<p>Hey!
So I'm trying to get a 28 at the least on the ACT (I've only taken the ACT once and scored a low 25), but my anxiety (I have something called GAD), really seems to get in the way of my standardized test-taking. I was wondering if anyone had any reccomended material for strategies with ACT anxiety that also acts as good studying material?</p>
<p>I've started taking ACT sessions with a professional tutor who's also a psychologist, but it's summer and I won't be taking the sessions again until August for the September ACT. So meanwhile, I would like to be studying and practicing so I don't retrogress in the progress I've made so far. So yeah, help please?</p>
<p>I’m not sure of books that are specifically suitable for those with anxiety, but in the mean time, just taking practice tests and keeping your ACT juices flowing would really help! I would buy The Real Act Prep Guide and do the practice tests in there and see which ones you got wrong and why. Then if you have questions, you could ask your tutor when you see him/her again. So my advice: keep taking practice tests in the mean time! It’s the best thing you can do!</p>
<p>Thanks, I don’t have that prep guide, I might try scouting out that one. =)
Well, I know I’ve seen a few books that have talked about calming down about the ACT, but none have actually provided strategies to try before taking the ACT or during it so I can relax enough to do it at my highest performance level.</p>
<p>Test anxiety is real, but no ACT/SAT book can help you with that. What you can do over the summer is try to build your own confidence. Using one of the national prep books (PR or Kaplan; Barrons for higher scorers), take practice tests at home, but in short segments against a timer, such as 10 math problems (one-two reading passages) in 10-12 minutes. Then take a break. Gradually increase to 10 math problems in <10 minutes.</p>
<p>What makes the ACT difficult is the time pressure; this is particularly true on the science section. Thus, practicing building your own internal clock is a real help.</p>
<p>One other thought: try the SAT. It is not as time sensitive.</p>
<p>bluebayou- I know, and it’s horrible. I’m fine with normal tests, I make straight A’s, but for some reason with standardized testing my body and mind freak out on me. Suddenly I’m really sick, and I can’t concentrate… I thought maybe it was normal because I was a first-timer for the ACT, but after the same thing kept happening with AP tests I’ve learned that’s not the case.</p>
<p>Anyway, thanks, I’ll try that!</p>
<p>Rodney- Well if I bomb the September ACT I’m planning on asking for test accomodations from ADA for the October ACT. Still, I wanted to give it one more shot without using ADA. I actually have a high performance level, I mean, I make great grades, have a fabulous resume, and am a really prestigous student, I just can’t seem to get past standardized testing because of this anxiety issue. Because I normally do well, it feels almost like I’m making an excuse asking for the accomodations, you know? I know it’s not true, but I can’t help thinking it anyway.</p>
<p>My D was in the same situation, so I understand completely. Suggest googling ‘test anxiety’, because there is a lot of free info out there on that topic. </p>
<p>october: testing accomodations for ACT take quite awhile; I would get the ball rolling now if you can, even if you take the Sept test w/o them…make sure you over-document everything and go back as far as you can; ACT likes to see very long-term documentation for accomodations…</p>
<p>I don’t have General Anxiety Disorder (or at least I don’t think I do), but I have struggled with crippling test anxiety, especially when it comes to standardized tests.
What always helps me is to PRACTICE. I notice that I’m significantly less nervous before a test if I’m confident about the material. And I only achieve confidence through practicing and disciplined studying. So start now. Do practice problems, take practice tests (there’s a free one online from Princeton Review), and go over what you got wrong. You won’t be nervous if you know there’s nothing to be nervous about. ;)</p>
<p>Yeah, I practiced quite a bit before I took my first ACT, about an hour each day when I came home for nearly a month. Of course, I know a lot better strategies now than before with my sessions. Still, I make perfect scores on practice tests. My only issue is the actual test. What I’m really needing to learn is how to calm myself before I go into take it so I feel as if it’s just a normal practice test instead of “THE TEST”.</p>
<p>For any type of anxiety, learning some good relaxation/breathing techniques can really help. There are great yoga instructors that can help with this or you can try some of the many dvds that are on the market. The breathing/relaxation techniques will be good life skills for you as you go to college and beyond.</p>
<p>I also agree that the more practice you do, the more comfortable you will feel when you take the test. Good luck!</p>
So my advice: keep taking practice tests in the mean time! It’s the best thing you can do!</p>