The ACT is a HUGE test, not just in duration, but also in potential impact on your future. That is why you can’t go into it without proper preparation. To take the ACT lightly could mean that you miss out on scholarship money that you would have been awarded if you had prepared properly. You might have to work crazy hours while in college, or you might not get to go to college at all.
That is why we at MasteryPrep work hard to help you prepare in ALL areas of the ACT, not just in the actual test itself. We know that the right preparation could mean a world of difference for you and your future, and we want you to succeed. That is why we believe it would be helpful if you looked at taking the ACT the same way you would look at playing an important football game, performing in a concert, facing your school’s rival in a debate, or acting in the school play. All of these events require preparation.
You MUST actively practice the skills required, learn the right strategies that complement your strengths, exercise your mind and body, and learn how to deal with the stress of taking the ACT.
One of the biggest keys to successfully taking the ACT is mental preparation. If you go into the ACT without the right mental preparation, you will struggle. However, the right mental preparation will enable you to be prepared, to overcome obstacles, and to succeed on one of the most important tests of your life.
We say it all the time, and it bears repeating;
“The right preparation will lead to a better score on the ACT.”
With that said we want to help you be mentally prepared for the ACT by giving you 7 key strategies. Knowing and practicing these strategies will help make the whole ACT test experience better and easier.
1.) Get Organized
If you know ahead of time that you will be taking the ACT, you should be prepared well in advance. This is not a “I’m just going to wing it” kind of test. You can’t leave preparation to the last minute. If you do that, you will struggle and not get the score you are shooting for.
As the test date gets closer, make a plan that will help you do your best. Get organized. That means everything from getting all your test-taking materials together to practicing test-taking skills that will help you crush the ACT.
2.) Keep the Test in Perspective
Remember, while the ACT is a big test, it is only a small part of your overall education. If you don’t ace it the first time, you can try again (up to 12 times, but we don’t know anyone who has taken it that many times).
Also, remember that it is YOU taking the test; the test is not taking you. You are in charge. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that you’ve got this, you are prepared, and you have everything you need to get the score you want.
And if you don’t get the score you want, try again.
3.) Learn as much as you can about the ACT
We actually really like this strategy, because one of the things we do in our workshops, boot camps, and training materials is reveal all kinds of ACT secrets.
The ACT doesn’t have to be this big and mysterious test.
You can learn everything you need to know in order to have a “leg up” on the test. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with ACT content in every subject (you can do that in our boot camps and workshops), take a few practice tests, etc.
Once you know WHAT to expect, you can focus on HOW to take the test.
4.) Refresh your knowledge and skills in the content areas
Once you have gotten a good understanding of the content appearing on the individual ACT tests, study up on the areas that aren’t fresh in your mind. We recommend focusing on your strongest subjects first.
5.) Identify areas you haven’t studied
There will be areas on the ACT that you haven’t studied in a while. Remember the ACT covers educational topics from grades 3-12. That is a LONG time period. You are going to need to review some areas of study.
6.) Plan your study time.
Preparing for the ACT is a lot like having a part-time job. You must schedule time to study for it. It’s easy to think that you will study for a test that is way in the future, but unless you schedule a time to study, you will find things will pop up that prevent you from doing so.
I’m not saying you need to study for hours on end, but small amounts of time spread out will help you get a feel for the ACT and what you can expect.
7.) Develop a Positive Mental Attitude
Having a positive mental attitude toward the ACT is a HUGE part of being prepared for the test. If you go into the test feeling and thinking that the test is going to beat you…it will.
However, if you go into the test knowing that you are prepared, you will do well. Having the right mental attitude is directly a result of being prepared.
We hope this helps.
We want you to be prepared in every way possible for the ACT, and that is why we post blogs, have workshops, boot camps, books, and more.
If you want to learn more about MasteryPrep, our workshops, or our boot camps contact us via the information provided below.
MasteryPrep: 855-922-8773 or [email protected]