ACT
What is the ACT?
The ACT, which stands for the American College Test, is the standardized test that is predominately accepted and administrated in the MidWest. The test is scored on a 1 - 36 point scale, with 21 being the average and 36 being a perfect score. The ACT tests in the subjects of Math, Reading, English, and Science. It also has an optional writing portion of the test.
What To Expect
I’ve taking the ACT with Writing three times thus far and plan to take it yet again. In my personal opinion, the ACT was slightly more difficult than the SAT; however, they’re over most of the same material. Most (if not all) colleges accept either one. The testing is over the primary subjects.
The Math gets more difficult as the test progresses; you’re also allowed to bring a calculator. There will be some pre-calculus on the test, but it is primarily algebra and geometry.
The Reading test is just like the SAT Critical Reading portion; you’ll read a passage and have to answer questions about it, primarily plot details and or the meaning of words in certain contexts.
The ACT English test is more concentrated on grammar users than the SAT: the SAT focuses more on vocabulary. The English portion is the easiest; users also typically have more time left over. Use this extra time to check, review, and edit your responses.
The Science test is the last test administered, and often it is the hardest. You don’t need to know much science - most of the test is reading and comparing the question to the graphs. You just have to know how to interpret the graphs.
The writing portion of the ACT is option, but highly recommended as more and more colleges are beginning to require it. It’s administered afterwards.
The Importance of the ACT
The ACT and SAT are equally important in college admission. For most colleges, with the exception of a few, one or the other are required to be admitted to the school. For this reason be sure to take the ACT or SAT early so you can retest if you don’t do as well as you intended.
