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Above-average SAT and ACT exam scores are prerequisites for many American colleges and universities. If you're a student and want to move on to a higher education institute, this applies to you!
The majority of undergrad and grad programs consider test scores alongside high school transcripts when deciding on admissions.
This is why students need to practice to perfection to raise chances of having a shot at the university of their choice.
Besides admission purposes, good ACT exam scores also build a strong case for scholarships and other forms of financial aid.
Plus it helps you in getting the courses you desire. For instance, a good score in the Math section of the ACT exam will count as a prerequisite for you to pick Advanced mathematics, actuarial science, etc.
The test comprises four sections: Science, English, Mathematics, and Reading. Today, we will explore how to get ready to attempt the ACT math test.
A good score on the ACT math test requires you to study wholeheartedly. And the best way to prepare is by attempting as many ACT math practice test samples as possible.
To help you, we will highlight all there is to know about preparing for the ACT math section. Read on as we discuss what the ACT math study guide covers and how to prepare to take the test:
ACT Math Test In A Nutshell
One may think that the focus is more on the ACT math test section and not on English, Science, Writing, and Reading.
This is because, in non-arithmetic sections, you are only tested on the basics you have acquired during schooling.
The focus is on critical reasoning, grammar usage, chart analysis, recognition of patterns, among others. And these are areas that you cant actively prepare for.
On the other hand, the math section requires you to use formulas and show your ability to employ complex techniques and approaches.
The ACT Math study guide will explain how the test is divided into different sections, each with a specific weightage:
- Pre-Algebra — 20 percent to 25 percent
- Elementary Algebra — 15 percent to 20 percent
- Intermediate Algebra — 15 percent to 20 percent
- Coordinate Geometry — 15 percent to 20 percent
- Plane Geometry — 20 percent to 25 percent
- Trigonometry — 5 percent to 10 percent
Each candidate will have 60 minutes to attempt 60 MCQS, meaning no more than a minute should be dedicated to each question.
Moreover, the difficulty level increases as you progress — the first 40 questions are not as tricky as the last 20, which require advanced critical thinking and reasoning.
Considering the bare minimum allocated time and the difficulty level, you have to practice your timing as much as your grasp on complex techniques.
Ensure that you are well-versed with the ACT math study guide and attempt as many ACT math practice tests as possible.
Like how other parts of the ACT exam are graded, you get a point for scoring right, but no points are taken off your overall score to give the wrong answer. So make sure nothing is left blank, and choose a potential solution per deductive reasoning.
Your overall score is then scaled down, and the total is awarded out of 36 marks!
Right Time To Begin ACT Test Prep
Before you start to prepare for the ACT exam, test yourself. See if you can still retain what was learned till grade 12. Remembering important topics will make you feel confident in your abilities.
The American College Testing website allows free access to ACT practice test pieces; attempt a few and see how good you are.
Remember to pay particular focus towards the ACT math practice test section and see if you still recall all the formulas and theorems.
Based on the result, you can know how much progress is required. Accordingly, you can set milestones.
Plus, a self-test will help you pinpoint your weaknesses, allowing you to strategize your lesson plan.
Ideally, you should prepare for at least three to six months, depending on your abilities. So check all upcoming ACT test dates, and register for a date that will give you enough time to prepare.
And if, for some reason, you find yourself short on time, consider hiring a private tutor!
Develop Speed
Even if you have been a model student throughout school, the ACT may still pose a challenge, especially in the Math section.
Due to the time constraint – with only a minute or less to spare per question – you will only have an hour to attempt 60 MCQs.
And the questions aren't exactly 2+2; you need to critically analyze the query to narrow it down to a response.
Remember, the mathematics section is not only to do with computations and calculations; instead, it's more focused on critical reasoning.
Although you will be given the tools to answer each question, it's advised to move on to the next question if one is taking too long. You can always come back to it after answering the ones you're sure about.
This is why you should time yourself when going through the ACT math study guide and attempting the ACT math practice test.
Pro Tip: Quickly go through the first 40 questions, so you have enough time to attempt the last 20, which require attention to detail.
Note Down Your Weaknesses
Some people may be good with algebraic equations, whereas others may do well in Geometry. However, you need to be at your best in all sections.
Therefore, when attempting the ACT practice test, mark down the problems that you could not resolve at all or in time.
Attempt a few tests, focus on the recurring flaws, and then start working towards improving them.
Next, dedicate a considerable amount of time towards attempting these questions until they come as second nature to you.
Remember, just checking the answer and reading out the steps won't cut it — instead, dig deeper, find your weaknesses, and address them.
Despite all the effort, if the problem persists, it may be time to call in an expert or learn from other resources.
Ideally, you should hire an ACT instructor or professional. And there is no better platform to find one than Superprof — America's favorite, for connecting like-minded students and teachers.
Formulate A strategy
Luckily, the ACT math test allows candidates to use a calculator. But, to be honest, most questions don't need one – as we stated before – you must sharpen your critical reasoning abilities to answer in time.
So, don't jump the gun and begin using your calculator, as that may take up a lot of time, something you can't afford.
Instead, devise shortcuts to reach the correct answer, something you will learn as you decipher the pattern through the ACT math practice test.
Plus, prep classes and tutors may also teach you some neat tricks to reach answers relatively quickly.
For instance, you can attempt to reverse engineer a question; traceback from the provided answers by putting each into an equation.
The answer that fits best is what you will select from the given choices.
Begin Preparing For The ACT Practice Test
ACT and SAT scores will define your future; therefore, A lot of hard work, effort, dedication, and time needs to be put in.
Even though you can take the ACT exam 12 times, you should never go unprepared since most colleges across the US will judge your result according to the number of times you have attempted the ACT.
Sure, some may be impressed by your progress if your scores improve; others may feel that you lacked preparation.
This is why you should go through all available ACT test dates and pick one that gives you at least three to six months to practice.
Apart from the ACT math study guide and the ACT practice test available online, it would help if you also relied on other resources.
These include past students' recommendations, online tutorials, YouTube videos, preparation classes, and one-to-one tuitions.
Superprof can help you find the best ACT prep teachers near you, who can design the coursework according to your strong suits and weaknesses.
This tailored approach is undoubtedly going to lead to some fruitful rewards!
Simply visit our website, enter the subject, i.e., "ACT prep," and right next to it, enter your location.
Within seconds all teachers in proximity will be displayed along with reviews, ratings, and costs per hour.
Pick someone you can relate to, and begin improving-upon the many skills you have learned to date.
The platform that connects tutors and students
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