<p>Math: I realize you’re in an upper level math class, but I suggest you brush up on some older topics (some algebra II, geometry, trig) just to have your basics covered: Princeton Review’s Cracking the ACT should be sufficient for this. Questions 1 - 40 generally tend to be easier word/algebra problems, and the last 20 or so are a little more complex. For this reason, you need to work very quickly through the first half of the test- not carelessly, QUICKLY. To avoid mistakes, try underlining or saying in your head what each question is asking for (oh, so I need to find the amount in dollars, speed in miles per hour, probability of this, etc.). This way you will have more time to focus on the difficult questions. In my opinion, the last half of the test seems to have more conceptual problems, so always draw a picture if you can. Just being aware of what the question is asking you for and having a self-drawn (or given) diagram will help you focus on finding a solution the problem. The way you can get better at this section is to simply become more acquainted with the ACT and to familiarize yourself with the types of problems it likes to ask; for this reason, you should buy, if you haven’t already, the Real ACT. After working through a test under normal testing conditions, go through ALL of your wrong answers and identify how the problem should have been worked. It may even help if you write down how you should have approached the problem or create a very similar problem for yourself and apply the method- the point is for you to ingrain in your head what you’re doing wrong and how to minimize these errors on test day.</p>
<p>For the science, I suggest NOT reading the introductory passages. To me, these are needlessly confusing, and they waste time. First, take a very quick look at the graphs/charts/data tables they have provided you, note the variables (ex. temperature and kinetic energy), and their relationship (oh, when temperature is increased, kinetic energy increases as well). Do not spend too much time doing this, just take a brief glance (10-15 secs) and get a general feel for it. Go straight to the questions from here and identify which figure they want you to use, and then answer the question accordingly. On the debating scientists passage, though, you WILL need to read each scientist’s paragraph, while underlining/making small notes about his individual argument- afterwards, the questions should be straightforward. Just like with math, you will need to practice; with every practice test, make sure you are using normal testing conditions, and once you feel comfortable with this, lower the time allotment so that you can learn to work more efficiently under the time constraints of the ACT. </p>
<p>And on test day, make sure to wear a watch. That way you can monitor the time and adjust your speed as needed.</p>
<p>Sorry for the lengthy post, good luck :)</p>