Many recommend creating an ACT study plan to prepare you for your upcoming test. But before anything else, you want to build your foundation.
Your starting point can affect the results of your performance, especially if you have specific goals. The question is, where should you begin?
Here’s a look at the basics you need to make the perfect ACT study plan.
Set Your Target Score
First of all, you should have a target score. When deciding on this, keep in mind you want to aim for a score that guarantees high admission to all the schools you’re applying to.
Keep in mind that the scores accepted by each college will vary. While some have a similar range, they generally differ based on the type of school you choose.
The easiest way to determine which score to set as your primary target is by listing down what each college requires. From there, you want to pick out the highest ACT score you need.
At the same time, you want to determine your baseline score or where you’re currently at when it comes to ACT preparedness. Usually, you can do this by trying a practice test and calculating your score. You want to learn more about ACT scores before doing this.
With this, you can determine how much further you need to go before you reach your goal. It also gives you an idea of the effort you should put into specific areas.
Determine How Long You Need
With your baseline and target score, you want to determine how much time you need to prepare for the ACT. A quick way to do so is by subtracting your baseline from your target score.
The point difference gives you an idea of how long you might need to study to achieve your goal. Note that it can go anywhere from a few hours to days.
Moreover, you should consider how long you want to spend studying for the ACT. Some people prefer to do so only until they improve, while others take longer for consistency and mastery.
Pick the Perfect Test Date
Your test date is crucial when it comes to preparing your ACT study plan. You can think of it as your primary deadline, giving you an idea of how much time you have left to work with.
Note that you can choose when to take your test date. Even so, you want to be sure you give yourself enough time to prepare and retest.
Additionally, you should consider your availability by the time you take the test and how it aligns with your study hours. As much as possible, set it when you don’t have other commitments to allow you to put your entire focus on studying and testing.
You also want to make sure it lines up with your chosen college’s application deadlines to prevent you from getting disqualified.
Gather as Many Resources as Possible
In the process of building your ACT study plan foundation, you want to take your time to gather resources for your study. Many recommend using official materials for a more realistic experience.
- Practice tests: These are a great way to check your progress and score improvement.
- Sample test questions: These provide detailed answers and help with identifying weaknesses.
- Prep books: These come with tests, questions, and tips on scoring better on the ACT.
Build a Good Foundation for Your ACT Study Plan
The key to a good ACT study plan is to have a strong foundation. By knowing the basics, you can ensure you have a good base to start with while making sure you don’t end up overlooking any crucial details. This way, you can ensure it stays effective, even in the long run!
