These days, things require a little more preparation than you might expect.
While the PreACT in and of itself is preparation for the ACT, you’ll still need to think about preparing for the PreACT. When students choose to do this may vary from person to person, though there are some general guidelines to be aware of as you begin the process of working toward the PreACT.
The truth is, the PreACT can provide great insight into how you may perform on the ACT, and it can help guide your study plan to your particular needs. Students who are better prepared generally feel more confident, which typically leads to higher and more accurate scores—so spend some time preparing!
A few notes about the PreACT
Before you begin preparing for any test, it is important to have a general understanding of what you’re about to embark on. First, this test is designed for sophomores and will be available in the Fall of 2016. It will include the same sections as the ACT but will not offer the writing section (optional on the ACT).
The PreACT is designed to familiarize students with the ACT and give them an idea of how they might expect to score on the ACT—think of it as the ACT’s answer to the SAT’s PSAT.
[RELATED: What is the PreACT?]
Because you aren’t required to take the PreACT, it can be easy to dismiss it as unnecessary. However, the PreACT can offer very useful information as to where your strengths and weaknesses lie and how you can better tailor your prep to maximize success on the ACT. Now, on to how you should start preparing…
Pay attention in class
While this is simple advice, it remains important. One of the best things you can do in preparation for the PreACT is to pay close attention to your coursework. Classes like English, social studies, math, and science focus on questions and ways of thinking that are common to the ACT, which makes them perfect preparation for the PreACT as well.
Keep track of your progress
As you prepare for and take the PreACT, it is important to record and monitor your progress. A particularly great thing the PreACT does for you is provide you with some clear direction for studying for the ACT. This way, you’ll know pretty early on if you’re struggling more with math or need extra help in social studies.
Keep track of whether or not your scores are improving to give you additional insight on the effectiveness of your study plan, allowing plenty of time to make adjustments.
Take advantage of your resources
If you’d like to identify possible strengths and weaknesses before you take the PreACT, you may consider checking out ACT.org for some test preparation resources they provide specific to the ACT (which by extension can help you prepare for the PreACT). It can prove to be quite a useful starting point if you’re struggling.
Don’t be afraid to take advantage of other online learning tools, too—there are great practice problems and prep books available that can help you in preparing for the PreACT, such as ACT practice tests or the Varsity Tutors ACT Prep Book.
Don’t forget about the ACT’s writing section
While the PreACT doesn’t have a writing section, you’ll want to be careful that, in your preparation, you don’t forget the ACT still offers one. Though it’s irrelevant on the PreACT, you’ll still want to get in a few rounds of good writing practice incase you do decide to take the written portion of the ACT—doing so can pose great benefits in college applications. Build this into your PreACT schedule so that you’re giving it the same attention.
Some of your peers may choose not to study for the PreACT, but your best option is to treat it as you would the ACT. Study materials in advance, measure your progress, and be sure to analyze your results and adjust accordingly.
Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.
