When preparing for the ACT, it’s good to know what to expect for each test section. But how exactly do you get started?
Among the different parts, the ACT science test can get tricky without proper preparation. Generally, it covers science in the form of understanding and general knowledge.
So, what can you do to make sure you take the right steps? Here are a few tips!
Get an Idea of the Covered Topics
You want to start with knowing what you’re about to face during the test day. Aside from the number of questions and provided time limit, It includes the topics the exam covers.
Keep in mind that the ACT science test consists of the following areas:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Earth Sciences
Although it doesn’t require you to have advanced knowledge, it’s important to get a good grasp of the basic concepts. So, be prepared to make predictions and relate them to current data and trends.
Know the Types of ACT Science Passages
The passages you will find during the ACT science test usually fall under three categories. These are as follows:
- Experiments: These require you to understand the logic behind certain experiments based on the provided information or known theories.
- Figures and Graphs: These contain more than one chart, table, graph, illustration, and figure. You need to determine the answer by understanding the relationship between each.
- Different Viewpoints: These are similar to reading passages, requiring you to understand, compare, contrast, and synthesize the information.
Work on Them by Order
A common technique when taking tests is to start with the easiest questions and progressively move to the most difficult ones. This way, you can effectively use your time while answering as many questions as you can.
You also want to make sure you’re not taking too much time on a single question unless you know you have enough time. By clearing the ones you know better, you can allocate more time towards the harder ones - all without risking your potential score.
Use Official Study Materials
It’s best to practice with official or ACT-specific materials. While you can study older lessons as much as you want, the ACT science test doesn’t necessarily come with the same concepts.
If you want to save time and make sure you gather the right information, it’s best to study with ACT-specific tests and reviewers.
Practice with Realistic Timing
You only have 40 minutes to complete the entire science section. So, you want to practice your pacing to ensure you can answer faster.
A quick way to do this is by using a testing timer and setting it to the appropriate time. Not only does it give you a realistic dry run, but it also helps you get used to working under time pressure.
Go Over the Incorrect Answers
If you take practice tests, you shouldn’t stop at checking your total correct answers. Instead, go over the incorrect ones and determine why they’re wrong.
Doing this allows you to train yourself to understand each question better and test the depth of your knowledge regarding specific topics.
Ace the ACT Science Test with These Tips
You can achieve higher scores on the ACT science test with the proper preparation tips. It focuses on working on your pace, strategy, and even general understanding. With this, it helps you improve your possible score and ensure you get a satisfactory result!
