When looking at areas of the (SAT) ACT for score improvement, many students focus on the reading, writing, and math portions of the test, often scamming over science. The ACT science test section includes various passages, data charts, scientific terms that will be disseminated in the form of multiple-choice questions. Studying for this portion of the test thoroughly will boost your ACT science score. In this article, you will find a list of five ACT tips and tricks for the science section that will help you boost your score. You can either practice for the test on your own with the right study material or sign up for an online prep course. PrepScholar has a group of SAT/ACT experts who are dedicated to help students to master the ACT.
ACT Science Section
- Interpretations of Data – Data representation (i.e., graphs, charts, diagrams) is the consistency of this portion and will account for up to 55% of the ACT science test. You will need to analyze these various pieces of data accurately in all capacities.
- Scientific Investigation– This portion of the ACT science exam can account for up to 30%. Primarily, you need to understand experimental procedures and the ability to predict and modify outcomes.
- Evaluation of Models, Inferences, and Experimental Results – Lastly, this portion of the ACT can account for up to 35% of the science portion. The title of this section is truly telling us you will be doing as it states.
Five ACT Tips and Tricks for The Science Section
Tip #1: Have a Clear Understanding of the Sections
There are three primary content areas in the ACT science test: Interpretations of Data, Scientific Investigation, and Evaluation of Models, Inferences, and Experimental Results. However, ACT outlines that the scientific information is conveyed proportionately in each of three ways: data representation (such as charts and graphs), research summaries, and a conflicting viewpoints passage. Review each of these portions and have a clear understanding of the types of passages.
Tip #2: Timing
When taking any exam, never spend too much time on any one question! Some of the ACT science passages may take longer than others, so take that into account. For example, passages that contain conflicting viewpoints may take longer as you have to analyze several different points for compare and contrast or hypothesis views.
Tip #3: Paying Attention to Labels
Things can start to be hazy and blend when looking at a million bubbles and passages. Make sure before you answer the question that you have been looking at the correct graph or passage.
Tip #4: Know Terms
If you don’t know the proper terms, then you will have difficulty understanding the questions and likely not get the correct answer. Many of the terms are those you learned in high school; however, various ACT prep books can help you remember the different things that have been forgotten.
Tip #5: Practice Makes Perfect
Taking an ACT practice test (or many) and ACT sample questions on the ACT website will benefit you greatly. Pay attention closely to questions that throw you off. After each practice exam, review the questions you got wrong and assess where you went wrong. Doing this will help you recognize areas of confusion or terms you don’t know so that you can prepare better. Lastly, it would help if you answered every question on test day to ensure your ACT score reflects all of the hard work you have put in.
