Want to ace the ACT?

OK, so maybe obtaining a 36 on the ACT isn’t the end-all-be-all for everyone, but you can make every effort to do you best on the test. We know Saturday is a scheduled ACT test date and remember those nervous moments and the long, grueling test that left us exhausted.

Because of that, we’ve got some tips for you. Ready?

• Take some time now to think through the test day procedures. Here’s a good link to guide you through that. Also, know what you can and can’t do during the exam. Find that out here.

• While taking the test, employ all the test-taking skills you already have. Read the instructions. Read the questions to make sure you’re really answering what it’s asking. If the question seems really difficult, eliminate as many incorrect answers as you can and make an educated guess. Use your time well. That means if you finish a section before time is up, use the time to recheck your work or reconsider questions or problems you were unsure about.

• Take some time before the test date to familiarize yourself with the test format and sections. Check out this link for good descriptions of each section. You can also take an ACT prep course or get familiar with the types of questions you’ll see by doing some practice tests. Note: It’s two days before the test and the practice questions can help you know what you’re in for, but the ACT isn’t really a test you can cram for. Do the work ahead of time in the weeks leading up to the test and do your best when the time comes!

• Understand that the ACT is different than other tests you might take. Like, oh, say . . . the SAT. On the ACT, the results are based on the percentage of questions you answered correctly. There’s no penalty for incorrect answers. (If you want to see how the ACT scores are determined, go here.)

• Take a deep breath. Understand this test is not the key to your entire future. It is, after all, just a test. You can take it again and again and again if you need to. Relax and do your best. It’s all you can do anyway. The next testing date is June 13, 2009. Find out everything you need to know about the testing dates here: www.actstudent.org/index.html.