ACT Maths can be mastered! Though it may not be your favourite part of the US admissions process, taking the ACT is an important step. The ACT allows universities to compare you to other students in their applicant pool. This multiple-choice exam can be stressful. However, developing a realistic test prep plan can ensure that this part of your application is an asset.

The ACT maths section consists for 60 questions in 60 minutes across a range of topics. The ACT maths section is the second section of the exam. This means that you have already been working for 45 minutes on the English section. Concentration can start to wane. This is a challenging task, but we have highlighted our top tips to help you approach this section with confidence.

Use the tools

The ACT is now online and there are several built-in tools to help you succeed. Because of the time pressure and length of the exam, it’s easy to rush through questions and make mistakes. Always read the question carefully and understand what you are being asked to calculate. You can use the Highlight tool to underline the question making sure that you know what your end goal is.

Another useful tool on the ACT is the Eliminate tool. This allows you to eliminate answer choices that you know are wrong. This means that your brain won’t have to keep considering an answer choice you know is incorrect. If you eliminate two options, you now only have three answer choices to consider. There is less work for your brain to do, allowing you to conserve energy and build confidence.

Some questions on the ACT you might not figure out, so don’t get stuck on them! Timing is very important on the ACT. You only have one minute per question. If you come across a question that is making you think too hard for too long, skip it! You can always flag it up using the flag tool and come back to it if you have time at the end.

Write it down

The ACT is multiple choice. There are no method marks; however, it is still important to show your work. Use the scrap paper or personal whiteboard you are given to write down your steps as you work through a question. This will help you catch avoidable errors as you go. You wouldn’t want to lose a point because you’d lost a negative sign somewhere in your equation.

Techniques

With multiple-choice maths questions, using algebra is not always the simplest way. The choice is written out for you – you just have to pick the right one! There are several techniques that you can use to make the multiple-choice work for you. Vela Education would be happy to recommend some of our experienced tutors that frequently partner with us.

Practice

The ACT is a standardised test which means that the format remains the same and the questions and scoring are consistent. By practicing the exam, you can understand which question types or knowledge areas need improvement. By conscientiously going through your corrections, you can change how you approach these questions. Practice will also build stamina and accuracy.

The maths section on the ACT can feel overwhelming. The best approach is to start early and work consistently. Vela Education is here to help you navigate this complex process, so please do not hesitate to get in touch.