Hey everyone, I'm starting to prepare for the ACT, and I'm not sure where to begin. What topics should I focus on and what are some general tips for studying? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Hi there! Preparing for the ACT can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into sections and developing a study plan will make it more manageable. The ACT consists of four main sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, plus an optional Writing section. Here's a brief overview of each section and some study tips:
1. English: This section tests your grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills. Focus on understanding: sentence construction, appropriate use of punctuation, verb tense and agreement, pronoun-antecedent agreement, and basic English language conventions. Additionally, study rhetorical skills such as tone, organization, and overall structure or purpose of a passage.
2. Math: The Math section covers pre-algebra, elementary and intermediate algebra, coordinate and plane geometry, and trigonometry. Make sure you know basic formulas, concepts, and problem-solving strategies for each topic. You can use a calculator on this section, but it's essential to be proficient in mental math as well.
3. Reading: This section consists of passages and questions related to literary narratives, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. You'll need to practice your reading comprehension and analytical skills. Focus on increasing your reading speed, understanding main ideas, finding evidence, making inferences, and understanding the author's purpose and tone.
4. Science: This section is less about scientific knowledge and more about your ability to interpret and analyze information in the form of graphs, tables, and charts. It focuses on biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth/space sciences (such as geology, astronomy, and meteorology). Practice reading scientific graphs, understanding scientific terminology, and drawing conclusions from multiple data sources.
(Optional) 5. Writing: If you choose to take the ACT with Writing, you'll be asked to compose an essay in response to a given prompt. This essay will require you to analyze different perspectives on a complex issue and develop your own perspective on that issue. Practice your essay writing skills, ensuring you have a clear introduction, a well-organized body with supporting evidence, and a strong conclusion.
General tips for studying:
- Create a study schedule: Allocate specific time for ACT study per week and break it into sections/topics to focus on each day.
- Utilize official ACT resources, such as the ACT website for free materials, practice tests, and guides.
- Answer practice questions under timed conditions to get familiar with the test's pacing.
- Consider joining a study group or working with an ACT tutor if you need extra support or individualized attention.
- Review your errors and analyze your weaknesses to improve over time.
Good luck with your ACT preparation! You've got this!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.