-tips-and-tricks-to-improve-your-act-score

Tips for Each Section: Writing

• If you have time, the best approach would be to outline sample essays, which can be found online.
• The idea of the writing portion is about argument, so it’s important to display your ability to articulate your viewpoint in a constructive and clear way.
• Think of writing your essay in 3 stages:
• Planning (8-10 minutes)
• Writing (25-28 minutes)
• Revising (2-4 minutes)

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Great FREE resource for Writing test subject at: http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation/writing-sample-essays.html?page=0&chapter=0

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• Do some essay planning before to save some time and stress.
• Choose concrete examples such as the ones found at: https://blog.prepscholar.com/act-writing-tips-15-strategies-to-raise-your-essay-score
• Write a great intro and conclusion.
• demonstrate basic knowledge of how to logically structure an essay and stay on topic

Last Minute Study Tips:

• But IF YOU HAVE TO:
• put serious, committed effort into cramming for the ACT. go all out on the test, and with limited time, you need to work especially hard to make the most of your studying.
• take care of yourself, too. A day or two before the test, slow down the pace. Don't stop preparation altogether, but focus on recuperating from the past several days of pushing so hard.
• here is a resource for how to cram for the big exam: https://blog.prepscholar.com/cramming-for-the-act IF ALL ELSE FAILS:

Work Hard & Rest Well

(plus you can take the ACT more than once!)

Tips for Test Day

• Treat it like a normal day. Do not stray away from your usual routine
• Have a substantial breakfast and a good night's sleep beforehand.
• Get to your test site early!
• Work questions out of order
• Forget the right answer - find the wrong ones
• Know the best way to bubble in so you don’t make any mistakes
• Tailor your strategy to different sections of the test
• More info at: https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/4-act-tips

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• Don’t forget to bring your:
• Ticket (for Saturday testing only)
• Photo ID
• #2 Pencil (MULTIPLE) and an extra eraser
• A permitted calculator. Don’t know the ACT policy? Click this link for more info: http://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/ACT-calculator-policy.pdf
• Snacks for break time!
• Wrist watch (not a smart watch) to time yourself
• Have these all ready THE NIGHT BEFORE so you don’t forget anything!!!

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MOST IMPORTANTLY: RELAX AND HAVE CONFIDENCE!

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ACT: More Great FREE Resources

• Use the ACT Prep Guide books at the Career Services Center here at Duluth East!
• ACT Flashcard App: https://magoosh.com/hs/act/act-announcements/2016/free-act-flashcard-app-from-magoosh/
• ACT Practice Tests: https://magoosh.com/hs/act-practice-test/
• ACT Study Guide: http://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/Preparing-for-the-ACT.pdf
• ACT Essay Prompts: https://blog.prepscholar.com/act-writing-prompts-the-complete-guide