ACT (test) Study Guide

📖 Core Concepts ACT (American College Testing Examination) – Standardized, multiple‑choice test used for U.S. college admissions; administered by ACT, Inc. Composite Score – Rounded average of the four required sections (English, Mathematics, Reading, Science); ranges 1‑36. Subscores – Individual section scores (English, Math, Reading, Science) on a 1‑18 scale; Writing scored 2‑12. Combined Scores – ELA = average of English, Reading, and Writing. STEM = average of Mathematics and Science. National Rank (Percentile) – Shows the percentage of test‑takers scoring at or below a given score. College‑Readiness Indicator – ACT scores map to the skills needed for entry‑level college courses (English, algebra, etc.). 📌 Must Remember Scoring: +1 raw point per correct answer; no penalty for wrong answers. Score Ranges for Selectivity: Ivy‑caliber: 32‑36 Highly selective: 27‑31 Selective: 24‑26 Traditional: 21‑23 Liberal/Open‑admission: 17‑20 Calculator Policy: Graphing calculators (TI‑83/84, Nspire CX) allowed; CAS calculators (TI‑89) prohibited. Writing Section: 40 min, scores 2‑12, does not affect composite but feeds into ELA. Test Dates (U.S.): Sep, Oct, Dec, Feb, Apr, Jun, Jul (NY State no Jul). 🔄 Key Processes Scoring a Section Mark answer → +1 raw point if correct. Raw points → scaled score (1‑36). Computing Composite Add scaled scores of English, Math, Reading, Science (or use average if Science optional). Round to nearest whole number → composite (1‑36). Choosing a Calculator Verify allowed models → bring graphing calculator; leave CAS functions disabled. Writing Prompt Response Read three perspectives → outline your stance → integrate at least two perspectives → stay within 40 min. 🔍 Key Comparisons ACT vs. SAT – Both accepted by most colleges; ACT reports 1‑36 composite, SAT reports 400‑1600 total. English vs. Reading Subscores – English (grammar, style) 1‑18; Reading (passage comprehension) 1‑18. Writing Score Scale (pre‑Sept 2015 vs. post‑Sept 2015) – 1‑36 → 2‑12 after scoring change. Graphing Calculator vs. CAS Calculator – Graphing allowed (TI‑84) vs. CAS prohibited (TI‑89). ⚠️ Common Misunderstandings “Guessing hurts” – No points are deducted for wrong answers; always guess. Writing score affects composite – It does not; only used in ELA combined score. All calculators are fine – Only specific graphing models; CAS calculators are banned. Science is optional, so you can skip it – Skipping yields no Science subscore, which may lower STEM combined score for schools that consider it. 🧠 Mental Models / Intuition “Scale‑to‑36” – Think of each section as a 1‑36 thermometer; the composite is the average temperature across sections. “No‑penalty guessing = fill‑the‑blank” – Treat every unanswered question as a blank to be filled with your best guess. “Calculator = tool, not crutch” – Use it for geometry/trig calculations; still need to interpret the result. 🚩 Exceptions & Edge Cases State‑mandated testing – Some states require every student to take the ACT regardless of college intent. Accommodations – 50 % extra time may be granted for verified disabilities, altering pacing. International test dates – Only 5 administrations per year (Sep, Oct, Dec, Apr, Jun). 📍 When to Use Which Choosing a test date – Pick a date that gives you at least 2‑3 weeks of study before the exam; avoid July if you’re in NY. Deciding to take Science – If a target school emphasizes STEM combined scores, take Science; otherwise, you may skip. Using a calculator – Use it for geometry, coordinate geometry, and trigonometry problems; do mental arithmetic for simple algebra to save time. Writing vs. No Writing – Apply to schools that report ELA scores or require a writing sample; otherwise, you can skip to save time. 👀 Patterns to Recognize English questions often test punctuation (commas, apostrophes) and sentence‑structure (fragments, run‑ons). Math: Problems frequently combine algebra with geometry (e.g., coordinate geometry requiring slope‑intercept). Reading: Passages may ask for author’s purpose → look for tone and persuasive language. Science passages: One Conflicting Viewpoints passage per test – expect a comparison/contrast question. 🗂️ Exam Traps Answer‑choice “All of the above” – Often wrong if one statement is slightly inaccurate; verify each option. Negatively phrased stems (“Which of the following is NOT…”) – Read carefully; the correct answer is the exception. Math calculator misuse – Entering expressions incorrectly (e.g., forgetting parentheses) leads to wrong answers; double‑check entry. Writing prompt “relate your own opinion” – Students sometimes ignore one of the three given perspectives; remember to reference at least two. Science Data Representation – Distractor graphs may have swapped axes; ensure you read axis labels before interpreting trends.