7 Things to know before you take the ACT
The ACT is the most dreaded but most important test for high schoolers across the nation. This test lasts around 4 hours, and is a test including english, math, reading, and science portions. It requires lots of focus and quick thinking. It is essential to learn some quick tips before taking this excruciating test.
- Pick a letter of the day. When you don’t know what an answer is, it is better to stick with one consistent answer instead of randomly guessing or trying to make a pattern. It is also recommended to pick a different letter per section.
- Answer every question. You do not get penalized for answering any questions wrong, so it is in your best interest to answer every single question, even if it is a guess.
- Don’t spend too much time on one question. You have a lot of questions to answer in a short time, so don’t second guess yourself or try to figure it out if you genuinely aren’t sure.
- Take the test more than once. The more you familiarize yourself with the test, the easier it will get. Chances are, your composite scores and your super scores will improve if you take it multiple times.
- Answer easy questions first. Typically, the easier questions come first. Don’t waste your time trying to solve problems you don’t actually know, instead of confidently answering the easy ones.
- Don’t cram. Trying to relearn geometry at 9pm the night before the test is not going to help anything. Just study along the way, and don’t stress yourself out the night before.
- Get a good night of sleep and eat a good breakfast. Nothing is more important than getting a full night of sleep and fueling yourself properly to get your brain ready for a long day. Make sure you bring your number two pencils and calculator!