A guide by Mitchell Scher Beating the ACT/SAT A guide by Mitchell Scher

1. What is it? This is not a test of knowledge, it’s not a test of memorizing words, or books, or any of that (though formulas certainly help for math) It’s different Have you noticed the questions are different from what you do in school? It’s timed Getting the correct answer is half the battle. There’s a ticking clock There is just one choice Though it may seem there are multiple, there is only one, 100% correct, answer

Reading 52 Questions, 65 Minutes ELIMINATE 3 ANSWERS Be interested Take a full section test, mark where you hit 65 minutes, but continue on ELIMINATE 3 ANSWERS Be interested Test the Methods Skim passages, then read questions Read questions, then mark the passage Read whole passage, then answer Tone Positive vs negative I wish she wouldn't spend the entire class time obsessing on with her _____________ commentary; sometimes it puts me right to sleep. Tip It is very often easier to eliminate 3 answers than it is to choose 1 correct one. The answer you pick must be 100% correct, so anything wrong with a choice eliminates it.

2. Math Math is the most straightforward of the test topics since it has a set list of concepts it will test: KNOW YOUR FORMULAS/TERMINOLOGY Volume/Area Perimeter/Circumference Pythagorean’s Theorem Graphing (midpoint, max/min, reflect) Probability Mean/Median

Math Thoughts The questions can all be answered Tip If you get to a problem you seriously don’t know how to do, mark it, skip it, move on. Make sure you answer every question. Go back at the end if you’re out of time and guess If a question describes a shape, DRAW IT These are not normal problems, it tests your understanding, not your memorization In practice, DO NOT just find the correct answer if you were incorrect. Content vs Approach Breakdown of question types; Heart of Algebra Advanced Math Problem Solving/Data Additional Topics (geometry) Math Thoughts The questions can all be answered Go into it knowing you’ll get it, don’t waste time feeling lost There are only a certain number of kinds of problems Practice, Practice, Practice Admit when you need to work on something Be creative (taking a quarter can be *.25, or taking the midpoint twice or dividing by 4)

Math Breakdown Other (10%): Geometry, Trig, imaginary SAT gives formulas, ACT does not Do not rely on them either way, it wastes time Heart of Algebra (40%): Linear equations (systems), Inequalities (with variables), Graphing (slopes, intercepts) Advanced Math (30%): Polynomials, Quadratics, Radicals/Exponents, Nonlinear equations Problem Solving (20%): Ratios/Rates/Proportions, Reading data/charts, Probability, Percentages Other (10%): Geometry, Trig, imaginary

3. Science (ACT only) Science is the weirdest of the bunch, but I feel is the easiest to master. It is scary to look at at first, and it tries REALLY hard to confuse you, but it’s very possible to crush it with prep. BREATH - You don’t need to know ANY science to do really really well (IT IS NOT A KNOWLEDGE TEST) There will usually be a paragraph or two, a few charts, and then questions Otherwise it is all text, and is a more fact-oriented reading passage

What?

Science Thoughts Read the first paragraph to know what it’s about, but do not worry about terminology Read the graphs, and FIND THE DIFFERENCES Read the title, axes, and descriptions Answer question asked, not assumed In passages, look for patterns of how information is presented. Comparing scientists’ views

4. Writing Grammar, formatting, punctuation, and clarity This tests your grasp on the English language. If you get one wrong in practice, look at the specific RULE it was Sentence Correction Neither/nor, number agreement, verb forms, tense, run-ons, Sentence Improvement Subject verb agreement NO ERROR

5. Last Thoughts Practice Practice Practice Understand and analyze errors in practice Study Effectively Do practice tests Gives an idea of where you are Tests stamina Eat well before the test Go in with a good mindset Everyone can do well if they prep

Resources blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-800-on-sat-reading-10-strategies-by-a-perfect-scorer blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-800-on-sat-writing-11-strategies-from-a-perfect-scorer blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-800-on-sat-math-by-a-perfect-scorer http://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-36-on-act-science-13-strategies-from-a-perfect- scorer www.act.org