{"id":9956,"date":"2022-03-28t12:30:46","date_gmt":"2022-03-28t19:30:46","guid":{"rendered":"\/\/www.catharsisit.com\/act\/?p=9956"},"modified":"2019-08-13t16:14:41","modified_gmt":"2019-08-13t23:14:41","slug":"act-tips-and-tricks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/\/www.catharsisit.com\/act\/act-tips-and-tricks\/","title":{"rendered":"top 6 act tips and tricks for a higher score"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"act<\/p>\n

\nif you’ve come to this post hoping to find the secret act tips for the perfect score, i hate to break it to you \u2013 but that just doesn’t exist! what i can offer you is the next best thing \u2013 tried and true act tips and tricks<\/a> that will maximize your act score on test day.\n<\/p>\n

\npreparing for success on the act starts well before test day. in this post, we’re going to cover how to prepare for the test in advance as well as tips to follow during the test. the act tips and tricks we will cover include:\n<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. familiarize yourself with the test in a test-like environment.\n
  2. choose a default answer for when you’re stumped.\n
  3. choose your question order based on your strengths.\n
  4. don’t second guess yourself.\n
  5. come up with and follow a time management plan.\n
  6. relax!\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \ni’ll also provide you with some resources that provide tips tailored for each act test section and tips before and during test day to reduce anxiety.\n<\/p>\n

    \nnow, let’s dive right in to some act tips for success!\n<\/p>\n

    act tips and tricks for success<\/h2>\n

    familiarize yourself with the test in a test-like environment.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    \nthe most effective way to become familiar with the act is to include several timed full-length practice tests in your test day preparation process.\n<\/p>\n

    \nmost of us would rather watch paint dry than willingly set aside three-hour blocks of time to take practice tests on a regular basis. but if you\u2019re one of the many students who suffer from test anxiety, exposure to and familiarity with the real deal really does lessen stress. it also allows you to establish a baseline score and see how you’re improving as you progress through your act preparation process. to best prepare for test day, make sure you’re taking your practice tests in a test-like environment, such as the library or a room tucked away in the quieter part of your home.\n<\/p>\n

    \ni encourage you to reach out to magoosh to get access to several act preparation tools, including practice tests!\n<\/p>\n

    \nhow do i improve my timing if i can\u2019t make time for full-length practice tests?<\/em><\/h4>\n

    \nsetting aside a chunk of uninterrupted time for timed practice tests<\/a> can be a hassle, and some might find it impossible on a regular basis. while i still recommend that you try to take as many full-length practice tests as you can, here\u2019s an alternative (and complimentary) act trick.\n<\/p>\n

    \n as you work on practice problems, divide them into sets of ten. it doesn\u2019t matter which section you\u2019re working on, as this technique adapts to your abilities and timing.\n<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. first, do a set of ten problems. time yourself, but don\u2019t make yourself stick to any given period of time.\n
    2. grade your problem set and write down your time. that\u2019s your baseline.\n
    3. as you continue your practice over the coming weeks, work on shaving just a few seconds\u201415-20 a week is a good place to start\u2014from your problem sets.\n
    4. when you get high accuracy scores in that time frame, shave off even more time.\n
    5. lather, rinse, repeat.<\/ol>\n

      \nyou can also apply this on the macro-level. if you\u2019re comfortable taking timed practice tests, try shaving off a few minutes from the timer during your next practice session. if you can successfully finish (and do well) on a test in less time, the actual thing will seem all the easier.<\/p>\n

      choose a default answer for when you’re stumped.<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \neven advanced standardized test takers are likely to come across a question or two on the act that they don’t know how to approach. or perhaps you find yourself running out of time. in these situations, it’s important that you do not leave any answer choice blank, no matter what. there’s no penalty for incorrect answers on the act (thank goodness!). so when you reach a question that stumps you or if you find yourself down to the wire on time with questions you know you won’t get to, it’s important that you have a plan. pick your two-letter combo prior to taking the exam and commit to it for every question that you decide that you’re not going to be able to answer. my favorite combo is a\/f! if you choose your “default answer” and consistently use it, you’re more likely to pick up a few extra points!\n<\/p>\n

      choose your question order based on your strengths.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      \napproaching the test in order of the questions as they are presented to you can cause you to become inefficient with your time and make careless mistakes. for example, you could spend so much time on one hard question that you end up rushing through easier questions to make up time and making silly mistakes. instead of just going through the questions as they\u2019re presented, briefly scan the question and think about your approach.\n<\/p>\n