ACT Preparation Strategies: Tips and Resources for Success
Introduction
Preparing for the ACT test is an essential step for students aiming to secure spots in competitive colleges and universities. While taking ACT prep classes can be beneficial, effective preparation can also be achieved independently with the right strategies and resources. This article outlines essential tips and recommended ACT prep books to help you excel in the test.
General Preparation Tips
Before diving into specific sections, it’s crucial to follow some general tips to ensure a smooth preparation process:
Get a Good Night’s Sleep: Ensuring you are fully rested the night before the test can significantly impact your performance. Take Your Time: Answer the questions you know first, then return to the more difficult ones. This approach can help to maintain your composure and increase your accuracy. Read Everyday: Spend 20 to 30 minutes reading daily for the month leading up to the test. This habit will improve your comprehension and speed. Stay Objective: Keep your objectivity and common sense with you, as these qualities are essential for answering questions correctly.Additionally, it’s important to stay relaxed, have a good nights sleep, and eat a healthy, comforting breakfast on the test day. These small actions can make a big difference in your overall performance.
Section-Specific Preparation
Each section of the ACT requires specific preparation strategies. Here are some tips and strategies for preparation across the different sections:
Science Section
The Science section of the ACT requires understanding basic concepts and how to analyze graphs. Familiarize yourself with these concepts and practice reading and interpreting graphs to improve your performance.
Reading Section
For the Reading section, reading quickly to understand the main idea of the passage is important. Afterward, go back to answer line-specific questions. Re-reading the relevant lines can help you make more accurate answers.
Math Section
Math can be challenging, so if you get stuck on a problem, it's okay to move on. Use your calculator when appropriate. Not all questions will require the use of a calculator, so be strategic in using it.
English Section
Learn correct sentence structure and grammar. Solid fundamental skills are crucial for success in the English section. Practice identifying and correcting errors to improve your performance.
Overall, it’s important to do your best and be well-prepared on the day of the test. Good sleep, a healthy breakfast, and extra materials (such as scratch paper or practice tests) are all beneficial resources to have.
Recommended ACT Prep Books
While there are numerous resources available, certain books stand out as indispensable for ACT preparation. Here are some highly recommended options:
The Critical Book for ACT Prep
By calling this book 'critical,' I mean it is essential for all students, regardless of their current skill level or target scores. This book provides the best sample questions, which are real ACT questions, making it an excellent choice for practice. However, it has some limitations, as discussed below:
Pros: This book contains the best sample questions, as they are real ACT questions. It’s critical to use these to get familiar with the test format and timing. Cons: The book may lack thoroughness in reviewing concepts and strategies, and its answer explanations could be more detailed. Additionally, it may not accurately reflect the current difficulty level of the test, especially in the Science section.The Real ACT Prep Book
The Real ACT Prep Book is the official guide made by ACT Inc. It is a valuable resource containing 7 full-length practice tests, with 5 being previous official tests. Here are its pros and cons:
Pros: Contains real ACT questions, useful for practice. It is comprehensive but may still require additional study materials for certain sections. Cons: May not be the best resource for detailed content review and specific strategies. Some students find it too dry or overwhelming.Barrons ACT
Barrons ACT is a popular choice for students who prefer a comprehensive review of all ACT sections. Here are its pros and cons:
Pros:Offers a thorough review of the concepts for each section. Provides a detailed test-taking plan and strategies. Comes with additional workbooks for specific subjects. Cons:Contains practice questions that may be more difficult than real ACT questions, which can be discouraging. The book’s thoroughness can be overwhelming, requiring a strategic approach to studying.Princeton Review's Cracking the ACT
Princeton Review's Cracking the ACT is another solid choice, offering comprehensive content review and practice questions. Here are its pros and cons:
Pros: Provides a clear review of important grammar and math concepts. Useful drills and strategies throughout each section. Includes 6 full-length practice tests with online scoring. Cons: Similar to Barrons, it may be overwhelming for some students. The practice questions may not be the most challenging, making it less suitable for students aiming for top percentiles.In conclusion, the ACT is a significant milestone in a student’s academic journey. By following these preparation tips and utilizing the recommended resources, you can enhance your readiness and succeed on test day. Good luck on your ACT preparation journey!