Skip To Main Content

ACT Information

Testing Strategies:

ACT Strategies:                                                      

Copyright 2018, 2023, Laura L. Link, MHS ACT Prep Teacher

 

English- 75 questions. 45 minutes: 9 minutes per passage

Don’t read the directions.  Do the passages in order, as they are all on the same reading level.

Step 1: Read the entire sentence.

Step 2. For items with no questions attached, notice exactly how the answer options are the same and how they are different. How the answer options are different tells you what skill is being tested. Determine what skills are being tested. Ex: all the words are the same, but the punctuation is different. Perhaps the skills being tested are commas vs. dashes as well as plural v. plural possessive.

Step 3. Because multiple skills are tested, deal with one skill at a time, and eliminate all options with a wrong element.

Step 4. Choose your answer.

Step 5. Plug in your answer to the entire sentence.

 

Wordiness- start by plugging in shortest answer

Word questions- look for the job the answer must do

Click here for additional information: ACT INFO Packet - REAL11_121.pdf

 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

  1. Are there any openings in any of the ACT prep classes at MHS? Check with the grade level guidance counselor. There are openings second semester (it is a semester course), but it would have to fit the student’s schedule as well. Sophomores can take it if they already completed geometry.
  2. When can we sign up for the BOOT CAMP? It will be on a Saturday in February. We don’t have the information sorted yet, but I will post it on the Mandeville parents facebook page and on our website when we do.
  3. Where can we get practice tests? There is one online practice test at myact.org. Go to tests and prep, then scroll down to the bottom and you will find free practices tests. Take each one timed and you will get a pretty accurate idea of their baseline without paying for a real test. You can also buy The Official ACT prep Guide by Wylie. It has 6 practice tests with answer explanations.
  4. Do you have any other suggestions for preparing for the test and improving test results? Read, read, read. Read current events with your children and have a discussion at the dinner table about them. Look up any unknown vocabulary word.  Use flashcards or blooket or quizlet to review grammar rules and math formulae (especially geometry).

 

For additional information, please email laura.link@stpsb.org.

Choosing Between Online and Paper Versions of the ACT: What You Need to Know

By Laura L. Link, MHS ACT Prep Teacher

As high school juniors prepare for the upcoming ACT, it's important to understand the differences between the online and paper versions of the test, as well as the options available for the essay and science sections. These decisions can affect your student's testing experience and, ultimately, their scores. Here's what parents should know about the different versions of the ACT in 2025 and beyond.

Key Differences Between Online and Paper Versions of the ACT

  • Online Version (Available in April 2025 and beyond)
    If you register for the online version of the ACT, which is available starting in April 2025, it will be the new, enhanced version of the test. This version is shorter and will include the option for students to take the essay (though most students may not need this) and to choose whether or not to take the science section. However, this is an important consideration: while the online format offers flexibility, many students find that they perform better on the paper version, so it’s worth weighing your options carefully.
  • Paper Version (Recommended for April, June, or July 2025)
    If you opt for the paper version of the ACT in April, June, or July 2025), you will be taking the current version of the ACT. You will always be able to choose or exclude the essay option, but the science section cannot be excluded for the paper version before September as the paper option will remain the current version of the test until September 2025. If you want a familiar experience with the existing test format, the paper version is recommended for those testing before September.

What Happens After September 2025?

Starting in September 2025, both the online and paper versions of the ACT will feature the new version of the test. The ACT refers to this as the “enhanced” test. This means that the changes implemented with the online test will apply to both testing formats. The essay and science sections will both be optional, and neither will contribute to the overall composite score. These sections will instead be scored separately, meaning they will not impact the overall test score but will still appear as individual results.

The ”enhanced” new ACT will be approximately 2 hours long, a reduction from the current 2 hours and 55 minutes. It will have four options instead of five for math, and every English item will have an item stem.

Should You Take the Science Section?

At the moment, the science section remains a valuable component of the ACT, especially since many colleges still consider it as part of their admissions criteria. While you have the option to skip it, it’s generally recommended to take the science section until you receive more clarity from colleges about how they view this portion of the exam. For now, it's a good idea for students to include the science section in their testing plan, ensuring that at least one science score is on record.

Additionally, if your student can aim for a science score of 23 or higher, that’s a solid goal to set for the exam, though it will ultimately depend on their personal strengths and preparation. Having a competitive science score could be beneficial, especially if your child plans to apply to competitive schools that value strong performance in all subjects.

Final Thoughts on Registration Choices

When deciding between the online and paper versions of the ACT, consider your student's comfort level with digital testing and the timing of their test. If your child is aiming to test before September 2025, opting for the paper version could provide a more familiar testing experience. After September, both versions will be aligned, but keep in mind that the essay and science sections will be optional and scored separately. As of September, the science score will not impact the composite score.

Ultimately, regardless of which version of the ACT your child chooses, it’s important to plan ahead, understand the new test format, and set clear goals for which sections to prioritize. By preparing thoughtfully, your student will be well-equipped for success.