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Duke University
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Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

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Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Tips for the ACT Math section?

Hey guys! I've been struggling a bit with the math section of the ACT. Any tips or resources you recommend to improve in this area? Will be grateful for any help!

7 months ago

Hey there! I totally understand how the math section on the ACT can be challenging. Here are some tips and resources to help you improve:

1. Master the Concepts: Make sure you're familiar with all the math topics covered on the ACT, which includes Pre-Algebra, Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Plane Geometry, and Trigonometry. Ensure you have a strong foundation in these areas before attempting practice problems. Khan Academy is a great free resource to learn and reinforce math concepts.

2. Understand the Question Types: The ACT Math section has 60 questions in total, and they usually follow a certain order, from easy to difficult. Familiarize yourself with the different question types and focus on improving the areas where you struggle the most.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you practice ACT Math problems, the more comfortable you'll become with the test format, pacing, and content. Use official ACT practice tests as well as other reputable resources like The Official ACT Prep Guide, UWorld, and CrackACT for practice problems. Creating a consistent study schedule will help you improve over time.

4. Develop Time Management Skills: Since you have only 60 minutes for 60 questions, time management is crucial. Try answering the easy questions first to build momentum and then move on to the more challenging ones. Don't spend too much time on a single question; if you get stuck, skip it and return to it later if you have time.

5. Review Your Mistakes: After taking a practice test or working on practice problems, carefully review your mistakes and identify patterns in your errors. This will help you tackle similar questions in the future by addressing the underlying issues with your understanding of the concepts.

6. Learn Calculator Tricks: Make sure you know your calculator well and utilize its features to save time. For instance, learn how to use functions for solving systems of equations, evaluating roots, and working with trigonometric ratios. Be cautious, though, as relying too much on your calculator might slow you down.

7. Memorize Important Formulas: While the ACT provides some formulae at the beginning of the Math section, you'll still need to remember certain ones, like the Pythagorean theorem, quadratic formula, area formulas, etc. Having these at your fingertips can save you time and improve accuracy.

By following these tips and dedicating time to practice, you'll likely notice an improvement in your ACT Math performance. Good luck, and I hope this helps!

7 months ago

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