How to Prepare for the ACT
The ACT can be a pretty nerve racking test to take if you have never taken it before. Thankfully, it is nothing to fear with the proper preparation and time management. Below are a few ideas to consider when registering for the ACT and taking the time out of your day to make sure you are as ready and as confident as you can be in making a high score:
Registering for the ACT requires creating an account through the ACT website. The next thing to pop up will deal with choosing a specific location or testing center. When choosing the day in which you want to take the test, make sure that it is “atleast three months in advance”, according to blog.prepscholar.com.
Begin to become comfortable with the format of the ACT. Familiarize yourself with the times given for each section (English, Math, Science, and Reading). Doing this will make it easier when navigating the test and could potentially heighten the ACT score that you are given in the end. ACT prep books can be a big help in showing you what could be on the test, the tests format, and the test answers in the back of the book.
It is important to make note of the sections that you are not as strong in, in order to guarantee yourself a higher score. Because the test happens over a long period of time, you do not want to waste time on questions that could have been done in a smaller interval. Additionally, as seen in blog.prepscholar.com, you’ll “want to establish a baseline of your own skills. The most important component of this is identifying your weaknesses, so you can target them in your prep.”
Think of a specific score that you are aiming for and stick to it! Create a study schedule that balances and encourages time management. Practice this while doing practice tests for the ACT that are offered online and focus on deeply analyzing what was right about certain answers and what was wrong about others.
Although it can be hard to stay motivated with a test that depends heavily on your future, it is important that you prioritize these kinds of thoughts with positive thinking/ affirmations. Allow other people to hold you accountable when you fall on your own end. Make sure to get as much rest as possible. Make sure that you are eating a well balanced meal. Make sure that you have the proper number 2 pencils and the proper type of calculator to bring along with you.
Most importantly, do not hesitate to ask for help during this time. There are private tutors that are hired to work one on one with these types of things. Check to see if your school offers ACT Prep classes or ACT assistance. Try asking close friends if they would want to dedicate a day to studying for this with you so that you won’t feel alone.
Keep all of these reminders in your head and in no time, the ACT will be the test that you conquer.
