The first step towards getting into your desired US college is giving entrance tests like the ACT that institutes use to select suitable candidates. Let's take a close look at the ABCs of the ACT exam and help you prepare with some essential ACT study tips.
The ACT exam is a standard entrance test that most college aspirants take to secure their position in undergraduate universities abroad.
The ACT reveals a high-schoolers knowledge and skills regarding reading comprehension, writing conventions, and other computational skills. It's no surprise that all reputed four-year US-based colleges demand the ACT.
The ACT exam is divided into 5 primary sections. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the sections:
Sections
Duration
No. of Questions
Math
60 minutes
60
English
45 minutes
75
Science
35 minutes
40
Reading
35 minutes
40
Writing (Optional)
40 minutes
1 writing prompt
The comprehensive examination features 215 questions along with 1 writing prompt. Overall, it lasts for 3 hours and 35 minutes.
If you aim to tackle each section under its given time, you need to hone your skills and improve your performance. Well, that can only happen with a lot of practice. To achieve a top score, you need to understand the syllabus like the back of your hand!
Take a look at the elaborate divisions of the ACT exam in the following section.
Math Section Syllabus
The ACT allows you to make use of a calculator to solve questions relating to:
Pre-algebra includes fractions, percentages, number problems, mean/median/mode, ratios, statistics, etc.
Introductory algebra, including linear equations, quadratic equations, simplification, etc.
Intermediate algebra like sequence and patterns, equations, functions, inequalities, etc.
Trigonometry, including trigonometric equations, graphing the trigonometric functions and identities, etc.
Coordinate geometry like distance, slope, line equation, perpendicular and parallel lines, etc.
Plane geometry pertaining to volume, properties of different shapes, 3-D geometry, etc.
English Section Syllabus
English is not a challenging subject to gain mastery over. Most students have grown up upskilling their English language throughout their school life. This section requires you to display:
A clear understanding of grammatical rules concerning punctuation, usage, and sentence structure.
Skills relating to passage comprehension, modification, and tone development.
Science Section Syllabus
This section contains 7 passages, and relevant graphs, tables, and charts often accompany them. These questions revolve around:
Physics
Biology
Chemistry
Earth sciences
Data representation
Reading Section Syllabus
The reading section features 4 passages that you must work upon in 40 minutes. These passages revolve around:
Literary fiction
Social science
Natural science
Humanities
The reading questions test your idea of the central theme. It also gauges your knowledge of specific phrases, contextual understanding of specific vocabulary terms, and the implied meaning behind certain words.
Writing Section Syllabus (Optional)
The writing section comes with a brief passage on a specific topic attached with 3 varying viewpoints. You are expected to analyze all the viewpoints, elaborate on their merits and demerits, and spot flawed reasoning.
Now, entrance examinations can be immensely overwhelming, especially if you feel underprepared. There’s a way to fix that and sharpen your skills for each ACT section, and that is by keeping in mind a few ACT tips.
Let’s look at some of these resourceful ACT tips and tricks that will help you prepare for the exam.
ACT Math Tips
Mathematics is a highly daunting subject for most people, but the only way around it is through it. So, improve your speed and performance with the help of these ACT tips:
Memorize the standard mathematical formulas.
Practice as many official ACT model tests as possible.
Learn all the shortcuts and tricks to solving questions.
ACT English Tips
Here are some ACT English tips to prepare yourself:
Don't rush with the English section in practice tests.
Revise all language concepts regularly.
Understand and learn all the basic grammar rules like types of speeches, punctuation, etc.
Inculcate the habit of reading to pass the comprehension section with flying colors.
ACT Science Tips
Science is as fascinating as you make it. Don't let the scientific concepts intimidate you. Follow these ACT Science tips and ace that test:
Know your fundamentals concerning biology, chemistry, and physics.
Read as many scientific journals as possible to understand the language used in the scientific passages.
Learn to read and examine the information presented via figures, tables, and graphs.
ACT Reading Tips
If you are an avid reader, this section will be your favorite. That said, here are some ACT reading tips for upskilling yourself:
Do as many practice tests as possible to understand the basic style of ACT reading questions.
Practice with one eye on the clock because attempting 40 questions within 35 minutes is a challenge
Develop the habit of mindful reading
Learn to establish relationships between different parts of the passage consciously
ACT Writing Tips
The writing section is optional but indeed interesting for anyone who likes the art of writing. Take a look at the following ACT Writing tips to score better in the writing section:
Forming perspective is essential for any writing task, so read as many analytical pieces as possible and participate in debates.
Push yourself to craft your unique viewpoints
Try to create a sorted structure for your essay first. It will make your writing part easier, allowing for a better tone and flow
Don't use fancy terms; instead, focus on communicating your idea.
Last Minute ACT Tips
Here are last-minute ACT tips thatshould come in handy.
Revise the concepts you are reasonably confident about.
Take a full-length ACT practice test to time yourself and do a last-minute assessment of your preparation.
Always ensure that you are not surpassing your stipulated time for any section.
Take a good night’s sleep before the exam and attempt the test as calmly as possible.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prepare well for ACT?
Here are some tips to prepare well -
Revise the concepts you are reasonably confident about.
Take a full-length ACT practice test to time yourself and do a last-minute assessment of your preparation.
Always ensure that you are not surpassing your stipulated time for any section.
Take a good night’s sleep before the exam and attempt the test as calmly as possible.
Do ACT exam centres in India allow the use of a calculator?
Calculators aren’t a mandatory requirement when you appear for this test. Only a few types of calculators are allowed in every ACT test centres in India. If you are not sure if your device fulfills the specified criteria, it is advisable not to carry it to the ACT centre.
What is the full ACT syllabus?
The ACT exam is divided into 5 primary sections. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the sections:
Sections
Duration
No. of Questions
Math
60 minutes
60
English
45 minutes
75
Science
35 minutes
40
Reading
35 minutes
40
Writing (Optional)
40 minutes
1 writing prompt
The comprehensive examination features 215 questions along with 1 writing prompt. Overall, it lasts for 3 hours and 35 minutes.
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raduate Record Examination (GRE) is one of the biggest and most popular global tests held by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). It is a standardized examination for entry into courses like MBA, MS, and others at universities worldwide.
Booking GRE exam dates 2023 is a simple procedure. You can register by paying US$213 (approx. INR 15,700) and providing your valid passport copy or relevant ID.
The GRE exam fee in India is around $213 with effect from 1st July 2023. The examination fee in many other countries is $205 while the GRE exam fee for India is the same as countries like Turkey, Australia, China, and Nigeria. The fee for the GRE Subject
GRE is an admission prerequisite at most universities in countries such as the USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Singapore. You should have a detailed understanding of the GRE syllabus and its exam pattern before you commit your time.
The organizing body has set no official eligibility requirements in terms of academic qualification. There is no minimum or maximum academic qualification or degree requirement for test-takers.
Wondering how to register for the GMAT exam? You should know that GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a leading management entrance test that is held throughout the year and aspirants have ample flexibility with regard to taking the examination.
The GMAT exam score is calculated basis a fixed scale and is visible on the GMAT Score Report. Students need to understand the details of their score reports.
The GMAT exam fee in India is US$275, which is approximately ₹21,000. To avoid multiple attempts, it is strongly advised that students prepare thoroughly for the test.
Doing an MBA without GMAT in Canada is possible at some institutions. While most universities look for GRE or GMAT scores, some have different requirements.
Thinking of pursuing an MBA in UK without GMAT? Well, it is possible. The United Kingdom (UK) offers several Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs, including full-time MBA courses and executive MBA programs.
The Duolingo English test does not require any academic transcripts or certificates for qualification. Anyone willing to assess his/her English language proficiency can take the test from any part of the world.
The Duolingo English test pattern is planned and designed using Data Forensics and Artificial Intelligence technology to maintain the clarity of the test.
Like any certificate, once you receive your result for the Duolingo English Test, validity is for 2 years. The only caveat is that you must retake the exam within this time frame to verify that your English language skills have progressed.
Major UK universities are also opening up to the idea of Duolingo test results to analyze the candidate’s English proficiency. With the rising number of Duolingo accepted universities in UK for 2022, you will find some great options.
Indeed, we have established all the right reasons one should opt for a Duolingo test, but the main question remains unanswered! What are the universities that accept the Duolingo test in Australia?
Aspirants can find out the Duolingo accepted universities in Canada from the list provided below. If students want to enroll in any of the universities in Canada, taking the Duolingo test will be an added advantage.
Duolingo English test registration is a hassle-free procedure. To register for the exam, one needs to click on the 'Take The Test' and fill in all the necessary information.
There is no defined Duolingo English test syllabus as the test assesses you on your existing knowledge of the language. A language fluency test requires your aggregate reading, writing, and grammar skills.
As per the official website, you receive the test results within two days after the exam. So, the Duolingo English test results do not keep you waiting for long.
TOEFL exam registration should be done four months prior to the examination date, as walk-in registrations are not allowed. Photo ID proofs like passports are compulsory while registering.
The TOEFL exam syllabus is divided into four sections–writing, speaking, reading, and listening. Students are required to solve integrated tasks that test various English language skills.
TOEFL exam measures the English language proficiency of individuals willing to study abroad, therefore, there is no specific eligibility criterion that ETS has set for the exam.
It is vital that candidates get an idea of the examination pattern and the entire syllabus in advance. This will help them plan out their study and practice schedules better, enabling the achievement of their coveted TOEFL scores.
The fee for the TOEFL exam in India is slightly higher in comparison to other entrance tests, it is recommended that the aspirants take the test only once or twice.
The TOEFL minimum score is 0 while the TOEFL maximum score is 120. A good average TOEFL score is usually around 78-79 for admissions into leading global universities.
However, international students must prove their English fluency before applying to Canadian schools. One of the globally accepted language proficiency examinations is TOEFL. This article will tell you more about TOEFL accepting universities in Canada.
Mrinal Mandal is a study abroad expert with a passion for guiding students towards their international education goals. He holds a degree in mechanical engineering, earned in 2018. Since 2021, Mrinal has been working with upGrad Abroad, where he assists aspiring students in realizing their dreams of studying abroad. With his expertise and dedication, he empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of international education, making their aspirations a reality.