Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority
Tips for taking the ACT

On March 15, juniors attending Kentucky public high schools will take the ACT, the nation’s most widely accepted college entrance exam. The ACT exam assesses high school students’ general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. Higher scores may also qualify students for a bonus award through the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES) program.

To do their best on the test, students should follow these tips from the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA), which administers the KEES program:

·         Study, take notes and do your homework in your regular high school classes. Retain the information you learn rather than “dumping” it after the next test.

·         Take practice tests. ACT offers sample tests at www.actstudent.org, and practice tests are included in the ACT booklet that school counselors receive each year. If those aren’t enough, you can buy larger practice books at most bookstores.

·         Take advantage of ACT prep classes. Many high schools and colleges offer such classes for free or for a small fee.

·         Answer the questions you’re sure about first, then go back and tackle the others. But don’t spend too much time on any one question.

·         Remember that your first gut feeling is more often right than wrong.

·         If you can eliminate one answer, you have a one-in-three chance of guessing the right answer. If you can eliminate two, you have a 50-50 chance. If you’ve answered the questions you’re sure of and made educated guesses on others but have no clue about the rest, fill in any circle. The ACT doesn’t count off for wrong answers, so guessing won’t hurt your score.

·         Make sure you get a good night’s rest the night before and leave home early enough to get to the test site on time. And don’t forget to bring some form of identification.

To learn how to plan and prepare for higher education, visit www.gotocollege.ky.gov. For more information about Kentucky scholarships and grants, visit www.kheaa.com; write KHEAA, P.O. Box 798, Frankfort, KY 40602-0798; or call (800) 928-8926, ext. 6-7372.

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