ACT Preparation

Northridge High School

Counseling Department

What is the ACT?

American College TestNOT an IQ testCollege Readiness/Preparation

Maybe I should take the SAT?

Not necessary for in-state universitiesCheck with any out-of-state university to

see if it is neededMany universities will accept either testBoth tests can be takenSAT must be taken at a university testing

center (WSU or U of U)www.marchtosuccess.com for test prep

ACT vs. SAT

Football vs. BasketballSAT has a penalty for guessingSAT has a vocabulary sectionSAT requires the writing sectionUnanswered questions on the ACT are

automatically marked wrong - use educated guesses if needed

Scoring

Scale of 1-36Four separate tests:

EnglishMathReadingScience (Optional Writing) - Westminster is the only

Utah college/university that requires the writing test

When to take the ACT?

Spring of junior yearAs many times as it takesLast chance for scholarship competition:

December of senior yearALL JUNIORS WILL TAKE THE ACT AT

NORTHRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL MARCH 5, 2013

What’s a good score?

Depends!GPA + ACT/SAT= index scoreIndex score determines eligibility for

academic scholarships and college/university admission.

ACT Registration

ACTstudent.orgACT packets are available in Student

ServicesREGISTRATION FOR THE MARCH

ACT WILL TAKE PLACE IN ADVISORY CLASSES IN FEBRUARY!

Test Preparation

Utahfutures.orgactstudent.orgact.orgBooks and CDsClassesPrivate tutoring10-15 hours of preparation

recommended

Available Classes:

Kaplan: $700 +Sylvan Learning Center: $595 +U of U: $220 +Online – utahfutures.org: free

English Tips

45 minutesFive passages15 questions per passageRead a paragraph at a timeContext, context, context!Use process of elimination

Math Tips

60 minutes60 questionsPace yourselfNEVER leave an ACT answer blankUse calculators with your brainUse number common senseShow your work Check your answer

Reading Tips

35 minutes4 passages10 questions per passageRead quicklyAnswer carefullyPace yourself—many don’t finishRead actively

Science Tips

Watch fatigue35 minutes7 passagesNo calculatorsUse process of eliminationUse testing confidenceGet answers from test

Writing Tips

Not yet required for Utah universities (except Westminster)

30 minutesOne essay questionTeenage topicExtra $12 test chargeScored from 1-12

Before the Test

Be confident (game day) Be prepared—practice Be healthy

Get plenty of sleep the two nights before!

Eat a protein breakfast to maintain energy

Be on time – Be early Dress comfortably NO CELL PHONES Dress in layers

Bring the following items: Required photo ID Calculator + backup

batteries Admission Ticket 3 No. 2 pencils with

good erasers A wristwatch – no

alarm A protein snack for the

break

Questions?