Studying for the ACT
Studying for the ACT is not something to fear or dread. As long as you study as hard as you can, and try your best, the score you receive will accurately reflect your knowledge. Some students choose to take the ACT with no preparation. They find their scores much lower than those who prepare and study for the exam. Since the test changes every year, there is no way to know what exact questions you will have to answer. There are some basics, however, you should follow.
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Instructions
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Prepare yourself for the ACT test beginning a month before the exam date. Cramming is not an option. If you choose to cram for the ACT, you risk wasting your time. If you begin at least a month prior, however, and study a couple of times per week, you will learn a lot.
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Visit a website called the StudyZoneGuide.com. Here you can find free study guides, ACT test taking tips, tips for anxiety, and sample test questions. Another website, ACTStudent.Org, is also a great site (see Resources).
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Consider the four main ACT testing categories: Science, Math, English and Reading. This about your natural ability in each of these areas. If you are naturally gifted in English or reading, make sure you spend the majority of your time studying and preparing for science and math.
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Download the study guide and review your most difficult category first. In fact, you should study in the order of most difficult, to least difficult. Once you have gone through each category, go back and study the most difficult section one more time. This way it is freshest in your mind when you go to take your ACT.
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Take the practice questions for each category. Treat the practice questions as though they are the real ACT test. Don't look up the answers and don't get any help. Once you are completed with all the questions, check the answer key and see where you need more work.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure you take plenty of breaks while you study. For every hour you study, break for at least five minutes to give your brain a rest.
Don't forget about the essay portion of the exam. For this section, you must write an essay about a given topic. It is hand scored and figured into your final ACT score.
