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Tips & Strategies
Pace Yourself
Just like the SAT, there is a time limit for the ACT. It
is especially important to pace yourself in the English,
Reading, and Science tests since these sections contain a
considerable amount of text. Also remember to never spend a
good deal of time trying to figure out a single problem (or
passage); move on to the next questions and go back if time
permits. The test proctor will notify all students when five
minutes are remaining for each section of the test.
Answer easy questions first
Always answer the easy questions first. Mark skipped
questions in your test booklet, and return to them at the
end if time permits. You do not lose points for skipping a
question. You will only lose.
Read the Directions Carefully for Each Test
Although it may seem time consuming, it is absolutely
essential to read the directions carefully for each
individual section. The English, Reading, and Science tests
all ask for the “best” answer, while the Mathematics Test
asks for the “correct” answer. For all sections excluding
Math, never choose the first answer you identify as correct.
Consider all of your options, then choose the answer which
best responds to the question. It’s also a smart idea to
become familiar with all the directions on the test so you
can save time and dive right into the questions.
Use logic in more difficult questions
When going back to attempt the more difficult questions,
always try and use logic to eliminate at least one answer
you know is incorrect. Compare answer choices, and finally
make an educated guess from the remaining answers. As a
general rule, if you can eliminate one choice, then it’s
worth it to make an educated guess.
Answer every question
Unlike the SAT, your score for the ACT will be based purely
on how many questions you answer correct. There is no
penalty for answering questions wrong, therefore it is a
must to answer every question on the test, even if you have
to guess. The supervisor will announce when there are five
minutes remaining on each test.
Review your work
If you have spare time at the end of each test section, go
back and check your work on that test. You will not be able
to go back to a previous test section or change any answers
from those sections after time runs out for that test.
What to bring on test day
Make sure you bring both your admission ticket and ID with
you on test day. The start time will be printed on your
admission ticket, normally 8:00 A.M. Only pencils, erasers,
your admission ticket, and a calculator (for the Math test
only) will be allowed on your desk. It’s also a good idea to
bring a watch – it’s not guaranteed that a working clock
will be available in the room.
Follow directions
Listen carefully to all directions read by the supervisor,
and don’t be shy if something is ever unclear. Failure to
follow directions as the supervisor says can result in your
answer document not matching up to your registration record,
and the reporting scores can take up to three to five weeks
longer than usual for grading.
Never..
If you are caught taking part in any of the following
actions below, you will have to return all the testing
materials and leave the test center:
- continuing to write an essay after the allotted time
has expired
- looking at another examinee’s test booklet or answer
sheet
- giving or receiving assistance
- looking back at a test in which time has been called
- glancing ahead in the test booklet
- using highlighters, colored pencils, notes,
dictionaries, or any other aids
- using an unauthorized calculator
- using any device used to share or exchange
information at any time during the test or break
- using the calculator on any other section than the
Mathematics portion
- attempting to remove any testing material from the
room
- not following instructions
- demonstrating confrontational, threatening, or
unruly behavior
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creating a disturbance
(including allowing a cell phone or pager to sound off)
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