Demystifying the ACT
A prevalent misconception about the ACT is its perceived focus on high school curriculum. Contrary to popular belief, the ACT predominantly assesses skills taught in middle school. For instance, the English section covers content that most students complete by the end of 8th grade. We have even had a seventh grader score a 36 on the English section after completing our program. Similarly, the Reading section evaluates reading speed and comprehension without requiring external knowledge. The Science section, with its limited reliance on specific scientific knowledge (only around four questions per test), primarily assesses the ability to interpret data and think analytically. The Math section, while partially covering high school content, predominantly includes topics like pre-algebra and algebra, typically taught by 8th grade. This understanding underscores why early preparation, specifically in the sophomore year, is not only feasible but advantageous.
Leveraging ACT Scores for Governor’s School Applications
Governor’s School programs offer an exceptional opportunity for high-achieving students to experience college life and earn credits. While a high ACT score is not a prerequisite, it significantly enhances applications, which are typically due in the junior year’s fall semester. Early ACT preparation can thus be a strategic move for students aiming to stand out in these competitive programs.
The PSAT Connection
The PSAT, usually taken in October of the junior year, is a critical step for those aspiring to become National Merit Finalists. Effective preparation for the PSAT, which aligns closely with the ACT, necessitates early study. Preparing for the ACT inherently prepares students for the SAT/PSAT, given the overlap in content, though the converse is not true. This PSAT benefit further justifies early ACT preparation.
Dual Enrollment Classes and ACT Scores
Many students discover too late that eligibility for dual enrollment classes often hinges on ACT scores. Early preparation ensures readiness for these opportunities, allowing students to take full advantage of advanced academic offerings in their junior year.
Maximizing Preparation Time for Optimal Scores
Starting ACT prep early affords students ample time to improve their scores significantly. Our program’s success in facilitating substantial score increases is a testament to the effectiveness of extended preparation. This approach, spreading study hours over a longer period, reduces stress and enhances learning outcomes, making ambitious score goals more attainable.
Utilizing Post-Junior Year Summer Effectively
The summer following the junior year is a critical period for college visits, scholarship applications, and Governor’s School participation. Overloading this already busy schedule with ACT prep can be overwhelming. By completing ACT preparation earlier, students can dedicate this time to these important activities without the added stress of test preparation.
In conclusion, early ACT preparation, ideally in the sophomore year’s spring or summer, offers numerous benefits. It aligns with the test’s content scope, enhances academic and scholarship opportunities, and distributes the workload more manageably. This approach not only maximizes students’ potential but also alleviates the pressures associated with college preparation.
Written by Bobby Nicholson
