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What should I do to boost my ACT scores so I can get into the school of my dreams?

I live in a state with only four colleges that offer my desired major, biomedical engineering, and they are very competitive. I need to get the best scores I can so I can get into one. #biomedical-engineering #merceruniversity

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Dan’s Answer

Hi Emily. I believe the biggest key to success is practice, practice, and more practice :). I would suggest taking several practice exams before you take the official test the first time. I would also plan on taking the test on several occasions because ultimately you get to keep your best score. For example - if you take the test 5 times and score 25, 24, 28, 27, and 30 only your 30 counts.

As you study and take the practice tests I would suggest two main strategies. First of all, you should identify the sections of the test where you are scoring the lowest and focus your preparation on those areas. The four sections are English, Math, Reading, and Science and typically most people will have 1 or 2 areas where they consistently score lower than the others. Those are the best areas to focus on since they provide the most opportunity to raise your numbers. The other strategy is to get used to the speed of the test. The ACT is a timed exam and and that can be nerve racking the first couple times you take it. However, you get used to it after a few times and that will help you relax and get a better score.

There are a LOT of study aids available online. Here are a few places you can start:

https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation.html
https://blog.prepscholar.com/complete-official-act-practice-tests-free-links
https://www.test-guide.com/free-act-practice-tests.html

Good luck!

Dan
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Kim’s Answer

Emily,

See the link below. In addition to all the regular stuff ,like, get a good nite sleep, eat right, etc., I add this:


The ACT does not penalize you for guessing. So, how do you guess? Two ways.

First, let's assume you know nothing about the questions being asked. If you were taking a multiple choice test on the history of Switzerland, 25 questions, each with an A-E option, how would you answer them? If you randomly guess, you could possibly get them all wrong. But, if you mark "B" (or any other random letter) for ALL of the answers, 15-25% of them will be correct! (are you following?) So, my first suggestion, is to walk in the door with a letter already in your head for such situations!


But, what if you can narrow it down, to two or three different options, but not beyond that? I always pick the letter furthest to the left. Why? No reason. It saves me from stressing over it!


Watch the clock, and, when you are almost out of time, if you have not finished, scribble in (neatly!) the same letter you walked in the door with, above. Straight B's, or whatever. A certain percentage will be right!


This is not a substitute for studying, but will give you a few extra points. The ultimate objective is to win without cheating!


See link below for additional hints.


Good luck!


Kim

Kim recommends the following next steps:

http://www.gocollege.com/admissions/preparing/tests/act/test-taking-tips.html
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