The best gift we can give to our kids is education! But of course, it's not presented in a silver platter - - they need to work hard for it!
This summer, our girls are being challenged to study the ACT in advance to prepare them for the test!
WHAT IS ACT:
- It is national college admissions examination that consists of subject area tests in:ENGLISH, MATHEMATICS , READING and SCIENCE
- ACT is a test given to high school juniors who plan to attend college that aims to determine knowledge base of the student
- ACT scores range from 1 - 36. The higher the score, the higher the probability that you may be accepted in your college of choice
- The test itself includes 215 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete, including a short break (or just over four hours if you are taking the ACT Plus Writing).
- Actual testing time is 2 hours and 55 minutes (plus 30 minutes if you are taking the ACT Plus Writing
WHEN TO PREPARE:
- The earlier the better! Bear in mind that the test is open once you are in junior high, you may take the test in your school (ask your guidance counselors for schedule) or at a designated testing station. But why wait for the last minute announcement? Start Studying early (G3 an incoming sophomore is also studying ACT this summer together with G1 and G2)
HOW WE PREPARE FOR ACT:
For Parents:
- Do your homework and research on different test guides available in the web
- Explain to teens the benefit of getting high ACT scores (i.e. early college admission, higher scholarship grants etc)
- Set expectations
- Encourage positive reinforcement in study habits
- Check daily progress
- The "carrot" strategy: Not sure about you, but Dr. D hubby promised a big bonus for the kids (depends on the grade range)
- Stock upon fruits and snacks (Kids do get hungry while studying!)
- Give them a break! (Occasionally, treat them for a movie or ice cream for a job well done! Hmmm..color streaks in the hair at Gould's salon? - - I'll think about it..)
For Students:
- Allocate 2 -3 hours a day on reading the test guide
- Set a recurring time in the morning that works best (preferably 10:00am-12:00pm)
- Find a study buddy (thank goodness for twin power)
- Designate a study corner
- Use timer to check progress on each test
- Find a conducive study environment (if you prefer to study with our Ipod on - - whatever works!)
- Train your mind to focus on looking into details
- Don't get frustrated if you have a wrong answer - - just learn from a mistake and learn from it
But most importantly .. . .ENJOY THE NEW WORDS, NEW IDEAS and NEW MATH TRICKS!
Great job girls ! Keep it up
