test prep
act hacks
Cracking the ACT Code
by June Garzon
Bring this stuff to the test:
We’ve all heard of the ACT. In short, it’s a standard-
ized test often used as a determining factor for
college admissions and scholarship consideration.
Here’s something you probably haven’t heard of:
ACT “hacks". They’re strategies to help decrease
your stress and increase your scores.
There's good news and bad news. The bad news is, ACT hacks
usually will not result in large test score leaps. The good news?
These simple tools can lead to incremental score increases, and
every little bit helps!
1
Hack # : Come Back to Hard Questions
The ACT is a timed test that is designed to be fast-paced. You
really can’t afford to linger on the hard questions. When you
encounter a tough question, skip it and move on to the rest of
the questions. If there’s time left over in the section, head back to
those skipped questions and give them a shot.
Tip:
When you skip a question in the test booklet, make
sure you also skip that response number on the bubble
answer sheet. Having your answer sheet off by a
question would be a disaster!
Test ticket printed from your ACT web account
Photo identification
Several No. 2 pencils with erasers
Watch (No smart watches or fitness bands!)
Approved calculator
Snack and water for break time
Extra sweater or jacket
Don’t bring your phone or purse!
4
Hack # : Know the Structure of the Test
The ACT is a standardized test, meaning it has the same basic
format for all test dates. To cut down on any surprises, famil-
iarize yourself with the skills tested, number of questions, and
length of each section. Research the ACT test structure and
attempt a few timed practice tests prior to taking the official
ACT. Try using a bubble sheet during practice tests to simulate
real test conditions.
5
Hack # : Prepare the Day Before
Rushing and disorganization equals stress. Stress equals lower
test performance. Yikes!
Here are a few tips for decreasing test day anxiety:
Get plenty of sleep the night before.
2
Hack # : Use the Process of Elimination
The ACT allows you to write in the test book. When you first
look at the answer choices for a question, try to decide which
answer choices are definitely incorrect, and cross them out.
Eliminating incorrect answers means you have a higher chance
of choosing the correct answer.
Hack # 3 : Answer Every Question
The ACT has no guessing penalty. What does that mean for you?
You need to fill in a bubble for every question in each section.
Per section, as time draws to a close, if you haven’t answered
all questions, start randomly filling in bubbles to complete the
answer sheet for that section. It sounds a little crazy, but who
knows? Maybe you’ll get lucky and guess a few right answers.
The bottom line: Leave no bubble unfilled.
14 |
Winter 2018
Eat a well-balanced breakfast.
Dress in layers—you never know what the temperature is
going to be like in your test room.
Knowing (and using) these handy ACT hacks can help you
increase your test scores by a few points. Remember: A point or
two can make or break your chance for certain opportunities!
Your score increase may be small, but every point helps both for
admissions and for scholarship consideration.
June Garzon is an associate member of
the Independent Educational Consultants
Association (IECA) and a member of the
National Association for College
Admission Counseling (NACAC).
www.potentialmagazine.com