Natalie Bukowski EDUC 430

Strategies for the ACT/SAT

ACT Strategies:

Time Management:
Question usually start easier and become harder
Dont answer questions half way either give the question a fair and solid attempt or pick
an answer and move on
Dont double check answers- dont rush through the test to finish so that there is time to
double check answers.
Approaches to taking the ACT:
Intend to answer all questions- spend 25 minutes of first 30 questions and 35 minutes
on second 30 questions
Tend to rush- start the exam by bubbling in the same letter for every one of the
ending questions. Spend more time relaxed and focused on the easier questions.
Tend to get stuck on a questions- dont waste too much time and just guess an answer
Tend to not be a math person and become overwhelmed - do all the easy questions
and come back for the rest
Tend to be a math person- consider taking the test backwards but be sure to leave
time to do the easier beginning problems

Overcoming Overthinking
Believe that the tools needed to solve the problems have been learned-figure out what tools
are relevant to the problem
Figure it out!- Dont just assume one cant do it
Write everything out-writing out steps/ideas can help make connections needed to solve the
problem
Read the problem carefully and fully understand what is being asked- misunderstanding the
problem can lead to wrong answers that will be an answer choice on the test
More thinking and less computation- ACT tests ability to problem solve, not ability to plug
numbers into a memorized formula
Mistakes can lead to success-mistakes can lead to new connections to solving the problem
Multiple ways to solve problems
Trust feelings and instincts

Avoiding Careless Mistakes

Read the question slowly and carefully. Underline and circle key words and numbers
Draw pictures- often times diagrams can help solve the problem more quickly
Label drawings-drawings are drawn to scale so use them
Turn words into algebra- write equations from the given word problems in order to solve the
problem
Plug in numbers- for some questions, simply plugging in the answer choices will give the
result. Start with the middle choice since answer choices are usually given in order from
least to greatest

SAT Strategies:
Natalie Bukowski EDUC 430

Draw a picture-useful for geometry problems

Trust diagrams that are drawn to scale- figures will say Note: Figure not drawn to scale

If diagram is not drawn to scale, re-draw- re-draw as accurately as possible, only do this
when direct solution is not quickly recognized. Caution that this uses time.

Add a line to a diagram-do this if there appears to be not enough information in a given
diagram

Test the choices starting with B or C- use when finding a variable, but dont want to do
algebra. Choices are always listed in increasing or decreasing order. Start with middle
choices

Replace variables with numbers-solve the problem using easy numbers then switch back
to variables to choose the appropriate answer

Choose an appropriate number-similar to previous strategy, however no variable is given.

Useful for fractions, ratios, and percents

Eliminate absurd choices and guess-helps narrow the choices to the problem when the
procedure to solve the problem is unknown or not remembered

Subtract to find shaded regions- when asked to find area of shaded region, find area of
entire shape and subtract the unshaded area.

Dont do more than you have to- if one knows the answer without doing any work then
simply just choose the correct answer. Dont solve for unnecessary variables.

Pay attention to units-the answer choices may be in different units than the numbers given
in the problem

Use your calculator-some problems are easier and faster to do using a calculator

Know when not to use your calculator- only use a calculator when it is absolutely
necessary

Systematically make lists- some questions ask for how many. Simply write out the
possibilities and look for patterns

Trust all grids, graphs, and charts

Add equations- If two equations without exponents are given, add or subtract them. If there
are three of more equations, add them