How to Tackle the Beast (Preparing for the ACT)
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November 5, 2009
Filed under News
by May Yang
Students are told throughout their school years to work hard so they can get into a good college and succeed in life. The minute they begin their junior year they are hammered about taking the ACT test.
The ACT (American College Testing) measures one’s high school achievements and eligibility to attend a 4-year college. The ACT test is comprised of a multiple-choice section covering the core subjects of English, Math, Social Studies, and Science. There is also an optional Writing test.
An ACT test score is required for all 4-year college applications. The pressure to get a good score is immense. Since the test isn’t like any other test taken during the school day, some students feel lost. They may not know much about the ACT process. Students have to register themselves and take the test at the testing center. There is also a fee to take the test. This article will provide a summary of the test-taking process and tips for how to do your best.
STEP 1: Registration
Registration packets can be picked up in the Career Resource Center. Don’t be overwhelmed by the size, all the contents are meant to help you. Read the registration booklet and take the full-length practice test. When you are done filling out the registration folder choose a test date and test center, which can be found on the envelope. You should probably choose a date a few months ahead so you have time to study and prepare yourself.
When you are done completing all the information, mail the packet along with your payment. The price will vary for everyone. If you plan to take the optional writing test, the price will be about $47.00. If you do not want to take the writing test, your fee will be about $32.00. If you currently receive free or reduced priced lunch, you may apply for a fee waiver, which will decrease the price of the ACT. Fee waivers can be obtained from Sandy Smith in the career resource center. If you don’t want to fill out papers, registration can be done online at http://www.actstudent.org/regist/index.html. Many students prefer this option because it is faster. A confirmation letter will be sent to you with your test date.
STEP 2: Preparation
Since the ACT is such a long, extensive, test that covers more than one subject, you should start studying right away. Study a little bit every day rather than cramming it all into the night before your test date. Figure out what your strong areas are, then focus on your weak ones. Create a study plan and gradually learn what you need to know over time.
Bookstores sell a variety of ACT prep books that claim to help boost your score. They are also useful for studying because they provide real ACT exams and numerous tips. This books help you become familiarized with they type of questions that will be asked on the test. Some books are even accompanied with a CD-ROM.
Take advantage of the people around you! This normally is a wrong thing to do, but if you know anyone who has already taken the ACT, ask them for advice. How was their experience? What do they recommend? Gather up your friends and hold a ACT study party where you can help each other. Teachers are there to help also. If you’re really struggling in math, ask your math teacher if you can review with them after school. If you have any ACT questions at all, feel free to seek help from your counselor and the career resource center.
These are two student interviews, one who has already taken the ACT and one who plans to take it later this year.
Student who took the test last year had this to say:
Q: Did you prepare for the ACT? If so, what did you do?
A: Yes, I actually did. I used the ACT prep book that my brother gave me, it is a big big book.
Q: How does the book help you prepare for the test?
A: It gives you questions that can help you review for the test.
Q: Did you use a calculator for the math section?
A: Yes I did.
Q: Do you feel that the book helped?:
A: Yes it did, I helped me prepare mentally for questions I never heard of.
Q: What else did you do to prepare?
A; I also used the prep-book from the ACT registration packet.
Q: What was the hardest part of the test:
A: Science
Q: What would you tell other students who will taking the test for the first time?:
A: Study hard for the ACT and believe in yourself.
Student who is going to take the test this year:
Q: How do you plan to prepare for the ACT?:
A: I plan to study hard, and I mean really hard.
Q: What are you most worried about?
A: Passing and getting a good score.
Q: What score are you hoping to get on the ACT?:
A: 100%, realistically, a 25.
Q: Do you plan to use a calculator?
A: Yes.
STEP 3: Taking the Test:
Believe it or not, the most important thing to do the night before the test is not to super study, but to RELAX. Don’t stress yourself out. Let your body rest so it will be fully prepared to tackle the test. This means getting lots of sleep and ensuring that you eat a healthy breakfast the morning of the test. Make sure you wake up on time, set your alarm clock! We all have heard of students who slept in and missed their testing time, don’t be one of them! Dress comfortably, you will be sitting for a long time just writing and filling in ovals. There’s no need to look good! Pencils will be provided for your test-taking needs but be sure to bring a calculator! Hundreds of students each year decline to bring one. A calculator is very beneficial to the math section could be the difference between a good score and a bad one.
Once you arrive at the testing center, you must check in and will be divided into a group. You will then be taken into a room and given instructions. Listen carefully and pay attention! As always, fill in the ovals completely and make sure there are no smudges if you choose to erase. Many websites and books suggest answering the easy questions first then returning to the more difficult ones. If you still are having trouble with a question, don’t be afraid to guess. The ACT isn’t like the AP tests where you are penalized 1/4 point for guessing, a guess on the ACT doesn’t result in any consequences.
Most importantly, be confident in yourself! If you believe it, you can achieve it. And hey, even if you get an unsatisfactory grade, you can always re-register and take the ACT again.
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