***Official September ACT Thread 2014***

[austin23]

<p>Yes, they collect the multiple choice test sheet but not your answer sheet</p>

[confusedteen15]

<p>[I’ve posted this somewhere else too, but…] Good luck to all tomorrow. We’re all in the struggle together! Some may be veterans (like me) and others may be newcomers, but whatever you get, remember, you’re not defined by just a number, life moves on.</p>

<p>A few tips for y’all that I’ve accrued.

1. English, I did decent (best 30) : I think that usually the long answer is the right one</p>

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<p>It’s pretty fast paced, so keep that in mind and don’t run out of time!
Read only what’s necessary, look at what markings are on the essay. However, if you can afford it, it’s better to read the whole thing. (subjective)
keep your eyes open, vernacular does not equal correct, and as for all tests, an option that’s 1/2 right is 100% wrong.</p>

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<p>2) Math: This is in my wheelhouse (best 34): know your basic algebra</p>

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<p>remember, every question is supposed to be able to be done without a calculator
that being said, if you have time, double, or triple check
mental math, nobody’s checking your work, but be sure you compute properly
know basic trig</p>

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<p>3) Reading (best 28): don’t get stuck on one article</p>

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<p>do a chart that plans out your time on each passage and leave time at the end to check
do your strongest passage first, weakest last
no penalty on guessing
there are different approaches: read the passage, do questions or do questions while scanning passage</p>

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<p>4) Science (didn’t do so hot 26): don’t fall asleep!</p>

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<p>don’t really have advice other than remember that there’s a conflicting viewpoint thing that’s basically reading
time is definitely a factor
the diagrams tell almost all
you don’t “have” to read every description, just enough to get the gist.</p>

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<p>Again these are some tips that I’ve learned, feel free to add some, and to each their own. Get good rest tonight, eat a good breakfast, come ready and conscious. Bring some pencils, some determination, your ID and that sheet of paper, a calculator (approved), and a snack. Don’t be late.</p>

<p>Regarding scores being sent: You get your first 4 free when you sign up for it, I think you can send before you take (don’t quote me on it), and you have a week to send the 4 afterwards. Check your emails. If you’re expecting to receive your scores by mail, remember that it takes a LONG time to grade and takes even longer through snail mail. The online portal is as advertised, so if you find yourself awake at 12:00 on the day that scores are published, feel free to take a gander before (hopefully it doesn’t) the site crashes. </p>

<p>Remember, if it’s your first time, don’t sweat it, you’ll tend to get better as you keep on taking it. If it’s your last, like mine, don’t stress. Whether it’s for 1 point or 10, remember that a number doesn’t define you. You’ll do fine, and the ACT definitely doesn’t show work ethic. If you’re 25+, remember that you’re already near the top compared to the rest of the U.S. If you’re below the threshold, remember that hard work can overcome raw talent.</p>

<p>Best of luck, and side note, there are other threads that are more informative than this. Search them in the search bar, check them out, supplement mine with theirs, and rock this test!</p>

[APmaster007]

<p>Last question I have before test. How do I pace myself in the math. By the time a half an hour is past, what number should I be on? 30? 40? or what??? Because the questions at the end take longer.</p>

[college2015yo]

<p>By the time half an hour has passed, I try to generally be on number 40… but that’s just because I want to be extra cautious on numbers 51-60</p>

[Localdreamer15]

<p>@APmaster007 I find that if I’m on or around #38 at the half hour mark (eight minutes “ahead”) that I finish in time. Last time I took it, I kept second guessing myself (perfectionist) and was only up to #30 at the half-hour mark, which screwed me over since the questions get more difficult. </p>

[brickthelegend]

<p>try to finish 40 questions by the half hour mark</p>

[2015er]

<p>good luck, everyone! hopefully the test and the curve will be in our favor!!!</p>

[austin23]

<p>For reading, keep moving your pencil over the text. Trust me it helps.</p>

[jenlee123]

<p>Good luck! </p>

[BankingBandar]

<p>dat meths section be tough
dat reading has time cruncch</p>

[Bizziee]

<p>Good luck to all National test takers!
I hope my score improves.
:/</p>

[thecitystars]

<p>=D> =D> =D> </p>

[indianboy2400]

<p>I created an ACT Answers Thread for September 2014. Let’s discuss the answers there after the test is done</p>

[Chedva]

<p>MODERATOR’S NOTE:
Please note that links to Google Docs or any similar document-hosting site is not permitted on College Confidential.</p>

[MaineLonghorn]

<p>Also remember that you are not supposed to discuss answers at all! ACT people ARE watching this site!</p>

[brickthelegend]

<p>Dat science section doe </p>

[brickthelegend]

<p>Here’s to a crazy curve on science!</p>

[viphan]

<p>I didn’t think the test was that bad! I had time to finish, but lacked time to check it. I hope I got it right the first time </p>

[silverdrop]

<p>Can we discuss the article itself (i.e. what the science reading article was)? I don’t intend to discuss specific questions, just the article itself.</p>

[silverdrop]

<p>English: easy, nothing really tripped me up
Math: Easy-medium, but I ran out of time for maybe 2-3 questions.
Reading: The first passage…what the heck? I also ran out of time for the last question of the fourth passage.
Science: the science was actually pretty decent for me.</p>