If you’re planning to apply to college in the near-future, you’re probably thinking a lot about the SAT and/or the ACT, the two standardized tests colleges have been using to make admissions decisions for generations. And yet, for this current generation of students, the college admissions landscape has a new feature: the ability to apply test-optional. More and more colleges and universities are offering students the option of not submitting either SAT or ACT scores as part of their admissions materials.
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Should I Submit ACT or SAT Scores to Test-Optional Schools?
Posted by Mark Skoskiewicz on Thu, Dec 29, 2022 @ 03:46 PM
Topics: sat tutoring, ACT, submitting test scores, test optional
Should I take the ACT or the SAT? This is one of the most common questions students have when they begin to consider the college application process.
Read MoreTopics: sat tutoring, ACT, studying for the SATs, tips for studying for the ACT
As the ACT has come into its own over the past 10-20 years as a fully recognized college admissions test alongside the SAT, students increasingly weigh both of these exams to assess which one may be better suited for them, sometimes opting for both. Preferences (and rumors) abound, of course: “There are too many trick questions on the SAT math!” or “I'd take the ACT, but the science section is a deal-breaker!” While these sentiments may (or may not) be true, depending on the student, what's certainly true is that they contribute heavily towards apprehension over which test to take! There is, however, one section that is nearly identical on each test, and offers a way to kill two birds with one stone in your college admission exam prep. That's the grammar/rhetoric section, referred to as the “English” section in the ACT, and the “Writing and Language” section on the SAT. CollegeXpress offers an in-depth analysis of the similarities and differences between the two tests.
Read MoreTopics: ACT, SAT, SAT study help, ACT study help, ACT/SAT study skills, SAT writing, ACT english
The PSAT: Your First Step to SAT & ACT Success
Posted by Method Test Prep on Wed, Sep 06, 2017 @ 11:54 AM
Topics: ACT/SAT, ACT, SAT test, ACT test, SAT study help, ACT study help, ACT/SAT study skills, ACT-Math practice, PSAT
Understanding how the ACT is scored is one of the most fundamental aspects of taking the test. Before even stepping foot into the classroom on test day, knowing the scoring for the ACT can help you to outline your studying and set realistic score goals as you are planning for the big day. Let’s dive into our guide for ACT scoring and what you should know right now:
Read MoreTopics: ACT, ACT overview, ACT test
Reading four lengthy passages and answering 40 questions in a short timespan of 35 minutes can seem overwhelming, especially if you are not familiar with the ACT Reading section and the many tricks that the ACT writers try to confuse test-takers with. However, a little review and practice of a few simple test-taking strategies will give you the skills and confidence necessary to tackle the ACT Reading section.
Read MoreTopics: ACT, Reading Comprehension, ACT/SAT study skills
ACT Science: Sifting Out What Matters (and what doesn’t)
Posted by Gaurav Dubey on Thu, Mar 16, 2017 @ 10:00 AM
The ACT Science section has a rather misleading name. Perhaps a better name would be the ACT Reading Section Part 2: Science Concepts. The exam requires no prior knowledge of scientific content or concepts. Instead, students are required to interpret data graphs, what the scientific method is and how scientific theories disagree from each other. These are concepts taught in every high school in the country. The ACT is a standardized exam that must provide a level playing field for all applicants, from all demographics across the United States. As such, it may be comforting to know that advanced science concepts such as DNA transcription and translation or the Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium won’t be tested. To succeed on this portion of the exam, exposure to ACT Science questions and practice solving them is critical. The following is an important tip to succeeding on the ACT science section:
Read MoreTopics: ACT, ACT/SAT study skills, ACT Science
Designing an ACT Study Plan? Here are our Recommended ACT Study Materials
Posted by Mark Skoskiewicz on Thu, Dec 29, 2016 @ 02:54 PM
When designing an ACT study plan, one key question is “what materials will I use?” Luckily, the most effective material is also the most inexpensive (more on that later).
To begin, it’s helpful to ask yourself one basic question: am I fundamentally comfortable using online materials or not? There are many web-sites and “apps” available to help you prepare for the ACT. But for some people, plain old paper and pencil is still their preferred way to learn. I tend to encourage students to at least consider an online approach, since it’s generally very convenient and because many online resources are “adaptive,” meaning they give you suggested practice content based on how you’ve performed on previous practice problems to build on your strengths and address your weaknesses. But, if an online approach just isn’t for you, don’t force it.
Read MoreTopics: ACT study plan, ACT, ACT overview, ACT concepts, ACT tutoring
Writing an essay in 40 minutes can be a daunting task. The ACT graders expect you to write a well-developed, coherent essay about a topic that you may not be familiar with. However, knowing more about the ACT Writing section, and what graders are looking for can help you to prepare for this task effectively.
Read MoreTopics: ACT, ACT test, Writing Section
Simple but Powerful Test Taking Strategies: Part 1
Posted by Mark Skoskiewicz on Thu, Apr 14, 2016 @ 06:00 PM
Strategy is an intrinsic part of preparing for standardized tests. Without the proper strategies even the most advanced students find themselves performing below their full potential.
Here are a few proven test taking strategies that will take you a long way in your quest for a high score, regardless of the test you’re taking.
Read MoreTopics: test taking strategies, ACT, Reading Comprehension, process of elimination