Can anyone provide good ACT test taking methods?

Question

Im terrible working under pressure and the ACT is just that. I've set up a timer and took the test and had terrible results. However, when i took my time (with a different ACT test), i saw that i did fairly good. I tried prioritizing questions and Process of Elimination for multiple choice answers. Though it helped a little, my scores could be better. Can anyone please give me some pointers? Thanks.

Answer 1

Like a couple of people here have said:  the key to doing your best is to remove the pressure.  You should just get an idea of how many answers you'll need to obtain the scores you want.  During the practice tests and the actual test try your best to answer a little bit over what you need correctly and either guess or try the remaining ones.  I've heard that the problem with the ACT is that even though the questions might be easy, there is just not enough time to answer all of them unless you can answer every question in under one minute.  You should also point out your weaknesses and practice those the most (for me it's the Reading).  When working on the sections, try to use techniques that you know how to use (e.g. read passages as fast as you can with understanding [your pace], plug in numbers for some questions in Math, use your ear on the English section to see what sounds right, etc.).  The Process of Elimination is also a good idea if you do not know what the answer is, so stick to it.  Also, remember that there is no guessing penalty on the ACT so fill in all the bubbles if you're running short on time.  Good Luck!

Answer 2

Do exactly what you are doing. Practice taking the tests so you are not as pressured and you know what to expect. Also, if it is a matter of understanding material, get the ACT prep book called the REAL ACT, I got it and raised my scre three points. It comes with practices, tests, and helpful methods for problems like yours. Seriously, try it. And, it only costs $18-20.

Answer 3

well let me say that the ACT is hte msot useless test i've ever had to take, and take it twice I did! My better score was only 23. so i guess take that for waht its worth, but i have a few ideas of what helped me achieve the 28s on teh sections that i did.

for the reading section - the questions are pretty easy right. anyone could answer them fully if they were given enough time. but the problem with this section , and with the whole freakin' test is that they give you easy content and not enough time to complete it. so this is what i recommend. Do just 3 of the 4 stories, read them at your leisure and get all the questions right. then just fill in random bubbles for the 4th story's questions.

the math, well do it and do your best.

english langauge seciton - well know your grammar really well and try to read the content too because it always asks you questions later about the content. its terrible. lol

the most important thign is perserverance. i got a 23 despite an average of 28 on the first 3 tests becuase i got lazy and filled in random bubbles completely for the science reasoning section. that section isnt that hard. so for me, dont cop out, hon! hehe

Answer 4

okay.  i TOTALLY didnt prepare for the ACT and i got a 30.

the best advice i can give you is answer the questions you know FIRST.  skip ones you cant answer in like under a minute, or whatever the average is per question.  then go back and go over the ones you havent answered and try to think them through.

when you're crunched for time with the last questions, answer all the unanswered ones with one letter, i.e. "B" or "C" (i chose "B").  the ACT doesnt have a guessing penalty so it really cant hurt you.  I skipped maybe 13 questions on the science part, put "B" for the skipped ones and got a 31 on that part.  it was ridiculous.

oh, and relax :D  sleep is the best answer because it helps you focus.  go in thinking that you will dominate the test and youll do better.