I'm a senior in high school and i'll be taking the ACT's for the first and probably only time (I would've taken it earlier, but there were scheduling conflicts--one time my flight was delayed home from vacation and we were forced to stay a couple more nights..the next time was my sisters wedding, which i obviously couldn't miss) I'm an honors student with a 3.9 gpa. I'm looking to go to the very competative Ohio State University. My question is, is the test really that hard? And and tips to get over my nervousness?
2006-10-23 16:21:44 · 5 answers · asked by Katrin 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Standards & Testing
Work fast. Very fast. Other than that, don't hesitate to guess (no penalties like on the SAT and AP tests). The writing section comes last and is optional, but it is a good idea to take it. I did very well on it, and honestly I didn't think it was that hard. If you have any specific questions, feel free to add details. I'll check back.
2006-10-24 18:14:05 · answer #1 · answered by Al CaPWN 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For the math section, make a quick review of trigonometry, basic geometry, and factoring. All of these are usually heavily covered on ACT. Also, even though the directions say figures are not drawn to scale, they almost always are. You could measure the angles with a protractor if you wanted to.
On the various reading tests (which almost everything other than math boils down to), the key is NOT to actually read the passages. Skim them VERY quickly. Then go to the questions, which ALWAYS go in order through the passage. Read the questions, and look up the corresponding answers.
One last thing. You always hear "when in doubt, pick C". Actually on most standardized tests, including ACT, "E" is the most common answer. That's especially true if "None of the above" or "All of the above" is among the options.
2006-10-25 15:43:54 · answer #2 · answered by dmb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I took the test when I was in eighth and ninth grade. My main issues with the test was remembering how to do math problems from years past, so you'll want to do a quick review of that subject to make sure you have at least an inkling of what to do on an unfamiliar question. Doing so will narrow down your answer choices and improve your chances at guessing the right answer.
The reading passages are pretty big, so make sure you manage your time on those questions.
Science was pretty much testing your ability to draw info from graphs, otherwise, it wasn't too bad.
To combat nervousness, remember that you will not be deducted points for guessing, and that you can always take the test again. Breathe is the key word, and make sure to prepare your things ahead of time before you go to the testing center. This will save time and prevent you from panicking.
Go out to a bookstore and purchase a guide to the test. I like Kaplan's books because they explain stuff in plain English, and give you things to look out for, like common traps that distract you from the wrong answer. And, plus, they're written in an optimistic tone. Remember to have a sunny outlook on this. Good luck. :)
2006-10-23 18:55:06 · answer #3 · answered by Umbrella 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the test will probably not be that hard for you since you a good student already. the only thing you can really do is go over the english and math concepts. usually its stuff you already know, but dont quite remember. you dont have to know anything for science, you just have to be able to reason and figure them out. and reading...well either youre good at it or your not. DONT READ THE PASSAGES!!! i have found this just wastes time. skim it if you need to and just refer to the passage when answering the questions (duh)
as to get over nervousness, get there in plenty of time, so you wont freak out if it takes you longer to get to the place or something, then you can sit in the room and get comfortable. make sure you eat breakfast so you arent hungry during the test. um ive also heard not to make plans afterwards so you wont be distrated during the test.
GOOD LUCK!!!
2006-10-26 11:36:24 · answer #4 · answered by Jessica 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I did well on the Science and on the Math, but failed miserably when it came to the English part.
The relationship ones,
Fruit Salad is to Honey Bees
as
Corn on the Cob is to ____.
I think i got 1 right.
that is i got a 29 on the math, a 30 on the science, and 21 on English. Just study in the areas you are weak, I knew I was weak in English but didn't do anything beforehand.
2006-10-24 04:04:07 · answer #5 · answered by AlCapone 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋