244.Unstack the Odds--GO TO COLLEGE: STEP 3

Unstack the Odds: Help All Kids Access College—and Graduate!
by

Joe Rottenborn

Executive Director, Mahoning Valley College Access Program (MVCAP)

18. GO TO COLLEGE: STEP 3

3. Seek information about preparation, fee-waivers (if applicable), and registration, either online or mailing by deadlines, for the ACT. To do well on the ACT, you need to prepare; here is a sample preparation plan, drawn from the free pamphlet Preparing for the ACT. Start at least 6 weeks before you take it.
(http://www.act.org/aap/pdf/preparing.pdf)

31. Now is the time to register for the next ACT; you can do this online (http://www.act.org/)--if you have a valid credit card.

32. If you qualify for free- or reduced-price lunch at your school, you might get a fee-waiver to register for the ACT free; ask your counselor!

33. ACT score (0-36) is important--not just for admission to college but also to be awarded merit financial aid: the higher a score, the better!

34. The ACT is challenging because it's a power test--that is, one with time-limits for each section: students who don't finish may lose points.

35. Know the deadline to register for the ACT; if you miss the deadline, you will have to pay more. You can register online (http://www.act.org/)--if you have a valid credit card.

36. At 5 weeks before the ACT: To do well, prepare--by knowing the test format (i.e., "test-wiseness") as well as the four content areas.

37. According to ACT, answer the easy questions first, skipping harder ones; then, return to the more difficult questions--if you have time. (p. 3.)
(http://www.act.org/aap/pdf/preparing.pdf)

38. Per the ACT, "your score on the test will be based only on the number of questions you answer correctly"--therefore, answer every question. (p. 3.)
(http://www.act.org/aap/pdf/preparing.pdf)

39. ACT strategy: familiarize yourself with content of the 4 tests; refresh your knowledge and skills in each area; and know what you haven't had.

40. A key to doing well on the ACT is practice: do the 4 practice tests in the free booklet Preparing for the ACT--and use a timer on each one!

41. At 4 weeks before the ACT: begin your practice by taking the Reading test (p. 34 of Preparing for the ACT); use a timer/watch.

42. On the ACT Reading test, there are 40 questions to finish in 35 minutes, which means you have less than 60 seconds per answer--so work fast!

43. The ACT Reading test asks what is explicitly stated in several texts as well as implicit meanings; hence, refer back to the passages often.

44. The ACT Reading test is based on four types of reading selections: social studies, natural sciences, prose fiction, and the humanities. (p. 8.)
(http://www.act.org/aap/pdf/preparing.pdf)

45. There will be four passages in the ACT Reading test; scan the questions for each selection before reading so you'll know what's being asked.

46. At 3 weeks before the ACT: continue your practice by taking the English test (p. 14 of Preparing for the ACT); use a timer/watch.

47. On the ACT English test, there are 75 questions to finish in 45 minutes--which means, on average, 36 seconds per answer, so read/work fast!

48. The ACT English tests on punctuation, grammar/usage, sentence structure, strategy, organization, & style--but not on spelling & vocabulary. (p. 6.)
(http://www.act.org/aap/pdf/preparing.pdf)

49. The ACT English has five essays to read, followed by multiple choice questions--about an underlined portion, section, or the entire passage.

50. On ACT English, before you answer a question on an underlined portion, read what is underlined; if it is the best answer, mark "NO CHANGE." (p. 6.)
(http://www.act.org/aap/pdf/preparing.pdf)

51. At 2 weeks before the ACT: continue your practice by taking the Math test (p. 26 of Preparing for the ACT); use a timer/watch.

52. On the ACT Math test, there are 60 questions to finish in 60 minutes--which means, on average, 1 minute per answer, so read and work fast!

53. ACT Math tests on pre-algebra, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, coordinate geometry, plane geometry, and trigonometry--so review! (p. 7.)
(http://www.act.org/aap/pdf/preparing.pdf)

54. "All the ACT Math problems can be solved without using a calculator"--in fact, some are best done without one; hence, choose when to use it! (p. 7.)
(http://www.act.org/aap/pdf/preparing.pdf)

55. On ACT Math, solve the problem, locate your solution among the answer choices, make sure your answer is reasonable--then, check your work!

56. At 5 days until the ACT: continue practicing by taking the Science test (p. 42 of Preparing for the ACT); use a timer/watch.

57. 4 days until the ACT: the Science test is 40 questions in 35 minutes--which means less than 1 minute per answer: work fast!

58. 3 days until the ACT: the ACT Science tests on biology, chemistry, physics, and the Earth/space sciences--so get set! (p. 9.)
(http://www.act.org/aap/pdf/preparing.pdf)

59. 2 days until the ACT: the ACT Science test emphasizes scientific reasoning skills over recall of scientific content.

60. 1 day until the ACT: remember to bring your admission ticket, acceptable ID, #2 pencils w/ erasers, watch, and basic calculator.

61. If you took the ACT, exhale; if you didn't, make certain you register by the next regular deadline.