🎒ACT ACT Crams

What's the ACT?

• Standardized test used for college admissions in the United States
• Measures high school students' knowledge and skills in four core areas: English, Math, Reading, and Science
• Optional writing section available to demonstrate writing skills
• Scores range from 1-36 for each section, with a composite score averaging the four main sections
• Accepted by all four-year colleges and universities in the U.S.
• Administered by ACT, Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Iowa City, Iowa
• Typically taken by high school juniors and seniors
  • Can be taken up to 12 times, with many students taking it at least twice

Key Test Sections

• English: 75 questions, 45 minutes
  • Tests understanding of grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills
• Math: 60 questions, 60 minutes
  • Covers pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry
  • Calculator allowed for all questions
• Reading: 40 questions, 35 minutes
  • Measures reading comprehension skills across four passages: literary narrative, social science, humanities, and natural science
• Science: 40 questions, 35 minutes
  • Tests scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills using charts, graphs, and research summaries
• Writing (optional): 1 essay, 40 minutes
  • Evaluates ability to analyze and respond to a complex issue
  • Scored separately from 2-12

Time Management Strategies

• Pace yourself: Determine how much time to spend on each question based on the total time allotted for the section
• Skip difficult questions and come back to them later to avoid getting stuck and wasting time
• Read questions and passages strategically
  • Skim questions first to know what information to look for in the passage
  • Focus on key words and main ideas rather than reading every word
• Eliminate obviously wrong answers to narrow down choices and save time
• Make educated guesses if unsure of an answer to avoid leaving questions blank
• Use process of elimination to increase chances of guessing correctly
• Bubble in answers on the answer sheet in batches to save time
  • Fill in 5-10 answers at a time rather than bubbling after each question

Essential Math Skills

• Master basic arithmetic: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
• Understand and apply algebraic concepts
  • Solving equations and inequalities
  • Graphing linear equations
  • Simplifying expressions
• Know key geometry formulas and concepts
  • Area and perimeter of shapes (rectangles, triangles, circles)
  • Volume of solids (cubes, cylinders, spheres)
  • Pythagorean theorem
• Recognize and apply trigonometric ratios (sine, cosine, tangent)
• Interpret and analyze data from charts and graphs
• Use a calculator efficiently for complex calculations
  • Familiarize yourself with your calculator's functions and shortcuts
• Estimate answers to check reasonableness and catch simple mistakes

Reading Comprehension Tricks

• Preview each passage by reading the introduction, first and last sentences of each paragraph, and the conclusion
• Identify the main idea and purpose of the passage
• Take brief notes or annotate key information while reading
• Refer back to the passage when answering questions to avoid relying on memory alone
• Pay attention to transition words (however, therefore, additionally) that indicate shifts in tone or ideas
• Identify the author's perspective and how it influences the passage
• Use context clues to define unfamiliar words
  • Look for synonyms, antonyms, or examples within the passage
• Avoid getting distracted by unimportant details that aren't relevant to the questions

Grammar and Writing Tips

• Review basic grammar rules
  • Subject-verb agreement
  • Pronoun usage and agreement
  • Comma usage and punctuation
• Vary sentence structure to improve flow and clarity
  • Use a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences
• Choose precise and concise language
  • Avoid redundancy and wordiness
  • Use active voice instead of passive voice
• Organize your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
  • Use transitions to link ideas between paragraphs
• Support your main points with specific examples and evidence
• Leave time to proofread and edit your essay for errors and clarity

Science Section Hacks

• Read the introduction and questions first to identify the main topic and what information to focus on
• Analyze data in charts, graphs, and tables
  • Look for trends, patterns, and relationships
  • Compare and contrast data sets
• Use the scientific method to approach problems
  • Identify the hypothesis, variables, and conclusions in experiments
• Apply basic scientific concepts from biology, chemistry, and physics
  • Understand cell structure and function
  • Recognize chemical reactions and properties of matter
  • Apply Newton's laws of motion
• Make connections between different pieces of information presented in the passage
• Use the process of elimination to rule out incorrect answer choices
  • Some questions may ask you to identify which statement is NOT supported by the data

Practice Test Strategies

• Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the real test experience
  • Helps build endurance and time management skills
• Review your answers and identify areas of weakness to focus your studying
• Analyze your mistakes to understand why you chose the wrong answer
  • Were you rushing, misreading the question, or lacking content knowledge?
• Set goals for improvement and track your progress over time
• Experiment with different strategies during practice tests to find what works best for you
  • Try different reading techniques, answer elimination methods, or pacing strategies
• Use official ACT practice materials for the most accurate representation of the test
  • Available on the ACT website or in official prep books
• Take practice tests at the same time of day as your scheduled test to get used to thinking critically at that time