Has anyone taken the ACT? If you did , did you find it difficult? I am thinking about taking this test, but, I'm not quite sure my math is up to speed. I have the Princeton guide and it's pretty intimidating. Anyone have any experience with this test? ml
I'm not sure how much it's changed since I took it (18 years ago), but I thought that it was pretty easy. I got a "perfect" score on the math section (I think it was a 36?), but I only scored around 700 on the math section of the SAT, so I thought that the ACT math was easier. I had mono when I took the SAT though, so that might have had something to do with the discrepancy. I've always been good at taking standardized tests though, and I believe that test-taking ability is at least as important as subject knowledge for these exams. I didn't prepare at all back when I took them, but I'd say that doing as many good practice exams as possible would be the best preparation.
A perfect score, wow. I can't imagine a perfect score on a mathematics test. Thanks for the response. mll
I took it about 10 years ago and thought it tested fairly basic skills (although I certainly didn't get a perfect score on the math part, the reading comprehension and science sections are cake, scoring well on these will bring your average up). I am assuming that you just need it for admittance? Don't sweat it, I have friends that received really low scores and they never had any problems getting into good schools. Good luck, Tony
Yes, I need the ACT for admittance, but only the best scores get in. So I guess it will depend on the other test takers as well. The cut off is 20. mll
Just to clarify a little bit. If I remember correctly, a score of 20 is right around the 50th percentile. Needless to say, this isn't 'only the best'. Regardless, if you were one of the 20 percent that were awake in high school this won't be a problem. If you didn't stay awake but fully understood the material in grades 9 and 10 it won't be a problem. If you have been out of school for a while, or are a little rattled by standardized tests, follow this outline. Take the practice test included in your test packet, take an hour to review what you didn't understand on the english portion, remember how the pythagorean theory works and use it liberally in the math portion, and you will be fine. Good luck, Tony
I went to high school in Virginia, and way back then, the "South" preferred the ACT, while the "North" preferred the SAT (I don't know what anyone west of the Missisippi was supposed to do). I took both, and I *think* (I can't remember for sure) that my ACT was a 29. Does that sound right? My SAT was a 1270.....I won't ever forget that. Then again, what was the point? I didn't finish college until after I got my hands on a copy of Bears' Guide. Bruce
According to this site your memory appears to be correct. As far as the point (or lack thereof), I couldn't agree more. I scored reasonably high (31)and still haven't finished. I am getting close though . My experience, and that of some pretty successful friends, have led me to view standardized tests with caution. Do what you have to and make your cutoff point, then discard. Tony
Thanks for the help everyone. Tony, I realize the average is 20. I guess it's going to depend on what the local high school is churning out in regards to how I fare with the other test takers. I am reviewing the math and I must have been asleep at least during some of math class. Too busy partying. Oh well, I've got some great memories so I guess it was worth it. LOL BTW, my reading and comprhension skills are very good, I'm hoping this will increase my score. Thanks mll
