marco-learning-guide-to-the-act.pdf |
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE ACT
ABOUT THE ACT TEST
The ACT, like the SAT, is a standardized test used by college admissions officers to compare applicants from different high schools. Here's a brief overview of the exam.
ACT Quick Facts
Frequency 6 times/year Duration 3 hours, 3 hours 40 minutes including essay
Sections English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing Cost $34 - $49.50
Max. Score 36 Avg. Score 21
What is the ACT? Why is it important?
Created by ACT Inc., the ACT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. The idea (in theory, at least) is to provide colleges with one common criterion that can be used to compare all applicants. The weight placed on ACT scores varies from school to school. Other important factors that schools consider in their admissions decisions are your high school GPA, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, interviews and personal essays. For more specific information on the importance of ACT scores at the schools you're interested in, contact the admissions offices directly.
The ACT is offered nationally every year in September, October, December, February*, April and June. Beginning in 2018, the test will also be offered in July*.
What specifically does the ACT test?
The ACT has four sections: English, Reading, Math and Science, as well as an optional 40-minute writing test. Some schools may require the writing test, so be sure to ask before you take it. Learn more about what's on the ACT.
Should I take the ACT or the SAT?
Most colleges accept scores from either the SAT or ACT and do not require scores from both tests. That said, college-bound students are increasingly taking both the SAT and ACT. Changes made to the SAT in 2016 have made it easier than ever to prep for both tests concurrently—and earn competitive scores on both! The best way to decide if taking the SAT, ACT, or both tests is right for you is to take a timed full-length practice test of each type. Since the content and style of the SAT and ACT are very similar, factors like how you handle time pressure and what types of questions you find most challenging can help you determine which test is a better fit. Try our QUIZ: SAT, ACT, or Both?
How is the ACT scored?
You'll earn one ACT score (1 to 36) on each test (English, Math, Reading and Science) and a composite ACT score, which is an average of these four tests. Usually, when people ask about your score, they're referring to your composite ACT score. The composite score falls between 1 and 36. The national average is about 21. If, for example, you scored 31 on the English, 30 on the Math, 29 on the Reading and 30 on the Science, your composite ACT score would be 30.
You'll receive subscores in English, Math and Reading that range between 1 and 18. These scores provide you with more detail about your performance, but they are not actually used by colleges or universities. Learn more about ACT scores.
The ACT includes an optional essay, known as the writing test. If you take the writing test, you will receive a writing test subscore and a combined English/writing score. Visit www.ACT.org for detailed information about how your ACT writing test will be scored.
How do I know if my score is good enough to get me into my dream school?
Good question. Check out the ACT score ranges for the schools on your wishlist, and see how your scores compare. You can use our college search to find the online profiles of schools you want to research. Find your dream school's profile and click over to the "Admissions" tab.
When should I take the ACT?
Students have traditionally taken the ACT in the spring of their junior year and, if necessary, again in the fall of their senior year. However, more and more students are choosing to take their first ACT earlier, such as during the fall of their junior year. This gives them more flexibility to retake the ACT test one or more times, or to take the SAT or SAT Subject Tests.
How do I register?
Registration deadlines fall approximately five weeks before each ACT test date. You can get registration materials from your school counselor, or call ACT, Inc. at 319–337–1270 and they'll send you a registration packet. You can also register online on the ACT website.
ACT Quick Facts
Frequency 6 times/year Duration 3 hours, 3 hours 40 minutes including essay
Sections English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing Cost $34 - $49.50
Max. Score 36 Avg. Score 21
What is the ACT? Why is it important?
Created by ACT Inc., the ACT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. The idea (in theory, at least) is to provide colleges with one common criterion that can be used to compare all applicants. The weight placed on ACT scores varies from school to school. Other important factors that schools consider in their admissions decisions are your high school GPA, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, interviews and personal essays. For more specific information on the importance of ACT scores at the schools you're interested in, contact the admissions offices directly.
The ACT is offered nationally every year in September, October, December, February*, April and June. Beginning in 2018, the test will also be offered in July*.
What specifically does the ACT test?
The ACT has four sections: English, Reading, Math and Science, as well as an optional 40-minute writing test. Some schools may require the writing test, so be sure to ask before you take it. Learn more about what's on the ACT.
Should I take the ACT or the SAT?
Most colleges accept scores from either the SAT or ACT and do not require scores from both tests. That said, college-bound students are increasingly taking both the SAT and ACT. Changes made to the SAT in 2016 have made it easier than ever to prep for both tests concurrently—and earn competitive scores on both! The best way to decide if taking the SAT, ACT, or both tests is right for you is to take a timed full-length practice test of each type. Since the content and style of the SAT and ACT are very similar, factors like how you handle time pressure and what types of questions you find most challenging can help you determine which test is a better fit. Try our QUIZ: SAT, ACT, or Both?
How is the ACT scored?
You'll earn one ACT score (1 to 36) on each test (English, Math, Reading and Science) and a composite ACT score, which is an average of these four tests. Usually, when people ask about your score, they're referring to your composite ACT score. The composite score falls between 1 and 36. The national average is about 21. If, for example, you scored 31 on the English, 30 on the Math, 29 on the Reading and 30 on the Science, your composite ACT score would be 30.
You'll receive subscores in English, Math and Reading that range between 1 and 18. These scores provide you with more detail about your performance, but they are not actually used by colleges or universities. Learn more about ACT scores.
The ACT includes an optional essay, known as the writing test. If you take the writing test, you will receive a writing test subscore and a combined English/writing score. Visit www.ACT.org for detailed information about how your ACT writing test will be scored.
How do I know if my score is good enough to get me into my dream school?
Good question. Check out the ACT score ranges for the schools on your wishlist, and see how your scores compare. You can use our college search to find the online profiles of schools you want to research. Find your dream school's profile and click over to the "Admissions" tab.
When should I take the ACT?
Students have traditionally taken the ACT in the spring of their junior year and, if necessary, again in the fall of their senior year. However, more and more students are choosing to take their first ACT earlier, such as during the fall of their junior year. This gives them more flexibility to retake the ACT test one or more times, or to take the SAT or SAT Subject Tests.
How do I register?
Registration deadlines fall approximately five weeks before each ACT test date. You can get registration materials from your school counselor, or call ACT, Inc. at 319–337–1270 and they'll send you a registration packet. You can also register online on the ACT website.
ACT TEST DATES
test-date-schedule-national-2017-2018.pdf |
act-onlineregflyer.pdf |
FEE WAIVER
PREPARING YOURSELF FOR SUCCESS ON THE TEST - KHAN ACADEMY
Getting into the college of your dreams can be stressful, and for many students, the most daunting part of the process is taking the SAT or ACT. These half-day exams, typically first taken in junior year of high school, often feel like they take an outsized role in the admissions process.
The good news is that you’ve already begun your preparation! In large part, the SAT and ACT are meant to be tests of what you have learned in high school. The very best way to prepare for these tests, then, is to take challenging classes and work hard to understand the content. So ask those questions in geometry, revise that paper for English one more time, and sign up for that AP History class even if it sounds like a lot of work. Taking your studies seriously, more than any test prep tricks and gimmicks, will ensure that you are primed for success on both the SAT and ACT.
Let’s be upfront though - you can study for the SAT and ACT, and you can improve your score. There are several important steps in the preparation process:
1. Take the PSAT/Aspire
One important practice opportunity for the SAT is the PSAT, offered through most school districts each October. It contains content that is slightly less complex than the real SAT; however, it allows you to become familiar with the format and types of questions that are ultimately asked on the real SAT. You can take the PSAT once per year in high school, and scoring in the top 1% of your state in your junior year could also allow you to qualify for prestigious National Merit Scholarships.
On a similar note, the ACT offers the Aspire, a chance to practice with ACT-like content in real test conditions.
2. Use released practice tests to study
At the start of your junior year, it’s time to focus on the real ACT and/or SAT by taking an official practice test. Both the SAT and ACT websites offer a free official practice test. For additional practice, you can access released versions of previous tests inexpensively by purchasing prep books released by the makers of SAT and ACT. Khan Academy offers free Official SAT Practice where you can link your PSAT scores and receive personalized practice recommendations.
Make sure you treat this practice test seriously—time yourself and take it in a quiet place. This will allow you to see what you would actually score if you took the test, and it will give a benchmark for measuring your progress as you continue your test preparation.
3. Score your test, identify weaknesses, and make a plan
Go back through your results and identify what type of questions you consistently missed. Was it algebra? Grammar? Sentence structure? Did you miss mostly easy questions because you weren’t paying attention, or were there specific content areas where you struggled? Once you notice patterns of mistakes on a particular type of question or in a particular section of the test, make a plan for what you want to cover. Purchase a book with practice questions and explanations on these topics, or use one of several resources available for free online such as Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy. Regardless of which resource you use to study, the most important thing is to be targeted, focusing your energy on specific areas of weakness.
4. Track your progress
Start by focusing on improvement within a single section of the test. When you feel you’ve made substantial progress on preparing for that section (math, for instance), get out a new practice test but only take the math section. Take this practice section of the exam alone and under true test conditions.
Compare the score you achieved on the section to your initial results. How did it go? Are you happy with your results? If so, congratulations - you are ready to move on with your preparation for another section of the test!
When you have put in the necessary time across all sections and are feeling confident, take a new practice test (one you’ve never seen before!) and measure your progress against your initial benchmark. If you’ve made improvement, then give yourself a pat on the back, because you are well on your way to preparing for success on the SAT and ACT!
The good news is that you’ve already begun your preparation! In large part, the SAT and ACT are meant to be tests of what you have learned in high school. The very best way to prepare for these tests, then, is to take challenging classes and work hard to understand the content. So ask those questions in geometry, revise that paper for English one more time, and sign up for that AP History class even if it sounds like a lot of work. Taking your studies seriously, more than any test prep tricks and gimmicks, will ensure that you are primed for success on both the SAT and ACT.
Let’s be upfront though - you can study for the SAT and ACT, and you can improve your score. There are several important steps in the preparation process:
1. Take the PSAT/Aspire
One important practice opportunity for the SAT is the PSAT, offered through most school districts each October. It contains content that is slightly less complex than the real SAT; however, it allows you to become familiar with the format and types of questions that are ultimately asked on the real SAT. You can take the PSAT once per year in high school, and scoring in the top 1% of your state in your junior year could also allow you to qualify for prestigious National Merit Scholarships.
On a similar note, the ACT offers the Aspire, a chance to practice with ACT-like content in real test conditions.
2. Use released practice tests to study
At the start of your junior year, it’s time to focus on the real ACT and/or SAT by taking an official practice test. Both the SAT and ACT websites offer a free official practice test. For additional practice, you can access released versions of previous tests inexpensively by purchasing prep books released by the makers of SAT and ACT. Khan Academy offers free Official SAT Practice where you can link your PSAT scores and receive personalized practice recommendations.
Make sure you treat this practice test seriously—time yourself and take it in a quiet place. This will allow you to see what you would actually score if you took the test, and it will give a benchmark for measuring your progress as you continue your test preparation.
3. Score your test, identify weaknesses, and make a plan
Go back through your results and identify what type of questions you consistently missed. Was it algebra? Grammar? Sentence structure? Did you miss mostly easy questions because you weren’t paying attention, or were there specific content areas where you struggled? Once you notice patterns of mistakes on a particular type of question or in a particular section of the test, make a plan for what you want to cover. Purchase a book with practice questions and explanations on these topics, or use one of several resources available for free online such as Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy. Regardless of which resource you use to study, the most important thing is to be targeted, focusing your energy on specific areas of weakness.
4. Track your progress
Start by focusing on improvement within a single section of the test. When you feel you’ve made substantial progress on preparing for that section (math, for instance), get out a new practice test but only take the math section. Take this practice section of the exam alone and under true test conditions.
Compare the score you achieved on the section to your initial results. How did it go? Are you happy with your results? If so, congratulations - you are ready to move on with your preparation for another section of the test!
When you have put in the necessary time across all sections and are feeling confident, take a new practice test (one you’ve never seen before!) and measure your progress against your initial benchmark. If you’ve made improvement, then give yourself a pat on the back, because you are well on your way to preparing for success on the SAT and ACT!
OVERVIEW OF THE ACT
DECIDING WHETHER TO RE-TAKE THE EXAM
PREPARING FOR THE ACT
WHY TAKE THE ACT
theact-whytake-student.pdf |
ACT COLLEGE PLANNING GUIDE
PREPARING FOR THE ACT
preparing-for-the-act.pdf |