sam1784

I'm taking the ACT for the first time in October, and need some advice on how to prepare. First off, which prep book would you advise me to use--preferably one with at least 3 practice tests.

Second, how difficult is it in comparison to the SAT? I've taken the SAT a few times, and have an ok score of 1890, but i've heard from many people that the ACT is easier in many ways. I understand its different, but i'm not just talking about if the material is harder. How different is the setup and timing, or does it try to trick you when you read too fast like the SAT sometimes does? How's the math?

Any general test taking tips would be helpful. Thanks for taking the time to read this!!! It's a lot to ask, I know.

killersdeat0

1: Real ACT (red book), PR (good for all but reading) , Kaplan (reading)
2: SAT-ACT Conversion chart (score conversion) more direct questions, the timing is a lot stricter, math- usually 0 traps

hawkphoenix

On the ACT, time is more of a factor than difficulty. And you can only improve time management with practice tests. As the previous poster did, I would suggest Real ACT and PR. And the reading is more straight-forward than the SAT, but again, you have little time to waste.

sam1784

thanks for the chart! so i'd have a high 28. pretty good, but i'm aiming for a 32. i say aiming because i took a practice test, and i scored 26 overall, i think. when i really have to try (and not just doing it to see), hopefully i'll do better.

i'll look on amazon for the books you mentioned, thanks again! any other tips, people?

sam1784

how strict is the time? in most sections on the SAT, realistically you can devote a minute (if needed) to each question in time to finish. like 25 questions/25 mins. is it less on the ACT?

if you've taken both tests, i've found the... writing? portion was a big change, and didn't like how the questions were alongside the paragraph with many changes in the text. i mean in comparison to one sentence, one change, like the SAT. thoughts on this?

NealJ2K

Well, I personally like the English (vs Writing) and math better in the ACT. The essay on the SAT is easier to reference literature from, while ACT essay is more school-oriented. I like the Reading on the SAT better than ACT (aside from the dang vocab).

sam1784

i was kind of the opposite, as far as the practice test. i did like the math better, since there seemed to be way less math overall. but man... vocab basically makes my CR score. i also liked the science section.

the hardest thing was that there was 4 giant sections instead of being broken up into smaller ones. any tips on how to make it through them without getting mentally tired/bored?