ACT - Test Day

JUST BEFORE the ACT

Number 1 . Get a Good Nights rest the night before the test.
Number 2 . Get up early, eat a good breakfast.
Number 3 . Wear something comfortable.
Number 4 . Arrive at the Test Site before 8:15 A.M.


What to Take?

Your ACT Ticket of Admission.
Three or more Sharpened #2 pencils.
Identification - Your School ID.
A Watch
Candy or Gum, if you need it.

What to Leave at Home?

Books, Dictionnaries.
Electronic Devices.
Calculators, rulers, etc.

Number 5 . In the test area, get away from doorways, drafty windows, and radiators.
Number 6 . Choose a seat away from the proctor's desk and other distractions.
Number 7 . Listen to the proctor's announcements.
Number 8 . If you need assistance during the test, raise your hand to summon a proctor.

ANSWERING TEST QUESTIONS -- TIPS

Tip 1: Problems on the ACT are provided in increasing order of difficulty.
Tip 2: Do waste too much time on one problem; they all are worth the same amount so go on then go back to them.
Tip 3: Try to eliminate all wrong answers. Its better to guess between 2 choices, rather than 3 or 4 choices.
Tip 4: Use the Scrap paper provided by proctor.
Tip 5: It sometimes helps to work backwards from the answers.
Tip 6: On Math questions, work out our own solution if necessary.
Tip 7: Work Carefully, but Quickly.
Tip 8: If you find yourself loosing concentration, pause for a few moments then continue.
Tip 9: Answer every question on every test, even if you have to guess.
Tip 10: Consider marking your answer sheet in groups. For example, work questions 1 - 5 and note the answers on the test booklet, then after completing the 5th question transfer your answers to the answer sheet. This helps avoid mistakes on the answer sheet.
Tip 11: Pace yourself, use your watch to keep abreast of time remaining.
Tip 12: If you finish a test early, check your answers.
Tip 13: Be Confident!

ACT SCORES

Unlike the SAT, which deducts points for wrong answers, the ACT does not penalize you for answering incorrectly. Its scores are based only on the total number of right an swers you gave. The scores range from 1 (low) to 36 (high), with the national median at 18. 4. A strong ACT score would be 25 or higher.

Your ACT performance can help to offset mediocre grades and you can be sure that a good ACT score will never hurt your chances of getting into the college of your choice. If your score doesn't please you then, start preparing to take it again.

A FINAL WORD OF ASSURANCE

Remember, SAT, ACT, and the achievement tests are only one way to measure a part of your ability. They do not determine your future success in life; they do not even fully predict your potential academic success. If standard ized tests are not your forte, do the best you can and then forget about them. Concentrate on building your other strengths: your high school curriculum, your grades, your outside activities.

Return to ACT Test Day Page

Return to ACT Page

Copyright 1995 - 1997 -- Educational On-Line Inc.