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Unweighted GPA: 3.7
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SAT: 720 math
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| 800 verbal
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Vocabulary prep for ACT?

Hi all, I'm fairly confident with most of the ACT sections except when it comes to vocabulary. Any useful tips or resources on how I could improve my range of 'ACT words'?

a year ago

Fortunately, the ACT doesn't focus heavily on vocabulary like the old SAT did. However, a solid understanding of various words can give you an edge, especially in the reading comprehension and English sections. Here are some strategies that could help:

1. Reading: It may sound clichéd, but one of the best ways to improve your vocabulary is by reading. Try to read a variety of genres to expose yourself to different styles and kinds of vocabulary, including news articles, novels, scientific texts, and historical works.

2. Flashcards: You can use flashcards to study words that commonly appear on the ACT. The act of writing the words and their definitions down can help cement them in your memory. The physical act of flipping the flashcard can also make your studying more interactive.

3. Word Lists: There are ACT vocabulary lists available that you can use to study. Some lists focus on the most common words, while others focus on harder vocabulary that shows up less frequently. You could break these lists down into manageable chunks to study each week.

4. Contextual Learning: Learn words in context. When you come across a word you don't know in a book or an article, try to figure out its meaning from the sentence it's in. Then, look it up to check your understanding.

5. Practice Tests: Finally, practice ACT tests are a great resource. They not only familiarize you with the test format, but can also expose you to ACT-style vocabulary. When you come across a word you don't recognize during your practice, make sure to look it up and add it to your vocabulary list.

Remember, improving your vocabulary takes time, so it's important to start early and review often. Good luck with your prep!

a year ago

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