The ACT (American College Testing) is a test conducted for college admissions in the United States. It tests a student’s preparation for college by examining their knowledge and skills they have gained during their high school. In many colleges and universities, the ACT is a mandatory component of the admission process.
The ACT is one of the most recognized college entrance exams in the United States and is popular worldwide. Excelling in this exam can get you into the best universities in the United States, and other colleges that accept the ACT as an admission entrance.
1. Understand the ACT Test Format
Before you get to study mode, it is critical to start with just an overview of the ACT.
ACT Content:
English (45 minutes, 75 questions): tests grammar, punctuation, sentence structure and usage, and rhetorical skills.
Mathematics (60 minutes, 60 questions): tests algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Allow for a scientific calculator.
Reading (35 minutes, 40 questions): tests reading comprehension through passages (literature, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences).
Science (35 minutes, 40 questions): This test measures your ability to interpret data and studies in the sciences. This is not a measure of your knowledge of science, but your ability to use graphs, charts, and research to interpret – in other words, be able to tell the difference between research results.
Writing (optional, 40 minutes): The essay section includes a writing task of the essay writing variety, where you analyze, critique, and develop a coherent argument about an issue.
2. Set Your Target Score
Every institution has different requirements for ACT scores. Look into the universities you are interested in and see what their average ACT scores are for accepted students. Once you have identified your target score early on in your preparation, it will help keep you motivated and focused for an extended period of time.
3. Create a Study Plan
A study plan is important for remaining organized and being confident that you work through all of the necessary content ahead of the test. You can establish a study plan by creating a study schedule that includes the following:
Weekly Goals: Set clear goals for the week ahead (e.g., I want to complete a certain number of practice questions, or go through a particular subject again).
Specific Study Blocks: For each section of the ACT (i.e., English, Math, Reading, and Science), create smaller sections, with a definite amount of time assigned to work on that section.
Time for Reflection: Make time for reflecting on errors and weaknesses, as it is key to learning.
Tip: Stick to your study schedule and make adjustments if you need to. Consistency is key.
4. Keep Practicing
There is no better preparation for the ACT than regular practice. Although the best form of practice is full-length timed ACTs, doing any timed practice (provided that it is difficult) will allow you to build stamina and will help with time management. Time management is very important on the ACT.
Tip: When you are done with a practice test, review your answers, but focus on the questions you got wrong. Doing so will allow you to see trends or the types of questions you need to improve on.
5. Focus on Your Weaknesses
Use your diagnostic results and practice test reviews to focus on your weak areas. For example:
English: If you are weak on grammar rules, then spend more time reading about sentence structure, punctuation, and subject-verb agreement.
Math: If algebra or geometry are your weak areas, make sure you review the formulas and practice the different types of problems.
Reading: If you find reading comprehension to be your weak area, practice your speed reading and identifying the main point of each piece you read.
Science: If you find data analysis your weak area, practice reading graphs and tables, while also identifying the experimental design to further your understanding.
Writing: Make sure your writing can be easily read by others. Use transitional words (like “however,” “in addition,” “for example,” etc.) to connect your ideas. Be sure to avoid overcomplicating your sentences, as this can throw the reader off. Sometimes, simple writing has more of an impact than taking time to write in a complicated style.
Tip: Although you should maintain your strengths, put extra time into your weaknesses; this will allow you to make the most progress overall.
6. Mastering Time Management
The ACT is a timed test; thus, time management is critical if you are going to have enough time to finish all of the sections in the allotted time. Here are some guidelines:
English: Aim for about 30-35 seconds a question.
Math: Try to spend about 1 minute per question on the first few, and then use any remaining time at the end to go back to work through the difficult ones.
Reading: Spend about 50-55 seconds per question. Since this section will be based on passages, you want to practice skimming the passages and identifying the main ideas.
Writing: The ACT Writing section is timed, which means you have to practice writing essays within the time limit (40 minutes). This will help you get most of your ideas down while you are organizing them and writing in a limited time.
Science: Like in Reading, you want to spend around 50-55 seconds per question. You will need to be able to quickly interpret charts and graphs in the ACT Science section.
Tip: Track how long you spend on your practice exams and practice pacing yourself and managing your time as you go along.
7. Remember to Take Breaks and Manage Your Health
Studying is important, but caring for your physical and mental health is also important. Make sure you prevent burning yourself out by incorporating breaks into your schedule, getting enough sleep, and making sure you are exercising enough. A rested and relaxed brain is more capable of performing its best on examination day.
Tip: The day before the exam, avoid studying at the last minute. Relax, sleep well, and make sure to eat a proper breakfast on the day of the exam.
8. Remember Key Strategies and Test-Taking Tips
Every section of the ACT will require its own strategies and techniques for improvement. Let’s unpack the strategies for each section.
For English: This section tests your understanding of grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. You will focus on correcting the mistakes in passages, as well as using reading strategies to edit sentences. Make sure to read the passage before answering the questions, as it will provide context and you will cite the mistakes more easily.
For Math: The ACT math section tests algebra, geometry, and basic trigonometry. Be sure to know all the prerequisite concepts, including factoring, quadratic equations, and how to solve inequalities. You will want to practice math questions to gain more accuracy and help speed up your problem-solving process. You should always check your work, and do not get stuck on a hard problem. If you can’t figure it out, go to another and come back if you have time left.
For Reading: Timing is crucial in the Reading section. Practice reading quickly and well by first identifying the main ideas and the tone of every passage. In addition, read other genres to help develop your reading skills. Key parts to focus on are the first and last sentences of each paragraph. Those two sentences often provide a quick overview of what the paragraph is about.
For Science: The Science section is primarily about data; it is designed as an exercise in interpreting data rather than memorizing. It is important to practice handling graphs/tables and recognizing experimental designs to help build the skill of data interpretation. The key here is data interpretation and nothing more, so don’t get lost in a sea of scientific terminology. That is unimportant. It is not knowledge of specific science that is useful; it is the recognition of logical reasoning and design.
For Writing: The writing step asks you to write a cohesive essay. Practice writing essays on a mix of topics, focusing on reasoning, making a persuasive argument, and proper grammar. Always make sure that your essay has an introduction, body paragraph(s), and conclusion. Specific examples to illustrate your points will have a more convincing effect.
9. Use Official ACT Preparation Resources
To ensure you are using the right study materials, start with the real ACT preparation materials. Since the real resources will give you a real idea of what to expect on test day.
Official ACT Preparation Resources:
ACT Official Guide – This is the ultimate resource for anyone preparing for the ACT. The guide includes actual past test questions, detailed explanations, and test-taking strategies.
ACT Online Prep – ACT offers its own personalized online preparation program that allows you to take practice tests and evaluate your progress. The ACT Online prep is adaptive, meaning it changes the level of difficulty depending on your performance, allowing you to drill down on your weaker areas.
ACT Test Prep App – If you like studying on the go, ACT has a mobile app for scheduling practice questions, flashcards, and tips for test taking.
10. Independent Study Using Online Tools
For students who rely on a flexible schedule, online study tools can be a valuable option while preparing for the ACT. These websites allow students to take practice tests, view video tutorials, and download study strategies. Effectively using them independently can provide you with valuable ACT prep.
Best Online ACT Prep Programs:
The Princeton Review Singapore: The Princeton Review Singapore is the best test prep provider on the planet, and offers customized ACT prep courses or services focused on performing at your best. Upon registration, you will receive a customized study schedule and study lessons in order to achieve your fullest potential. This is a good supplementary resource to use as a reference alongside official study resources.
Magoosh: Magoosh offers a comprehensive online ACT prep course that also includes video lessons, practice questions, and study schedules.
PrepScholar: PrepScholar offers a unique level of customization; they will offer you a prep course aimed specifically at your weaknesses.
Khan Academy: While Khan Academy does not offer a set ACT prep course, it does have free lessons on math and English, which could be considered review material for ACT prep.
11. Timed Practice
The ACT will be timed, so you should practice under time conditions. This will help you get used to the rate at which you need to operate on the test and help your pacing.
Here’s how to create test conditions:
– Take practice tests in full-length (official ACT practice tests if possible).
– Put a timer on each practice section to follow the time limits of the test.
– Take breaks during the practice test if needed, as you would on test day.
If you practice regularly under timed conditions, this will help you to become more efficient at answering questions and will reduce the anxiety of completing the test.
12. Join Study Groups or Online Forums
Working together and studying collaboratively can reinforce what you’ve learned. There are more online study groups and online forums now available with candidates who are taking the ACT and share help, tips, strategies, and resources. These communities can provide you with support and the opportunity to collaborate with fellow candidates, allowing you to share challenges and questions you have related to the exam questions and concepts.
13. Preparing for Test Day
As the test date approaches, you want to be fully prepared:
Before the exam date, you will want to make sure to register in advance through the official ACT website.
You’ll also need to make sure you have the following items: Your ACT Admission Ticket, a Valid photo ID, Pencils (only use pencils), no pen, and an acceptable calculator.
Make sure to get plenty of sleep the night before to ensure you are alert and well-rested for test day.
14. Local ACT Preparation Resources
If you are studying in Singapore, then there are additional resources that may be useful:
Libraries. Public libraries in Singapore provide access to study resources, including ACT prep books. Some libraries may even provide access to online study tools for test prep.
Expatriate Education Centres. International schools in Singapore often provide, amongst general study resources, preparation courses for standardized tests such as the ACT.
Final Thoughts:
The ACT can feel intimidating, but you can be confident on test day with good planning! The best way to reduce your anxiety towards the ACT is to start early, adhere to your study schedule, and employ consistent practice. By using the information in this guide, you will be supporting your success and getting one step closer to meeting your college goals! Good luck, you are going to do great!
ACT Exam: Test Prep in Singapore
If you’re looking for a more structured learning experience with expert advice, taking an ACT course or hiring a private tutor may be a great fit for you. ACT preparation in Singapore can allow students to get the highest possible competitive scores to get admitted to top colleges and universities. Here are the top ACT prep services in Singapore:
Best ACT Prep Companies in Singapore:
The Princeton Review: The Princeton Review is a worldwide name in standardized test preparation. Their ACT prep courses in Singapore are offered both in-person and online. Their courses include practice tests, strategies, and tips for practicing to improve. Their ACT prep courses are known for their interactive lessons, engaging and thorough study materials.
Kaplan: Kaplan is another test prep company. They provide ACT prep courses available in-person or online.
Crimson Education: Crimson Education offers ACT Prep courses designed based on students’ needs. Their courses are done in groups and individually to help them achieve their target score.
Prep Zone Academy: Prep Zone Academy offers full ACT prep courses that have unlimited group classes and individualized tutoring designed for individual learning styles.
Manhattan Review: Manhattan Review is a test prep company that offers all types of ACT prep in Singapore, including group classes, online/group instruction, private tutoring, and practice tests.
TestTakers Singapore: Test Takers Singapore specializes exclusively in test prep. They passionately focus on trendy and ingenious ways of teaching the ACT while driving efficient score improvement.
Masterclass Space: Masterclass Space specializes in ACT prep as well. They provide online classes for ACT prep with personalized needs. Each program will include individualized study plans and instruction with a tutor.
Private Tutors: In Singapore, qualified ACT tutors specialize in ACT prep. Tutors can be found who focus on specific subjects, for example, private tutoring for English, Math, or comprehensive tutoring that includes all sections of the ACT.
Key Benefits of ACT Test Prep in Singapore:
- Professional expertise: Constant support from tutors who specialize in ACT prep can help this agency build individualized instructional plans.
- Flexible learning: Options and expectations are flexible; you can take in-person classes, intensive programs, and asynchronous online classes.
- Resources: Provided opportunities for practice tests, reading lists, and strategies tailored to boosting ACT scores.
Choosing the Right Test Prep Provider:
When choosing an ACT prep provider, you ~~~
- Your learning style (do you want group classes or one-on-one classes?).
- Budget on the (program ~ to premium prices).
- Course flexibility (online vs in-class)
- Program success rate ( of how approximately every ~ students achieve their ultimate ACT score).
There’s no reason why, with the proper prep, students in Singapore can’t achieve top scores to help them strengthen their university bargaining position. Unite below.long);
How The Princeton Review Singapore Can Assist You in Acing the ACT Exam
Finding the right resources and support can make a huge difference when studying for the ACT test. When it comes to achieving a super high score, or just feeling less stressed on test day, The Princeton Review has a variety of resources as well as professionals to help get you through the ACT exam.
Here’s how The Princeton Review Singapore can help you achieve your goals of passing the ACT:
1. Experienced Instruction and Experienced Instructors
Princeton Review is recognized for having highly experienced instructors who specialize in standardized test preparation. Their instructors are not just experienced in the materials of the ACT; they have experience in the test-taking strategies that can support a higher score.
2. Comprehensive ACT Prep Experience
The Princeton Review offers varied ACT prep courses, including a variety of ACT prep courses in Singapore that will fit your learning styles. The Princeton Review courses deliver a structured and strategic approach to ACT prep in order to cover useful content while engaging in effective test-taking strategies.
3. Access to Authentic Practice Tests and Study Materials
Probably the most important aspect of prepping for the ACT is practice. The Princeton Review provides legitimate ACT practice tests and resources, so you can feel confident that the material you are studying is preparing you for the real thing. Most of the resources will be a close representation of how the ACT appears in structure and the types of questions you will see, so this should help you prepare for what is to come on the day of the exam.
4. Learn Time Management and Test-Taking Strategies
Because the ACT is a timed test, time management is important to get a high score. The Princeton Review ACT prep programs focus on time management strategies to help you maintain a steady pace.
5. Individualized Assistance for International Students
Students in Singapore have various educational experiences and may have a different take on the ACT. The Princeton Review understands those specific issues and will provide additional help for international students.
6. Ongoing Support & Resources
The Princeton Review not only provides instruction in the classroom, but also continues to help you throughout your journey.
7. Monitor your Progress and Develop your Skills
Throughout your whole preparation, The Princeton Review works with you to monitor your progress, with constant feedback on your assessments, practice assessment scores, and tailored reflections, you will know exactly where you are and what to work on.
Conclusion:
The Princeton Review Singapore offers a thorough and personalized approach to ACT preparation. With highly knowledgeable tutors, great course materials, realistic exams, and usable strategies, they have everything you need to succeed in the ACT. Whether you want to get into a top-tier university in the U.S. or just want to improve your score, The Princeton Review has your development, support, and confidence you need to succeed.