North American universities are known worldwide for their technical relevance and qualified professional training . Because of this, many professionals want to study at an American university and, notably, having a diploma issued by a US university has great professional relevance.
However, entering a North American university is a very competitive process, which involves numerous requirements. One of these requirements that can help you enter a North American university is the ACT exam. The following is a review of the main features of the ACT exam.
What is ACT exam
The American College Testing (ACT), is the exam done for students from the United States and from all over the world to enter an American university. It is a test to demonstrate whether your knowledge meets the basic requirements of American universities.
ACT competes with the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), which is another test carried out for students who have finished high school in the United States and foreigners who want to enter some university in the country. There are some differences between the two tests. ACT has tests in mathematics, English, reading and science, the SAT charges knowledge in reading, writing and mathematics.
One of the main criteria of the ACT test is the speed of information processing. This is because the time to perform the entire exam is very limited, and can reach less than a minute for each question, in some subjects that the exam evaluates. Therefore, the exam seeks to identify, among the candidates evaluated, those who have sufficient technical knowledge to understand the issues quickly and solve the problems effectively.
Such a feature is also very well seen in the job market. Because of this, most American universities accept the ACT grade. The essay test, however, is accepted by some of them. It is an optional section of the exam. Therefore, even before registering for the exam, it is important to find out if the university where you intend to study charges certain subjects, as some of them are paid separately.
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How is the ACT exam for foreign students
ACT for foreign students is carried out using computers, so it is a good idea to do simulations using the machine. As time is scarce, it is recommended to do simulated tests before actually taking the test. When the time is right, you will be used to the agility that the computer brings to the exam.
Your final ACT score will demonstrate your skills and knowledge in predetermined areas. If you did not study your high school at a US school, an ACT or equivalent exam is required to enter American universities.
In addition, universities also evaluate other characteristics, such as:
- Letters of recommendation
- School Records
- Extracurricular activities
When should I take the ACT exam
ACT is carried out six times a year in Brazil. It can be carried out in the cities of São Paulo, Salvador, Rio de Janeiro, Recife, Porto Alegre, Manaus, Curitiba, among others. It is necessary to schedule in advance, as the number of exams varies from city to city.
You can also choose to take the test in the United States. The examination in American territory can be done on paper, if it is easier with that it is a good request. As in Brazil, the American ACT performs about six exams per year.
What the ACT exam covers
The ACT is a quick exam that seeks to learn from the student how his / her skills are doing and if he / she has the necessary knowledge to enter a university. Multiple choice tests aim to assess pre-acquired knowledge in high school. Let’s see below how the ACT steps are divided.
1 – English test
ACT’s first test is English and has 75 questions to be answered in 45 minutes. It is a test where the questions assess the student’s knowledge of English grammar.
2 – Math test
The math test must be done in 60 minutes and the student must answer 60 questions. It is one of the most difficult tests, since time is scarce. You can use the calculator and the student must answer about algebra, geometry and trigonometry.
3 – Reading test
The reading test is divided into four parts with each score worth 10 points. This test should be done in 35 minutes. Considering that the texts are long and that, after reading, you will need to ask some questions about the text, this test aims to assess your ability to understand and interpret text.
4 – Science test
The science test has 40 questions and must be answered in 35 minutes. The questions are usually asked around the interpretations of graphs, and the student must analyze and solve the problems.
5 – Writing
Writing is an optional item. You should do this if your university asks. The student must take the test in 30 minutes and may have to write about different types of subjects.
How long does the ACT exam last
The ACT Inc exam lasts three hours and 35 minutes, with the writing test. The English test lasts 45 minutes, the math test takes 60 minutes, the reading test takes 35 minutes, the science test takes 35 minutes and the writing test takes 30 minutes. When performing the test there is a clock on the computer screen that shows the elapsed time.
As it is a quick test, it is necessary that the student has the answers at the tip of the tongue. There is a greater difficulty to carry out the math test, in view of the fact that it is necessary to perform calculations to ask the questions. The reading test also has a difficulty, since it is necessary to read long texts before answering the questions. It is recommended to do simulations with time as an important requirement, that way you will be more prepared to take the ACT exam.
On the ACT website itself, there are tests and simulations, as well as review of materials and articles related to the exam. When registering, the student has the option of taking tests with a minimum stipulated time that helps him / her to prepare for the exam.
How ACT is assessed
ACT scores range from 1 to 36 points and are divided into four parts, each worth 36 points. Subjects are mathematics, English, reading and science. The newsroom has values that range from 2 to 12 points. The current average score of the exam that considers everyone who took the test is 21 points. It is considered a high score if the student scores 24 points, which places him in the top 25% on the exam. 15 points or below puts you among the worst 25% on the test.
You should be aware of the average score of the university you are trying to enter. Some of them have an average score of 36 points, that is, the maximum score, such as Caltech, others come very close to that, such as Harvard, which has an average of 34 points.
As you can see, there are many questions, the ACT is not an easy test, and to enter a renowned university you need to obtain a high average. It is necessary, then, that the student seeks to carry out simulation tests to see how he acts in an environment such as the exam, for example, where the time for the test is short.
If you plan well to take the exam you can have a longer study time. The command of English is extremely important. It is recommended that you take a language course in order to take the English and reading tests and thus obtain a good grade for both. People who have lived abroad will have a better chance of getting things right, since they have fluency in the language. Even if it is not your case, with a lot of study you can do well on the test.
ACT exam fees
If you choose to take the exam outside of the USA, you will need to pay a fee of US $ 150, when including the essay test the student pays separately, plus US $ 16.50. Thus, the total amount to be invested is US $ 166.50.
How to send ACT scores to colleges
After taking the exam, you can submit your score to universities via the ACT website itself. In addition, you should go to the universities’ websites to find out how to apply for a place.
On the Act website you can send your grades to the universities you want to enter. It is a website that helps a lot and the student with test preparation modules. Have the website as an essential consultation to prepare you for the exam. It is very important to pay attention to the dates of the exam and the selection of universities. Get to know the university you are looking to enter, by going to its website and if you can, visit it in person.
What is the best way to prepare for ACT
To succeed in the ACT exam you must know what your weaknesses are, understand how the tests work and their structures, set the desired score, create a study schedule, learn the essentials and prepare for the day of the test. Dedicate yourself to the subjects that you have less ease, to assimilate them and thus prepare better for the test.
In addition, you must do simulations, study the subjects carefully, reinforce the ones you have difficulties. However, before taking the test you should relax. There is no point in taking the exam tired, so take the time before the test to have some fun.
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Conclusion
Finally, students looking to enter an American university must study the subjects related to the exam and take tests to prepare for the test. It is necessary to be prepared, knowing what really falls on the test or not.
The long-awaited American university is ready to serve students from other countries. They look for people with excellence, so if you studied hard all through high school, and now to take the exam, then there may be a place for you.
ACT is a difficult test, but there are many people who start their career at North American universities thanks to this exam. Study hard, make a schedule, prepare and keep your goal in mind. It is very possible to join a good American university. Keep in mind that if you don’t pass, you can take the test again. That way you will be more relaxed when taking the exam.
Since the ACT exam is made up of multiple choice questions, you should first ask the questions you find easiest, leaving the most difficult ones for last. The test guarantees your knowledge about the subjects in question. Take it easy, even if you have little time. ACT is an exam that values agility and knowledge, but does not rush, ask questions without stress. If you studied you are prepared, then why worry?
Joining an American university can become a reality. Only depends on you. The tests are done during the year, so try to prepare as soon as possible and see a date that may be of interest to you, allowing you to study for the exam with confidence. Go in search of your dreams and take the ACT.