<p>I recently bought a used TI-83 Plus in preparation for the February ACT.
Over the next month as I take practice tests I will be using it to get use to it.
I understand that I can install programs on it for use on the ACT. </p>
<p>When the proctors clear the calculator how can I ensure that they do not clear my programs?
Can anybody recommend a specific prime number program? I have the instructions on how to program pretty much everything else.</p>
<p>Thanks for your assistance!</p>
<p>they might not even clear your calculator…i took the act twice and nobody touched my calculator.</p>
<p>I think you have to archive them or something. Almost 100% sure that programs won’t help you though.</p>
<p>I took it four times (three different institutions) and did not have my calculator checked once, nor did anyone else in the class. They might walk around, but they don’t typically check it.</p>
<p>Yes, they are suppose to check everyone’s calculator before the MATH exams; what they look for I have no idea… but I am guessing they have special instructions from ACT on what to look for and act upon.
So, it will serve you well not to depend on any manually saved programs.</p>
<p>Best of luck.</p>
<p>Like everyone has said specific programs will not help you much on the ACT. Sure you could use a program too solve a system of equations or something but the majority of the math questions will either be to easy to be worth the time of using the program or require too much creativity for any stock program to be helpful.
Like I said before, they probably won’t clear your calculator. I took the ACT twice at two different testing centers and none of the proctors even looked at my calculator. So don’t worry too much about that aspect. Good luck!</p>
<p>Proctors are instructed to worry only about whether the calculator is or is not on the approved list. If you want to use programs, do it. It is all about comfort on the day of the test. If having 15 programs lets you get through the test without worrying, then go for it and good luck!</p>
<p>I loaded up my calculator each time I took the ACT. The amount of times programs were actually helpful was slim to none. I’d save yourself the effort and only put a couple on there, if any. Perhaps throw on a distance formula program if you’re confident you can type/access it faster than you can do it on paper or in your head.</p>
<p>I did use matrices every once in a while… though no program is necessary for those.</p>
<p>They do not clear your calculator but you’re better off practicing all the formulas you need until you have them memorized than to waste time with a program.</p>