How to Improve Test Scores on the ACT With Flashcards

Higher ACT scores increase probability of college acceptance.

Colleges and universities use two standardized tests to evaluate the readiness of applicants for college: SAT and ACT. According to ACT, Inc., nearly 47 percent of 2010 high school graduates took the ACT during high school. Sadly, 76 percent were unprepared for English composition, college algebra, social sciences and biology. Summer school, night classes or tutors can help you strengthen your academic skills in these areas but they are expensive. Flashcards may be the inexpensive solution to raise your skills to the next level.

Things You'll Need

• Index cards or card stock cut into fourths

Instructions

1. Take a practice test to determine where you need to focus your study. The ACT website has an online test that will give you immediate feedback. There are also numerous ACT study guides available in bookstores or online that contain practice tests.

2. Create flashcards for the math questions you had incorrect. On one side of an index card, write the problem. On the reverse side, write the answer including the steps to produce the answer.

3. Take 10 minutes every day to review one or two math questions. Spend more time if the test is only two weeks away.

4. Create vocabulary cards for the other three subject areas. Spend at least 10 minutes per day learning and reviewing vocabulary. Have friends or family quiz you while waiting for the bus, traveling to and from school, etc.

Tips & Warnings

• An alternative to index cards is electronic flashcards, which are usually free to use after registering with the website. Some of the websites offer the ability to use the flashcards online, printed or even on your phone.

• Flashcards will probably only be affective for improving math and vocabulary. You will need to use practice tests for best overall results.

References

• ACT, Inc.: Percent of U.S. Graduates Who Took the ACT
• ACT, Inc.: Policies & Practices to Increase Readiness

Resources

• ACT, Inc.: A Student Site for ACT Test Takers
• ACT Question of the Day
• Test Prep Review: ACT Test Practice Questions
• Study Blue: Mobilize Your Notes
• Flashcard Machine: Create, Study and Share Online Flashcards
• Flashcard Exchange: The World's Largest Flashcard Library