wise words
score
ACT: secrets
tips to take scores higher
An excellent ACT score is a critical factor for college admissions and for scholarship awards.
Unfortunately, even students in advanced placement classes with exceptional grades may not
perform well on standardized tests. Use these strategies to help your teen achieve a higher score:
#3 focus on weakness
#1 TIP
• This may seem a bit obvious, but students tend to focus on
areas in which they excel. However, the biggest gain of points
will be in the weaker areas.
time management
• Becoming familiar with the format of the test saves time;
knowing the directions before the test begins allows more
time to solve problems.
• Know basic math really well. “Just because you can use
a calculator on the ACT, does not mean you don’t have to
prepare,” said Diven Patel, owner of Kumon of Montgomery,
“Teaching students to do mental math builds their work
pace, math awareness and more importantly, confidence.”
• Trust your gut. Since there is no penalty for guessing on the
ACT, it does not hurt to guess when pressed for time.
#2 take a prep course
• Learn proven strategies from professionals.
• Prep classes may seem like an added expense, but they’re
not! Consider this: Making a 28 on the ACT and attending
an Alabama state school almost always leads to a scholarship
amount of $1,500 or more per year. So really, a prep class is an
investment that could save your family $6,000 or more in fouryear college costs.
free
offer
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• Focusing on the weak area is a great preparation strategy
since focusing on the entire test is a bit daunting for most
students.
#4 decode questions
• Learn math-speak. (This is helpful for homework too!) Words
like percent = out of 100, difference = subtraction, more than
= addition, unknowns = variables such as x or y.
• Science section. First understand the question being asked;
then look at the graphs.
• English section. Historically, the answer