The ACT is a national standardized test taken by high-school students to help improve their chances of getting into their dream colleges. The ACT measures student’s knowledge and skills in the areas of English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. While not all colleges require applicants to complete the ACT, all four-year schools allow students to submit their scores. The ACT lasts 3 hours and 15 minutes (plus an optional 40-minute essay).

The ACT is a great option for students who want additional test scores to show than just the SAT and to set themselves apart from other applicants. One of the best ways to do well on the ACT is to take practice exams. Students taking advantage of practice ACT exams tend to feel more confident in taking the real test because they’re familiar with the ACT exam’s structure and style. Students taking the ACT should follow these essential tips when taking practice ACT tests.

1. Beating The ACT Requires Preparation

Incredibly, many students underestimate the value of simply showing up prepared. Students should review requirements and special instructions for the specific test they are taking and come ready with all necessary materials. They should do their research on the exam, know the time allotted for each question, and understand how to calculate their score. For example, ACT scores are based on the number of correct answers and there is no penalty for incorrect answers. Knowing this can help students avoid guessing on questions that may reduce his or her score.

Students should feel well rested, eat a healthy breakfast, and dress comfortably before taking an ACT practice exam. Being familiar with the test format and time allotted can help students take more accurate practice tests and feel confident taking them. Being prepared seems simple, but it can dramatically increase performance and confidence.

2. Start Practicing For The ACT Ahead of Time

Students often wonder when they should start practicing for ACT exams. The answer is now! The earlier students start preparing, the better. Skills and concepts that appear on the exam must be developed over time, so it’s not an exam students can cram for right before. Students should take every class, homework assignment, and practice test seriously since anything learned might come up on the ACT.

If a student is considering taking the ACT exam, they should begin taking practice tests. These practice tests will give students insight into how well they might do, how prepared they really are, and what concepts they need to focus more on. If a student starts taking practice exams early and notices her or she is not getting the score they need, they have time to practice more and shift their studying methods.

3. Treat Your Practice ACT Exam Like It’s The Real Deal

It is important students that students treat each practice ACT exam like it’s the real thing. Being in the right mindset will help students take the exam seriously and get an accurate idea of their score. Students should pick a quiet, comfortable location where they will be uninterrupted for the duration of the exam. They should use only the necessary materials and put away cell-phones and computers to avoid distraction.

Students taking practice exams should use a timer to allow themselves the same amount of time on each section as allowed on test day. A lot of exam anxiety comes from the pressure of taking a timed test. Students should try their absolute best on all practice exams because it will only help them when it’s time for the real thing!

4. Take Advantage of ALL Your Resources

If students are not performing as well on practice exams as they like, it’s important they know their resources. Teachers, tutors, peers, older students, and test prep books are just a few great resources student can utilize. Practice tests are a great resource in itself. After taking practice exams, students should list what they knew well, what they didn’t know, and how the felt during the exam. Then, students should find a teacher or tutor to help with any questions so that they are more prepared for the next one.

ACT Exams are a great way to measure a student’s knowledge, preparedness for college-level courses, and to make an application stand out. Practice exams are the best way to ensure students are confident on exam day. Be sure to implement these tips into your studying to get the best score on the ACT as possible and impress your top schools!