Ace the ACT Test with Proven Preparation Methods

Ace the ACT Test with Proven Preparation Methods

This article is the second part of the Standardized Tests for US College Admissions series concentrating on the test preparation methods and crucial information about the tests for students to perform better. In the third and final part of the series, we will learn about TOEFL and IELTS tests.

In this article, we will discuss about one of the important standardized tests that is accepted by almost all US Universities and colleges for higher education admission purposes – The ACT.

What is ACT?

The ACT or American College Testing is a standardized test to identify the readiness of a student for admissions in the US Universities and colleges.  The ACT test consists of English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science tests.

ACT +Writing Test

ACT also has an optional Writing test. This optional test is conducted for 30 minutes at the end of the main test. The candidates Profile for ACTare asked to write an essay based on a social issue through which they are tested for taking a stance on an issue, maintaining focus throughout the essay, expressing ideas using logical reasoning, organizing ideas logically, and using language effectively and clearly.

Preparation for the test

Below are simple yet proven strategies to prepare for the test:

• The candidate must prepare well in advance for the test. Crash courses before a week or a month of the test may not come in handy on the test day


• Candidates must take a lot of test practices using the available online sources, model question papers, and question banks


• A study on the structure and content of the ACT question paper can be made much prior to the exam. This would help in understanding the format of the questions coming ahead in the test, unless and otherwise a new format is announced for the upcoming test


• Certain subject areas may be found a little difficult in the model question papers. These can be concentrated more and got enough practice on


• After covering major portions of the ACT preparation materials, the candidates must try to refresh and revise the subjects

On the Test Day

Before taking the test, one must read the instructions carefully. For English, Reading, and Writing tests the answers would have to be chosen from the multiple choices. One should consider and analyze all the options before choosing the ‘best’ answer.

For Mathematics test, the candidate would need to work out the problem separately and compare it with the answer options, rather than directly looking at the options.

Structure of the Test

Let us see briefly, the structure of ACT test subjects on the test:

• English – 75 multiple choice questions (MCQ’s) – 45 minutes. The questions will test your grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills.


• Mathematics – 60 MCQ’s – 60 minutes. The questions will be asked from Algebra I and II, Geometry, and Trigonometry.


• Reading test – 40 MCQ’s – 35 minutes. In this test, four passages about prose fiction, social studies, humanities, and natural sciences will be given. For each passage, there will be 10 questions asked.


• Science subject – 40 MCQ’s – 35 minutes. Questions will be based on science-based passages with graphs, charts, tables, and research summaries.

Educational Institutions that Accept ACT

As mentioned earlier in the article, almost all the US Universities and four-year colleges accept the ACT scores.

Only specific US colleges or Universities require ACT + Writing Test for admission.  However, students are advised to take the Writing test also to improve the chances of admission into a college. Following are some of the higher educational institutions that come under this category:

• Concordia University, Portland (with or without Writing test)


• Graceland University (with or without Writing test)


• Stephen F Austin State University


• University of Southern California, and many more.

The ACT, since recently, is being compared to the SAT tests and the acceptance level of ACT in the US Universities and colleges has become very encouraging for students to take up these tests. Make sure that you do not lag behind. Keep up with the preparation work and reap the rewards.

Later, we will also discuss about important stages during higher education admission process in the US. Watch out this space for more and keep studying!

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Get Through SAT with Clever Strategies

Practice makes perfect! The only foolproof way to ace anything in your life is practice. SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) is no exception. One must start preparing for SAT , an year prior. If you have not done so, start now!

As you may be aware, to get into your dreamed college or University for higher education, you would have to clear the SAT. Although, SAT score is not mandatory for admissions at all US colleges, most of the accredited US colleges and Universities require students to clear the test. Along with the score, your high school record, performance in extracurricular activities, and recommendations from your teacher is also considered during the admission process. The test dates for SAT have been announced already for the academic year 2013-14. Hence, make sure you prepare for these tests in advance and be ready with your scores while applying for the college of your dream.

Let us briefly, get to know about the SAT. Also, we will discuss about how to prepare for the tests and use different strategies to perform during the tests to achieve best results and scores.

What is SAT?

SAT or the Scholastic Aptitude Test is a national standardized test conducted throughout the US to evaluate students for undergraduate school admissions. These tests are conducted as SAT Reasoning tests and SAT Subject tests with objectives of their own.

What is SAT Reasoning Test?

SAT Reasoning tests are conducted to test your reasoning and verbal ability in the subject areas namely, Mathematics, Critical Reading, and Writing. It usually takes almost 4 hours to complete the tests. It, for sure can turn out to be a grueling session, if it happens to be your first test for the first time on the examination day.

What is SAT Subject test?

SAT Subject tests are content-based tests on the subject that a student chooses. The duration of the test is one hour and it consists of multiple choice questions. For each correct answer, you are awarded one point and for each wrong answer, you lose a fraction of a point.
These tests are conducted in 20 subjects categorized under five general subjects namely English, History, Languages, Mathematics, and Science.
The Subject test acts as an opportunity for you to showcase your talent in a particular subject area to a college or a University. SAT subject scores can enhance the chances of your application and can place you in the college as a freshman or in higher-level courses.

How to Prepare?

To prepare for SAT Reasoning and Subject tests, you can use resources like SAT preparation books including practice tests and online tests. You can also enroll yourself in a coaching class, if required. Additionally, the following points can be useful in your preparation:

• Be familiar with the structure of the question paper


• Be aware that the questions would be asked in the ascending order of difficulty hence, make sure you spend less time in the initial stage of the test. This would allow you to have more time to at the later stage with tougher problems on the paper



• To prepare for Reading & Comprehension, be aware of the current affairs, read articles of various subjects every day, and exercise your comprehension abilities with them


• Improve your vocabulary day-by-day. Make it as a habit to look up to the dictionary whenever you come across a new word


• Get enough practice in essay writing


• Get to know how to use various features in your calculator to solve different math problems using formulas. Make sure you use the same calculator in your exam hall


• Memorize and remember all the formulas and theorems correctly


• Use the time cleverly when you answer multiple choice questions. Do not stress out, if you do not know the answer for any of the questions, try to guess or move on to the next


• Thoroughly understand all the key concepts in your favorite subject area to give proper structure and body to your essays


• Make sure that your essays do not deviate from the main points to be discussed in the body


• Try to avoid grammatical and punctuation errors


• Concentrate on sentence phrasing and flow of the article between paragraphs

Accredited US Universities and Colleges that accept SAT scores

Following are some of the US Universities and colleges that accept the test scores of Scholastic Aptitude Test:

• Concordia University, Portland


• Graceland University


• Grand Canyon University


• Liberty University


• North Central University


• Stephen F. Austin State University


• University of Southern California

SAT tests can be written well if you are aware of the above stated key strategies. Prepare for the test with these key points in mind and you would stand great chances to outsmart the rest of the crowd.

Most importantly, get enough rest and maintain a healthy diet before the test day.

This article is the first part of the Standardized Tests for US College Admissions series. In the next part, we will learn about ACT tests and its preparation methods.

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How to apply for higher education in the US?

For domestic and online students

Best move in your career

The decision to pursue higher education is the best move in the current economic and job market scenario. As per the current market trends, the demand for a well qualified individual in any industry in the US, is very high.

Read on to know about how you could apply for higher education degree in the US schools & colleges and get placed in reputed, high-paying jobs.

The US Educational Institutions for Higher Education

The United States of America has 8,990 higher education institutions. Of which 4,495 institutions are included under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Financial aid for students are available for only these colleges covered under the act.

Application and Enrollment Process for Domestic Students:

Students willing to pursue higher education may do their research about the accredited Universities or colleges, area of study, and the degree program.

Admission process starts with getting the right educational qualifications or academic equivalence required by the college one would want to apply for. In the US, about 85% of the colleges require SAT or ACT test scores. 

A domestic student must decide on the colleges to apply by October of the high school senior year and be ready with the paper work and references the college may ask for. 

Early admission process can be opted for the colleges with top priority. Once a student has been accepted in a college, financial aid can be sought through the college itself or through FAFSA.

To get admission in the US colleges, a student should have passed one or more of the following tests based on the program and the college:

• SAT Reasoning Test
• SAT Subject Tests
• ACT + Writing Test
• TOEFL
• IELTS

Application Process

A student should follow these steps diligently to have the application successful:

• Obtain application and financial aid forms 
• Be ready with academic performance transcripts and letters of recommendations
• Be ready with scores of necessary standardized tests
• Send the completed application form, recommendation letter, academic transcripts, and completed financial aid forms to each institution
• Acknowledge letters of acceptance and rejection from the colleges

Financial Aid

Financial contribution for the US studies:

• Family or other personal sources
• College or University Scholarship –  Scholarships are available for highly qualified applicants

• Financial aid from the government – Financial aid is based on the economic background of the student
• Financial assistance for academic merit, proved talent in sports and music
• On-campus employment

Option for Online Studies

In the United States, Online Universities have become fully accredited and increasingly gaining recognition among public and employers. If a student does not want to relocate to the US or quit the job for studies, online degree programs are the best option to consider.

Advantages of Online Programs:

1. Study from anywhere and at any time
2. Fix personalized class schedule
3. Take advantage of student-centric teaching approach
4. Easily access study materials round the clock
5. Share thoughts by classroom discussion available online
6. Enjoy the financial reasonability
7. Interact with experts worldwide
8. Experience working with modern technology-based learning tools
9. Use chat room facility
10. Share knowledge across the globe
11. Start a discussion anytime
12. Learn life-long
13. Become self-disciplined

Application Process for Online Programs

The application process for online programs is simpler than on-campus process. The whole admission process can be completed via online or a phone.
Online Universities are specifically designed for students who wish to pursue higher education to move a step ahead in their careers without having to relocate.
For online degree programs, a student must take into account, all the aspects mentioned for earlier stages of any on-campus application process. This includes:

• Choosing the Accredited University
• Filling out the Online application
• Submitting the required documents
• Applying for Financial Aid and Scholarship

Students opting for online studies should remember that professional advice and assistance is available throughout the admission process and during the whole degree program. Time flexibility of the online programs makes the learners take these courses for granted, at times. A student must strictly stick to the online class schedule and try to be self-disciplined, once he or she gets enrolled in a program.


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