Preview from ACT FAQ
Or Why Do I Have To Take this Test Anyway?

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Q. Why do I have to take the ACT?

A. The ACT is a standardized assessment test required for admission to many colleges. All Michigan high school juniors are now required to take the ACT. Colleges use ACT scores as one factor in admission decisions. Other factors include your high school GPA, letters of recommendation, participation in extra-curricular activities or athletics, and volunteer work. Because students from all over the United States take the test, ACT scores are a way to compare students from a wide variety of schools and backgrounds.

Q. Is the ACT hard? How hard?

A. The ACT is based on high school curriculum content with an emphasis on thinking and reasoning skills. There are many easily learned strategies and tricks that can help you get your best score. Doing well on the ACT is lot like learning new athletic skills or dance routines. It gets easier with practice and coaching.

Q. How can I get ready for the ACT before 11th grade?

A. The best long term strategy is simple; take school seriously. Go to class, pay attention, and do your homework. Do all assigned reading. Read with a purpose and think about what you’re reading. Readers who read to find something out tend to do better on the ACT. Practice reading everything you can, including:

• Scrolling news tickers
• TV closed captions
• DVD subtitles
• Online articles
• Magazines and newspapers

 Q. How does my attitude about the ACT affect my score?

A. Work on a positive attitude as you prepare for the ACT. Believing that you can get your best score will help your to build confidence and focus on success as you read and practice. If you adopt a positive mindset, you’re more likely to achieve your best score.

Q. Do I need to study for the test?

A. Studying really makes a difference. You can improve your score through preparation. Some students prepare for the ACT in the week before the test, and some students study for weeks or months to get their best score.

Q. What’s my first step toward getting ready for the test?

A. Get comfortable with the directions for each of the four sections of the test. If you already understand the directions, you won’t have to use up time reading through them on the test day.

A. What basic strategies can I use to help me get my best score?

Q. The following simple and basic ACT test-taking strategies will guide your test practice and help you to earn your best score

• Read every question carefully
• Answer the question that’s asked
• Read all choices before choosing an answer
• There are four possible answers to every question. Choose the BEST one.
• Predict, then choose an answer.
• Answer every question in every section.
• Read to find something out

To arrange workshops, teacher training, obtain copies of ACT FAQ, or for more information, email Wendy at:
wendymarty@readingefficiencyprograms.com