Hello folks, junior here preparing for college apps. I've heard the ACT is quite different from the SAT. Can someone break down what's unique about the ACT, like the sections and what skills I specifically need to crush it?
Hello there! Absolutely, the ACT does have its own quirks compared to the SAT. The ACT includes four sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science Reasoning, with an optional Writing (essay) test.
The English section focuses on grammar and usage, punctuation, sentence structure, strategy, organization, and style. To ace this, you'll want to get comfortable with grammar rules and essay structure.
The Math section covers more topics than the SAT, like trigonometry and more advanced algebra, so review those areas thoroughly.
Reading measures your reading comprehension skills, just like the SAT, but it's a bit more straightforward in its questioning style. Practice by timing yourself on reading passages to get faster at picking out key information.
For Science Reasoning, which is unique to the ACT, you'll need to interpret data, analyze experiments, and understand scientific information. You don't actually need to be a science whiz; it's more about critical thinking and problem-solving. Familiarize yourself with reading charts and graphs, and practice discerning the main points in scientific passages.
Remember, there's no penalty for guessing on the ACT, so be sure to answer every question! Taking practice tests is one of the best ways to prepare. You got this!
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