12 Benefits Of Taking The ACT | ACT Test

Can’t make up your mind about taking the ACT test? Don’t throw in the towel just yet. There are valuable benefits of taking the ACT, so it’s actually worth the try. The hours you spend studying can pay off in admissions and scholarships.

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Why Should You Take the ACT Test?

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The ACT test is accepted by all major 4-year universities. Colleges that require or consider test scores accept either the ACT or the SAT, and some set minimum ACT scores for admission or programs. A strong score helps show you are ready for college-level work.
If you have a low high school GPA, a strong ACT score can help balance it. One tough subject can pull your GPA down. A good ACT score gives colleges another measure of what you can do, though your grades still matter.
If you don't like your score, you can retake the ACT. There is no pass or fail on the ACT, and ACT says there is no limit to how many times you can take it. If you test more than once, ACT reports a superscore that averages your best English, math and reading scores, and you choose which scores colleges see.
You can evaluate your capabilities and weak points through the ACT. Having taken the test, you can then look back and check on which topics you are able to excel in. In which areas did you score well and where did you fall short? Through the test, you’ll realize what subjects you’re doing well at and what you need to improve on. This is an important benefit especially for high school students who are undecided on what course and job they’d like to pursue in the future.
You’ll be able to apply for scholarships if you get a good score. There are colleges that offer merit-based or academic scholarships for high school students who gain a certain ACT score. Many of these awards also look at your GPA. You can get the upper-hand on the competition if you get an excellent score on the ACT test.
It can strengthen an early resume. When your work history is still thin, a strong ACT score is an achievement you can list on applications for jobs, internships and programs that ask for it.
You can add a science section. The ACT offers an optional science section, while the SAT has no separate science section. If you take ACT science along with math, you also get a STEM score. This is a plus if you are planning on chemistry, biology, engineering or another science-based field.
You just might get it right by guessing. The ACT does not penalize wrong answers (neither does the SAT since 2016), so never leave an item blank. Every ACT multiple-choice question has four choices, so a blind guess has a ¼ chance, or 1/3 or ½ if you eliminate choices first.
You can use a calculator to solve math questions. An approved calculator is allowed on the entire ACT math section, which lessens the stress. All you need to do now is master the application of math formulas and understand math concepts to be able to confidently solve math problems.
There is plenty of official practice material. The best way to prepare for the ACT or the SAT is to take official practice tests. ACT publishes official practice tests and guides, and decades of released ACT tests are still useful for skill practice, though the enhanced ACT is shorter and math now has four choices instead of five.
On the ACT, every question (apart from the optional essay) is multiple choice. The SAT includes some math questions where you enter your own answer. On the ACT, the backsolving strategy always comes in handy on math problems.
You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment after taking the ACT test. Finishing the ACT with a score you worked for is an accomplishment you can be proud of. It will boost your confidence and this added credential can boost your chances of getting into your college or university of choice.

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The benefits of taking the ACT depend on reaching your target score. Check out study guides, sign up for ACT review lessons, and take ACT practice tests to raise your chances.

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