Study Guide for the Mathematics ACT

ACT Study Guide

Many students take the ACT test more than once. Because it is based on the skills learned in your high school mathematics courses, the more courses you have taken, the better you should score. Questions are included from algebra, geometry and trigonometry. Formulas will not be given on the test; students are expected to know basic formulas and computation methods. Since the test is based on skills, it is very possible to improve an ACT score through practice and review. The following resources may be used to better understand and prepare for the ACT test.

• SparkNotes (http://www.sparknotes.com/testprep/books/act/chapter10section1.rhtml) provides study guides in the various areas tested: Basic Skills, Pre-Algebra, Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Plane Geometry, and Trigonometry.
• OnlineMathLearning.com (http://www.onlinemathlearning.com/index.html) is a site filled with math review topics.
• Test Prep Review: Self Assessment modules are available to help determine the areas of need. (http://www.testprepreview.com/act_practice.htm) You may also sign up for an ACT Question of the Day on this site.
• Number2.com offers a free online test preparation course customized for the particular student. (http://number2.com/) Each student has a profile and may sign up for coaching or monitoring from an interested teacher or parent.
• Study Guide Zone (http://www.studyguidezone.com/pdfs/actteststudyguide.pdf) offers review of topics covered on the test with worked out examples. 

Test Taking Tips

Although content knowledge is a key to succeeding on standardized tests, certain other skills will also help a student do well. Eating a good breakfast and getting plenty of sleep the night before the test are two strategies that will often help a student on any test.  Another strategy that is specific to the ACT is answering each question, as there is no penalty for guessing. West Virginia students had this advice to give following the May 2008 test: “Practice using your calculator,” “Practice solving math problems in one minute since there are 60 problems to complete in 60 minutes.” Many other strategies are available. Some strategies selected from the cited resources are listed here. Many more are included within each resource.
Read each question carefully.

• Answer the easy questions first. (Preparing for the ACT, published by ACT, is available from guidance counselors. You may also get it online: http://www.act.org/aap/pdf/preparing.pdf. It includes practice tests, strategies, and expectations for the day of the test.)
• Use your calculator wisely.Encourage your inner artist.

• (SparkNotes provides strategies for approaching the math section of the ACT (http://www.sparknotes.com/testprep/books/act/chapter9.rhtml)

• Know the instructions for each subject test. 

• Use your booklet for scratch paper. (SparkNotes also provides general strategies for succeeding in the entire test (http://www.sparknotes.com/testprep/books/act/chapter2.rhtml)

• Budget your time. (Eric Digest (http://www.schoolbehavior.com/Files/student_testtaking.pdf) provides general test taking skills that would also be appropriate for the ACT)

Recent test takers in West Virginia gave the following tips:

• Eat  a good breakfast; get plenty of sleep
• Do not get nervous
• Do not spend too much time on one question and check your answers
• Know your formulas and know how to use your calculator