7 ACT Strategies to Raise Your Score & Admission Chances

student taking act

The ACT is a standardized test used by colleges and universities to assess a student’s readiness for college. The ACT has four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Each section is scored on a scale of 1-36, and a student’s composite score is the average of the four sections.

While a student’s GPA is still the most important factor in the college admissions process, the ACT has become increasingly important in recent years. In fact, many colleges and universities now use the ACT as a replacement for the SAT.

So how can you make sure you succeed on the ACT? Here are seven ACT strategies that will help you boost your score and improve your chances of getting into the college of your dreams.

1. Know What to Expect

The first step to success on the ACT is understanding what the test is all about. The ACT is divided into four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Each section is scored on a scale of 1-36, and your composite score is the average of the four sections.

2. Get Familiar with the Format

The ACT is a multiple-choice test, which means you will be given a question followed by several possible answers. It is important to note that there is no penalty for guessing, so you should always select an answer, even if you are unsure.

3. Know How to Pace Yourself

You will have a limited amount of time to answer each question, and you won’t be able to go back and change your answers once you have moved on. This means that you need to be able to work at a steady pace if you want to finish the test on time.

One way to ensure you are pacing yourself correctly is to take practice tests under timed conditions. This will help you get a feel for how long you have to spend on each question and will allow you to develop a strategy for working through the test quickly and efficiently.

4. Take Practice Tests

Taking practice tests is one of the best ways to prepare for the ACT. Not only will it help you get familiar with the format of the test, but it will also allow you to see what areas you need to focus on.

There are a number of free practice tests available online, or you can purchase a prep book that includes practice tests. Whichever way you choose to do it, ensure you are taking the tests under timed conditions to get a realistic idea of how you will do on test day.

5. Focus on Your Weaknesses

Once you have taken a few practice tests, you should have a pretty good idea of which areas you need to focus on. Make sure to spend extra time studying the concepts that you are struggling with so that you can be better prepared for them on test day.

6. Take a Prep Course

If you are struggling to prepare for the ACT on your own, you may want to consider signing up for a prep course. These courses are designed to help students master the material and improve their scores.

There are a number of different prep courses available, both in person and online. Do some research to find one that will fit your needs and schedule.

7. Get Help 

If you are struggling to prepare for the ACT, consider getting help from a tutor or prep course. These resources can help you master the material and improve your score.

Conclusion

The ACT is a standardized test that is widely accepted for college admissions in the United States. There are a few strategies that can be employed to increase one’s chances for success, both on the test and in the college admissions process. Firstly, it is important to become familiar with the ACT and what it covers. Secondly, it is helpful to take practice tests and understand one’s weaknesses. Finally, it is essential to create a study plan and stick to it. Implementing these strategies can lead to increased success on the ACT and beyond.

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