Essential Facts
What is the Pre-ACT?
The mini version of the ACT, based on an old ACT test
What are the four sections on the Pre-ACT (and ACT)?
English, Math, (10 min break) Reading, and Science
(in that order)
What is the most important thing you can do the night before the test?
Get enough sleep, preferably at least 8 hours!
What is the date the Pre-ACT (and ACT for juniors) will be given at Metro?
Tomorrow: Tuesday, Feb 25th
What is the total amount of time for the pre-ACT and ACT test?
Pre-ACT: 2 hours and 10 minutes
ACT: 4 hours
Also we'll spend time bubbling in our addresses and other information about you before testing
We'll test 1st-4th hour.
What is the most important meal on test day?
Breakfast!
It fuels you through the 3-4 hours of the test.
Who takes the Pre-ACT?
All 8th, 9th, and 10th graders
Should I leave questions blank?
No! You are not penalized for wrong answers, so you should eliminate bad options and make an educated guess for every question.
If there are 45 English questions and 30 minutes to do them ...
what are strategies to use your time wisely?
- "1st pass / 2nd pass": do the easiest questions first. Carefully skip over questions you don't know on the answer sheet, then come back.
- "question first!": read the question & answers first so you know what your options are when you read the passage
- "time check": after question 15, check the time. If you've spent more than 10 mins, gently speed up
Why do students take the Pre-ACT?
To see how they will potentially do on the ACT:
- discover strengths & weaknesses by section
- practice ACT test timing
Where are my backpack, coat, headphones, and cell phone during the test?
They are safely stored in the front of the classroom.
If a cell phone goes off, you and your teacher have to fill out an "Incident Report." Turn off and turn in all cell phones.
When can I use the bathroom during the Pre-ACT?
- Before the test in advisory (best option!)
- During the 10 min test break between Section 2 (Math) and Section 3 (Reading)
- After everyone finishes testing at 1:23
**not during the test**
**not after section 1 or 3**
How will my real ACT scores be used when I take it as an 11th grader?
ACT scores are part of your college application. You receive a score of 1-36.
Scores of 20+ are above average and help your acceptance rate. You can also earn scholarships.
Can I return to another section of the test once we've completed it?
Nope. You may not return to a section of the test once its time is up.
Your "test proctor" will give you a 5 minute warning before each section finishes.
If there are 30 Science questions and 30 minutes to do them ...
what are strategies to use your time wisely?
- "1st pass / 2nd pass": do the easiest questions first. Carefully skip over questions you don't know on the answer sheet, then come back.
- "question first!": read the question & answers first so you know what your options are when you read the passage
- "time check": after question 10, check the time. If you've spent more than 10 mins, gently speed up