How to Prepare for the ACT?
How to Prepare for the ACT?
The ACT (American College Testing) exam is a standardized test for admission to colleges and universities in the United States, as well as when transferring from one university to another. The ACT exam is similar to the SAT – the tests are similar in structure, and both exams are taken when enrolling American and foreign students in American universities. However, there are significant differences between the SAT and ACT that tend to skew applicants in favor of one or another exam. If you are considering taking the ACT and would like to prepare for it with a Columbia University graduate professional tutor, please schedule a consultation with me using the form below.
What the ACT Exam Tests
how to prepare for the ACT exam
The ACT exam measures a student’s general knowledge of entering high school and the ability to complete college-level assignments through tests in different areas: English, math, reading, and science. Core ACT scores can provide an indicator of college readiness, while scores on each of the optional tests show a foundation level in English, Algebra, Social Studies, Humanities, or Biology.
How is the exam what the tests consist of
The ACT exam consists of 4 or 5 parts. These are English, Mathematics, Reading and Scientific Thinking sections. The fifth part, the essay, is optional (as in the new SAT format). Basically, the ACT exam consists of four-choice questions. Each of the four main sections of the ACT is scored on a scale from 1 to 36 points, the essay is scored from 2 to 12 points.
The ACT English section consists of 75 questions for 45 minutes and contains 5 passages of texts in which some sentences are underlined. Using the context and knowledge of grammar, style, syntax of the English language, you need to find errors and correct them. With the release of the new SAT format, the English language section (or the Writing and Language Test in the new SAT) has become very similar in format, but the material being tested is slightly different. By enrolling in an individual ACT course with Maria Gurieva, you will be able to prepare most effectively for the English part of the ACT.
The ACT math section consists of 60 questions for 60 minutes. Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, elementary trigonometry is assessed. Unlike the SAT, the ACT does not allow the use of programmable calculators. The key to success in passing the ACT mathematics is high-quality preparation for the test, practice, a solid knowledge of the rules that are tested in the exam, and attentiveness. In our ACT class, we will practice these skills to ensure you get the highest possible score in math.
The ACT reading section consists of 40 questions for 35 minutes. Your attention will be presented to 4 excerpts from books or magazines, including literary works, texts about natural, humanitarian and social sciences. The texts will be asked questions on the understanding and analysis of the text, knowledge of the methods of academic English. In our classes, we will analyze how it is necessary to read the text correctly, what types of questions are included in the test and how to correctly search for answers to each of them, we will consider in practice how the examiners’ favorite “traps” work, and how not to fall for them.
The Scientific Reflection section is the main difference between the ACT and the SAT, and is the main reason why most applicants prefer the SAT, despite some of the ease of other sections of the ACT compared to the SAT. In order to effectively prepare for the ACT exam and, in particular, its scientific part, contact only a professional tutor who is directly familiar with the ACT exam and knows specifically its features.
What is the difference between ACT and SAT?
Attention! Most of the articles you find online about the differences between the SAT and ACT compare the old version of the SAT, which is no longer organized as of 2016. In fact, the new version of the SAT is much closer in format to the ACT, and many of the benefits of the ACT have been made up for in the new version. For example, many students previously chose the ACT due to the fact that this test does not contain vocabulary items, but since 2016 this part has been removed from the SAT. Or many people chose the ACT due to the fact that points are not deducted for incorrect answers in this test, but in the new version of the SAT this distinction has been eliminated. Another criterion was the absence of some math topics in the SAT exam (for example, trigonometry) – and this gap was filled in the new version of the SAT. Be careful when reading materials on other sites about these two exams. And remember
So, what is the real difference between ACT and SAT? The ACT is most commonly taken by students from the Midwest and Southern states, while the SAT is more popular on the East and West coasts of the United States. Universities, however, are willing to accept the results of either of the two exams. Questions in the ACT are considered to be more straightforward, with fewer pitfalls and ambiguities than in the SAT. However, you will need to prepare separately for the scientific part, which is not in the SAT.
When and where is the ACT performed?
The ACT test is given around the world on certain dates, several times a year.
Currently, the ACT exam is held in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok. Dates may vary in different cities, so always check the latest information on the official website – or in consultation with me.
How to register for the ACT and prepare?
Registration for ACT is carried out on the official website using a bank card. You can also get help in registering for the exam at the consultation. The cost of testing is $79.50 for four sections or $96.50 for five sections, including an optional essay section.
In our ACT classes, we will prepare for all parts of the exam using the best textbooks in the world and my many years of experience in leading students to pass. Sign up for a consultation now and take the first step towards a happy future.
Want to get into a US university with funding? Don’t know where to start and how to prepare documents correctly? Come to a free master class by Maria Gurieva or sign up for a personal consultation with Maria Gurieva .
