Walking into a testing room with the anxiety of not knowing what to expect, and also not properly preparing ahead of time, puts you in a serious predicament. The ACT is more than likely the most important test you’ll ever take, as it will determine what colleges will accept you and where you place at their school.

By knowing what to expect on the test, along with hours of practicing, you’ll have a greater chance of success when test day arrives. Here’s what you can expect about the ACT, and ways that you can prepare for it. 

Preparing Your Homeschooler for the ACT

Why homeschoolers should take the ACT

I remember taking the ACT and SAT when I was in high school. Of course, I wasn’t a homeschooler, so it wasn’t until recently that I began to really think through the testing and college application process with that mindset. As our oldest enters his last high school years, he is talking more and more about where he wants to attend college.

His goal is to play basketball in college, but as we’ve mentioned to him, grades and test scores are also important. As a homeschooler he doesn’t take many tests, so we want him to be prepared, not stressed when he enters the testing room. But explaining to him why he should take the ACT really opened his eyes. Because we are not registered through an accredited school, the ACT gives his grades and education validation. Basically, it gives homeschoolers “weight” when it comes to the college application process. It shows the school their worth and that they really are ready to be a student there.

Overview of the ACT 

The ACT is broken up into 4 multiple-choice tests, mathematics, English, science and reading. There is also a writing section that is optional, but some colleges out there require it, so check the college(s) where you want to apply. Every multiple choice question has at least 4 or 5 possible answers. 

The mathematics section of the test consists of 60 questions, where you will have 60 minutes to complete it. The English portion of the test consists of 75 questions, in which you will have 45 minutes to finish. 

You will have 35 minutes to complete 40 questions on the science portion of the test, while the reading portion consists of another 40 questions, with also 35 minutes to complete. The writing portion requires one essay, where you will have 40 minutes to complete.   

Familiarize yourself with the ACT Test

The most important way that you can prepare is to become familiar with the questions that you can come to expect will be on the test. There are several ACT practice tests that you can find online that not only help you see what will be on the test but also help you realize how much time you are able to spend on each question. Here’s an ACT Practice Test for you to get started.  

Refresh Your Knowledge in Subjects covered on the ACT

After taking one or two practice tests, have your homeschooler look at the questions that make up larger portions of the test. Be sure that they review these areas in their textbooks to the point that they feel confident about answering them correctly. With consistent review, they will feel more comfortable in these areas that may have been forgotten. 

Study Sections of the ACT You Don’t Understand  

Next, go over questions of the test that you simply don’t understand. Review these sections in your textbooks and give it another go. If you’re still struggling to comprehend, it never hurts to ask for help. Go over these questions with a study partner or ask for help from your instructor. They may be able to explain things in a way that you can understand.     

Pace Yourself through the ACT Test

You need to be pacing yourself when you’re taking each practice test. You don’t want to be answering each question too slow, but you also don’t want to be rushing through them. If there’s a question that you don’t understand, skip over it and come back later. Pace yourself to the point where you have enough time to review your answers. 

Read the Directions and Each Question Carefully during the ACT

Make sure that you are reading the directions carefully, as well as each question. Not understanding the directions can cause you to make mistakes with several questions on that portion of the test. Sometimes there may be a trick question that tries to stump you, so read carefully.  

Answer Every ACT Question

There’s a greater chance you’ll receive a higher score for answering every question, then you would if you left a question blank. You won’t be penalized for guessing, but you are penalized for not finishing. And by not answering a question, it shows that you “didn’t finish,” not that you didn’t understand or were waiting to “go back.”

Start each ACT section by Answering the Easy Questions First

One strategy that will prove useful to you, is to knock out the easy questions first. Don’t spend so much time on a question that is confusing to you. This way you’ll have time, in the end, to return to that question and work it out, or make an educated guess. 

Use Logic On Difficult Questions for the ACT

There will be questions on the test that will prove difficult and will require you to return to them later. What you can do is use logic to answer the question. First, eliminate answers that you know are incorrect. Next, compare each answer and see where they differ. Their differences may provide clues that help you make a better decision with your answer. 

By using these strategies while preparing for the ACT, you’ll be heading into the testing room with a gameplan and the confidence you need to score well. What are some other ways you’ve studied and prepared for this test that may prove useful for other students?  

You’ll also want to make sure you know what the ACT looks like and you can check that out here. If you want to give your homeschooler a leg up on preparing for the ACT, I have a Grammar Study pack that you should check out.

Download Your ACT Prep Grammar Study Cards

This is a simple study pack that covers twelve different parts of speech and grammar tips covered on the ACT. While most high schoolers will know these, it is always a good idea to review things before taking the ACT (or SAT) test. We suggest printing on cardstock and laminating so you can use them over and over in review.

To download the ACT Prep Grammar Study Cards, simply add it to your cart and then checkout. **Upon checkout, you will be added to my Weekly Newsletter list.**