I have been preparing for the last week or so and have used a lot of my internet time looking at ACT prep guides, sites and the sorts. But, I have not really done the heavy sort of preparation some people do. And whenever I do practice tests, I totally freak out: 'Ah!! I meant that answer' are so common with me.
Anyway. I have been told not to get too nervous. I have met only 2 people who have taken the test and one of them got 33 while the other got 34. Standards are pretty high for me, yeah but hey, I don't know relative marks. Ignorance is so, Bliss :-)
Despite being totally freaked out and confuse and nervous, I till have some advice to those who are taking ACT. I will try to make them a bit more related to Nepal but it will be good for everyone. Here it goes:
- READ the instructions on the Booklet before you actually take the test. Even better- know the instructions before you go to the test hall so that you save some time.
- PLAN the essay before you write it. Don't be an overconfident idiot: planning for five minutes will get you much better results and an organized essay
- DON'T skim the questions; Read each and every word and understand the question before looking at the answers.At the beginning of your essay, make sure readers will see that you understand the issue.
- GUESS answer before looking at the options and compare them, choose the best one.
- THINK before answering the questions. Sometimes, because of nervousness or overconfidence, the brain goes into Auto-Pilot mode and starts to do things by itself. Don't let that happen.
- LOOK at ALL the options before you answer a question, even if you are 90% sure of yourself. You will realize that people frequently make mistakes because they get hyped by the time pressure and answer the first option that looks like a good answer.
- PRAY. Even if you are an atheist, it does not matter if you pray. You could ask your girlfriend for help, or maybe your dead grandparents. It is the belief that counts; not the existence.
- FEEL the questions. For example, when doing Science, think of yourself as a scientist and try to look at the questions from a scientist's viewpoint. In writing, become a very good mature writer and analyze the question from her point and try to write.
TO ME AND TO YOU;->