Hello guys! I’m currently considering taking the ACT on my junior year, hopefully when everything has settled down. I just want to ask if it’s advisable for me to take the ACT when I never took Earth Science and Physics? I read over the ACT overview that advanced knowledge of the sciences isn’t required, but I just want to be certain.
A little bit of background on my situation: I started with Biology in freshman year, skipped Earth Science, and now I’m taking Chemistry. Next year, I’m aiming to take AP Chemistry, which leaves Physics for my senior year.
Thank you so much.
My d never took earth science and had physics after she took the ACT. She had no problems.
You don’t need much prior knowledge of earth science and physics to take the ACT science section. It is more of a critical reading, with data analysis, than a test of knowledge.
I agree with what was said above. I do have a unique experience though that is very related. Keep in mind it is certainly possible to get surprised by a specific section that you don’t have backround knowledge on. I recieved a (35,35,35,29 Science) on my ACT due to having absolutely no knowledge on Biology and subsequently getting a whole sub-section (and only that section) wrong. I wouldn’t necessarily study science to complete the science section on the ACT but, do keep in mind there is certainly possible bad senarios if you have no idea about a topic.
98% of the questions require no preparation. Take some practice tests and see how they feel. Some people are really not into graph interpretation and the time limit can also be tough.
You definitely do not need to take Physics. All of the physical science questions are just looking at charts and graphs and seeing if you understand trends. My daughter received a 35 on the ACT science section. Biggest tip being: don’t read the words. Just go to the questions and look at the graphs. 90% of the time, the graphs tell you everything you need to know. You’ll save lots of time if you don’t read the words. My d had taken honors bio and honors chem and was enrolled in ap bio and ap chem while taking it, but it doesn’t make much of a difference. Only about 2 questions out of 40 will be about outside knowledge. The rest is based on the passages.