5 Tips for Doing Well on the ACT

The ACT, in a sense, is the pinnacle of standardized testing. The questions have never been tougher, and the pressure to perform well and succeed have never been higher. After all, ACT scores often play a big part in college entrance applications. But, take a deep breath, have some confidence, and follow some of these simple guidelines to help maximize your success, and in essence, your options as to where to go to college.

1. Get an ACT preparation textbook. The company that makes the test itself also provides textbooks for studying. They are available for a fairly reasonable price, and are almost guaranteed to pay off in the long run. Using one of these, you will be prepared for anything the exam may throw at you.

2. Take an ACT prep course. Many high schools nationwide now offer a short, few weeks-long course to prepare their students for the exam. It makes sense, because when their students succeed, it raises the reputation (and often state funding) of the school. You'll learn multiple choice answering strategies, the thought processes, and maybe most importantly gain confidence before the ACT.

3. In the same vein as the prep course, many math departments in high schools now offer calculator classes. Considering the math portion of the exam is the toughest and often most intimidating for many, it can help you learn strategies for answering common math questions seen on the ACT.

4. This one should be pretty obvious. Statistics show again and again that those students who get a good night's rest before the test perform better. Since the ACT is usually given on Saturday mornings, it might be best to stay in and relax the night before. Also, don't save your practice with the prep book or course until the night before. That loss of sleep just may negate the work you did.

5. Lastly, the morning of the test, skip the coffee. It will increase your heart rate, make you jittery, and cause you to easily worry and lose focus. Instead, maybe go for an apple. It gives you just as much energy as a cup of coffee in the morning and won't make your heart pound out of your chest when the

ACT is handed out.

So, now that you are well prepared and ready, take a deep breath. You have the skills, the practice, and the know-how to dominate this exam. The only key left is confidence. Which, by now, you should have. A positive outlook and frame mind is more beneficial than all the books and courses you could take. Get ready, because you are going to be very pleasantly surprised at the results of your ACT. Can you say Harvard, anyone?