Hey everyone, as a junior gearing up for standardized testing, I was wondering what I should expect on the ACT? Any specific topics or question types that I should be focusing on? A general overview would be really helpful! Thanks in advance!
Hello! Gearing up for the ACT can be a bit daunting, but here's a general overview of what to expect:
The ACT is a 2-hour and 55-minute multiple-choice exam (with an optional 40-minute writing section) that assesses your knowledge and skills in four sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. The optional writing section adds up to a total of 3 hours and 35 minutes test-taking time.
1. English (45 minutes, 75 questions): This section tests your understanding of grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills. You'll be asked to identify errors, make improvements to passages, and work with tone, style, and organization. Make sure to brush up on your grammar and punctuation rules, as well as strategies for effective writing.
2. Mathematics (60 minutes, 60 questions): In this section, you'll encounter questions on pre-algebra, elementary and intermediate algebra, coordinate and plane geometry, and trigonometry. You're allowed to use a calculator throughout this section, so make sure you bring one that you know how to use efficiently. Focus on algebra and geometry, as the majority of the questions focus on these areas.
3. Reading (35 minutes, 40 questions): The reading section assesses your comprehension and analytical skills through passages in four areas: prose fiction, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. You'll need to read efficiently, identify main ideas and supporting details, and infer information from the text. Practice active reading strategies to improve your speed and comprehension.
4. Science (35 minutes, 40 questions): This section measures your interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills in the natural sciences (biology, chemistry, earth/space, and physics). You'll be presented with passages, tables, and graphs, and you'll need to understand and analyze the data. Familiarize yourself with basic scientific concepts and practice interpreting graphs and charts.
Optional Writing (40 minutes, 1 essay): If you choose to take the ACT with writing, you'll be given a prompt with three different perspectives on an issue. Your task is to develop your own perspective and analyze the relationships between your perspective and the ones provided. Focus on constructing a clear and logical argument, using appropriate examples and evidence.
To prepare for the ACT, it's a good idea to take practice tests, and review in more depth the topics that you're struggling with. Make sure to also work on your time management and test-taking strategies, as the ACT doesn't give you much time per question. Good luck with your preparation!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.