ACT

Understanding ACT Scores and Ivy League Admissions What Is the ACT? The ACT is a standardized college entrance exam used by many universities in the United States to evaluate applicants. It consists of four main sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. There is also an optional Writing section, though not all colleges require it. Each section is scored on a scale from 1 to 36. Your composite ACT score is the average of your four section scores, also ranging from 1 to 36. The national average ACT score tends to…

Comparing the ACT and SAT – Structure, Content, and Subject Focus Introduction When it comes to applying to college in the United States, the ACT and SAT are two standardized tests that play a central role in admissions decisions and scholarship qualifications. Though many colleges accept scores from either test without preference, they are not identical in structure, content, or testing strategy. Understanding how these two exams differ can help students decide which is the better fit for their learning style and academic strengths. The ACT and SAT both evaluate…

Understanding the ACT – What It Is and Why It Matters Introduction to the ACT The ACT is a standardized test used across the United States to evaluate a high school student’s readiness for college. It is one of the two major college entrance exams, the other being the SAT. While different colleges have different policies, the ACT is accepted by all four-year colleges and universities in the United States. The test measures academic proficiency in English, mathematics, reading, and science, with an optional writing section. These components are designed…

Understanding the ACT Reading Test What Is the ACT Reading Test? The ACT Reading Test is a core component of the ACT exam, a standardized test widely used in the United States for college admissions. This particular section evaluates how well students can understand, interpret, and analyze written texts. Unlike other parts of the ACT that test specific content knowledge, such as algebra in Math or scientific reasoning in Science, the Reading section focuses entirely on comprehension skills. These skills are not limited to any one subject area but instead…

Overview of the ACT English Test Introduction to the ACT English Section The ACT English Test is one of the four core sections of the ACT, which is a standardized exam commonly used for college admissions in the United States. This portion of the exam is designed to measure your ability to understand, revise, and edit a variety of written texts. Rather than focusing on obscure grammar rules or memorized vocabulary, the test assesses your practical understanding of English as it is used in real-life contexts—academic, professional, and everyday writing….

Introduction to Comma Usage – Understanding the Basics The Purpose of a Comma in Sentences A comma is a small punctuation mark, yet it plays a crucial role in sentence structure. Commas help clarify the meaning of sentences by separating elements, preventing misreading, and guiding the reader through complex thoughts. While many people have been taught to insert a comma where they would naturally pause when speaking, this approach can often be misleading. The human voice may pause for dramatic effect or rhythm, not because of grammatical necessity. Therefore, it’s…

Understanding Essential vs. Non-Essential Elements in a Sentence  Introduction to Sentence Elements and Comma Use In writing, commas are essential tools that help shape the meaning, flow, and clarity of a sentence. However, they are often misunderstood or misused, especially when it comes to distinguishing essential and non-essential elements. A fundamental aspect of good writing involves knowing when and where commas should or should not be used, particularly when dealing with different types of clauses and phrases. This part will focus entirely on understanding how commas function around essential and…

Laying the Foundation for ACT Success Setting a Goal and Making a Plan Before you begin studying for the ACT, it’s important to set a clear goal. A target score gives you something concrete to work toward and helps guide your preparation. Start by identifying what score you need for admission to your preferred colleges. Look up the average ACT scores of accepted students for those schools. This will help you set a realistic and ambitious target. For example, if your top-choice university has an average ACT score of 28,…

The Foundations of English Grammar Understanding the Eight Parts of Speech To build strong sentences, you must first understand the components that make them work. English grammar is based on eight fundamental parts of speech. Each plays a unique role in sentence construction, and understanding how these elements interact helps improve clarity and correctness. Nouns A noun is a word used to name a person, place, thing, or idea. Nouns can be concrete (cat, city, book) or abstract (freedom, truth, anger). They often serve as the subject or object in…

Exponents Exponents are a fundamental part of algebra and are tested frequently on the ACT. Mastering exponent rules will help you simplify expressions and solve equations more efficiently. Rules of Exponents Product of Powers Rule When multiplying two exponents with the same base: a^m × a^n = a^(m+n) Example: 2^3 × 2^4 = 2^(3+4) = 2^7 = 128 Quotient of Powers Rule When dividing exponents with the same base: a^m ÷ a^n = a^(m−n) Example: 5^6 ÷ 5^2 = 5^(6−2) = 5^4 = 625 Power of a Power Rule When…