What Is The ACT: Tips and Tricks for Achieving Your Best Score

What exactly is this test called? The American College Test, also known simply as the ACT, is a nationally standardised test that assesses a candidate’s aptitude and ability to think critically. Exam results are taken into consideration by schools of higher education in the United States when deciding which applicants to accept. In this article, we will go over the basics of the ACT, including what it is, how it is organized, and some helpful hints for getting the most significant possible score.

What Is The ACT?

The ACT is a nationally normed test used to evaluate students’ knowledge in English, reading, mathematics, and science. There is also a creative writing component, albeit it is not required. The total score, which is based on your sectional scores, might be anywhere from 1-36. The majority of schools will use the overall score when deciding admissions.

Compared to other standardised tests like the SAT, the ACT stands out due to its emphasis on school-based knowledge. The exam is a test of everything you learned in high school and how well you understand the common core standards. This means that your academic performance up to this point will have a significant impact on how well you do on the ACT.

How Is The ACT Structured?

The four areas of the ACT are English, Reading, Math, and Science. Each portion consists of multiple-choice questions. The total exam will take you just over three hours. The English portion assesses your capacity for spotting mistakes and enhancing grammar in passages. Your ability to decipher and evaluate text is evaluated in the Reading portion. The Math test evaluates your problem-solving and algebraic abilities. Your comprehension of the scientific process and your capacity for data analysis are assessed in the Science part. One essay prompt is included in the section’s optional writing portion.

what is an act test

Strategies For Getting Your Best Score

Now that we have discussed what the ACT is and how it is set up let’s talk about some strategies for getting the best possible score.

  • Practice Under Timed Conditions

One of the most effective strategies to prepare for the ACT is to take timed practice tests. This will help you become accustomed to the pace of the exam and learn how to efficiently manage your time.

There are numerous resources that provide timed practice examinations, including The Official ACT Prep Guide and Cracking the ACT by The Princeton Review. In addition, a number of websites, such as 4Tests and Khan Academy, provide free timed practice tests.

  • Know The Test Format

On the ACT, in addition to the questions with multiple-choice answers that we covered earlier, there is also an optional essay. It is essential to become familiar with the format of the test in order to have an idea of what to anticipate on the day of the test.

Taking a practice exam is the most effective method for accomplishing this goal. This will not only assist you in becoming accustomed to the structure, but it will also provide you with an idea of the subject matter that will be included in the examination.

  • Understand The Scoring System

On the ACT, your score will fall somewhere between 1 and 36. Your final result, or composite score, is the average of how well you performed on each of the four parts of the exam.

It is critical to have a solid understanding of how the scoring system operates in order to establish objectives for yourself that are attainable. If your objective is to achieve a total score of 120, for instance, you should work on achieving a score of at least 30 in each component of the exam.

  • Prepare For The Essay

If you choose to take the optional writing portion, you must prepare for the essay. You will be given the essay question at the start of the session, and you will have 40 minutes to plan, compose, and revise your essay.

The ACT essay is graded on a scale of 2 to 12, with 12 being the highest score. Your essay must be well-organized and properly written in order to receive a high grade. Furthermore, make certain that you address all parts of the prompt.

  • Get Plenty Of Sleep

It is critical to obtain plenty of rest the night before the exam. This will help you feel refreshed and alert on test day.
Additionally, avoid ingesting caffeine on the day of the exam. Caffeine can make you feel agitated and jittery, which is not ideal for taking a standardised test.

  • Eat A Healthy Breakfast

Additionally, it is essential to consume a nutritious breakfast on the day of the exam. This will help you feel focused and energised.
Oatmeal, eggs, toast, fruit, and yogurt are some excellent breakfast alternatives. You will crash later in the day if you consume sweet meals like pastries and candies.

  • Arrive Early

On the day of the test, make sure to get to the testing facility early. This will give you some breathing room and a chance to settle in before the exam starts.

If you are taking the ACT with Writing, you should also bring a couple of pencils that have been freshly sharpened and a watch so you can keep track of the passing time.

  • Relax

Try to remain cool and relaxed on test day. Remember that the ACT is merely a test and that your result does not define you as an individual.

If you have adequately prepared, you will perform at your best. Simply take a big breath and have faith in yourself. You can do it!

Contact Green Academics!

Get in touch with Green Academics if you’re in need of ACT prep assistance. Individualized ACT tutoring and online ACT courses are both available from our company. We will help you reach your full academic potential.

Please visit our website or get in touch with us right away for further details. We’re excited to work with you to further your education. If you need more help getting ready for the ACT, have a look at some of our previous postings.

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