For high school students, the ACT is perhaps one of the most important tests. You can prepare for the ACT through practice materials. First, you need to make a study plan; make sure you follow your plan. For example, if you have planned to study ACT for two hours a day, then stick to your plan.
Consistency is important; while studying the ACT, give it proper time regularly. Test preparation is a crucial stage. In three months, you can prepare yourself sufficiently for the test. However, students aiming for a high score should ideally start preparing at least six months before the exam.
The following steps will help you prepare for the ACT.
Table of Contents
Thoroughly Read the ACT
If you have any ambiguities about any part of the ACT, focus on that part or seek help from your teacher or peers. Paying attention to all aspects of the ACT is an effective way of preparation. Make yourself comfortable, and do not have any stress.
Take a Practice Test
Give your best efforts to the Practice Test. Use the official Act practice test. In this way, you will have the most authentic sense of the ACT. You will develop an understanding of accurate results. You can access them for free. Read all the instructions carefully when you attempt a practice exam.
The practice test will familiarize you with the actual test pattern. In a few months, you will be taking the actual exam. So, it’s better to get an idea beforehand. The test instructions remain similar every year.
Rate your Practice Test
Evaluate every question that you answered wrongly. Analyze what was the mistake, which errors were avoidable. A careful analysis would enable you to rectify your mistakes. Do not hesitate to ask for help if you are facing any problem in any question.
Several practice tests are available with their solutions and explanations. The practice tests serve as a helping tool when you analyze your shortcomings. The tests give you a direction about spending your time for the coming few months.
Set a Reasonable Objective
Once you get an idea about the ACT, work on the areas that need improvement. If your scores are in the low 20s, it won’t be realistic to get the score in the 30s. However, if your score is in the mid-to-high 20s, then expectations for mid-30s are not unrealistic depending upon your effort and hard work.
You should consider the average ACT scores of the candidates who got admission in the school you are applying for. Target higher than these average scores to brighten your chances of success.
Decide Your Resources
Students require good resources to study for the Act. You can choose to use books, apps, and websites as study materials. You can utilize online prep programs. In this way, you will be working on your own with online guidance.
Students may become part of a group course. You will have a chance to share your thoughts with facilitators and peers. In groups, you can compare yourself with others and learn from their expertise. Through Mixing and matching, you will be able to get good results.
Individual tutoring is another way of preparation. You will have to keep in mind your financial resources for private tutoring because it could be expensive.
Practice
At some stage, you might think that you have adequately studied the Act, even then do not leave the practice. Study for at least half an hour to thirty minutes. Practice will certainly boost your confidence. Some students study once or twice a week; ideally, they need to spend 3-4 hours to study the ACT.
Practice More
Make adjustments according to the results of your practice test. If the results of your practice tests are not up to the mark, consider practicing more. If your preparation for the ACT is not going smooth, seek an expert’s help. Assessing progress is important for effective preparation. Do not overburden yourself, instead prepare by making a proper timetable.
Maintain good care of yourself
During the course of your study, maintain self-care. Physical, mental, and emotional wellness are important for preparation. Take regular breaks and entertain yourself. Do not be restless for studies. Make sure you take enough rest.
Before sleeping at night, gather all the material for the next day’s study and preparation. Plan ahead! You should know what you are going to study.
Reading is a fundamental task
Reading different genres and styles facilitate you a great deal. Give proper time to the English section and Reading. If you are preparing on your own and you are happy with your preparation, even then try to seek someone’s help. Through collaboration with others, you will be able to critically analyze yourself.
At times, you need encouragement from your peers. When you discuss your preparation with your peers, they may encourage you for your efforts. Similarly, they can draw your attention to your weakness and guide you on how to overcome them.
Avoid Overthinking
Some students take unnecessary pressure of tests and that is why they struggle to study the ACT with a fresh mind. Do not think too much about the test and do not pressurize yourself. Study with a relaxed mind.
The presence of the mind is important while you study. If you avoid overthinking, you can effectively pay attention to the Act. Do not rush things. First thoroughly understand one topic before moving on to the next one.
Final Word
Studying the ACT is not an overwhelming task. With proper planning and timetable, you can comprehensively study the ACT. Taking practice tests will help you identify the areas you need improvement. Do not leave the practice. Practice more if your score is low in practice tests. A score in the low 20s means you need more practice. With this range of score, you would not expect a result in the 30s. Remember, self-care is important; take good rest and do not overburden yourself. In case of any problem, do not hesitate to seek teachers’ and peers’ help.
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How to Study for the ACT. Guidelines.
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How to Study for the ACT. The article guides students on the ways to prepare for the ACT. It discusses the important steps.
