The PreACT is a new tool that high school sophomores can use to guide their preparation for college. While it is intended as practice for the real ACT exam and has no direct impact on college admissions or scholarship searches, it is very useful when students are preparing to take the ACT.
Follow these steps to make the most of your PreACT results:
1. Divide study time according to your results: Assessing your PreACT scores is one of the best ways to skillfully direct your test prep strategies. However, saying you will study more math because you didn’t do well in this area is too simplistic.
A more useful strategy is to compare your PreACT results with the average ACT scores at your target and reach schools. If you are two points below your ideal English section score and five points below your ideal math section score, you will need to allocate study time to both areas — not just to the section where you scored the lowest. Regular practice tests can also help you track your progress over time.
Find out [how to avoid common SAT and ACT preparation mistakes.]
2. Allow your scores to guide your high school course selection: Your PreACT results can also inform your choice of classes during your junior and senior years. If the scores indicate that your reading comprehension abilities are well below your target level, use course electives for literature classes.
Remember that colleges and universities always prefer to see more challenging coursework on your transcripts. Whenever possible, enroll in Advanced Placement classes over honors courses and honors classes over general courses. Your PreACT scores may even add more urgency to your choices, since more rigorous classes may do more to improve your test scores.
If you are concerned about overloading your schedule with difficult courses, your PreACT results can again help you decide which areas deserve your attention. Counterintuitively, it may be wise to take especially challenging classes in those subjects where you need some improvement.
Finally, consider choosing courses that offer cross-training. The ACT covers scientific reasoning, as well as English, math, reading and writing.
You may be able to improve both your math and science scores by enrolling in a single math-intensive class like physics. An English course is the most obvious choice to improve your English skills, but a history class can also help you with reading and writing. If you aren’t sure which courses count as cross-training, speak with your teachers.
Learn how to [use college goals to choose high school senior year courses.]
3. Schedule writing section practice: R emember that, unlike the ACT, the PreACT does not include a w riting section. When planning your junior and senior year academic activities, you may be tempted to focus on the subjects where you have clear information on what needs improvement. Do not simply assume that no news is good news and ignore writing practice.
The challenge, of course, lies in determining how much work you need to do. Clear communication is one of the most useful skills you can have.
Aside from test scores, being able to draft a clear essay will boost your college admissions chances, improve your high school grades and create an excellent foundation for success in college.
But your time is limited. Students have many competing demands, and great college applicants are generally well-rounded. Instead of going all-in on writing practice, ask your English teachers to assess your writing ability.
Don’t be obsessive. Instead, select one or two writing section prompts from sample ACTs and do you best to follow the guidelines.
Once you are familiar with the format, focus on timing. If you can finish an essay — from reading the prompt to completing minor revisions — in the ACT-approved time limit, you will be in fine shape for the test.
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Assess PreACT Performance to Build a Strong ACT Prep Plan originally appeared on usnews.com
