1. A guide by Mitchell Scher
Beating the ACT/SAT
A guide by Mitchell Scher

2. 1. What is it?
This is not a test of knowledge, it’s not a test of memorizing words, or books, or any of that (though formulas certainly help for math)
It’s different Have you noticed the questions are different from what you do in school?
It’s timed Getting the correct answer is half the battle. There’s a ticking clock
There is just one choice Though it may seem there are multiple, there is only one, 100% correct, answer

3. Reading 52 Questions, 65 Minutes ELIMINATE 3 ANSWERS Be interested
Take a full section test, mark where you hit 65 minutes, but continue on
ELIMINATE 3 ANSWERS
Be interested
Test the Methods
Skim passages, then read questions
Read questions, then mark the passage
Read whole passage, then answer
Tone
Positive vs negative
I wish she wouldn't spend the entire class time obsessing on with her _____________ commentary; sometimes it puts me right to sleep.
Tip
It is very often easier to eliminate 3 answers than it is to choose 1 correct one. The answer you pick must be 100% correct, so anything wrong with a choice eliminates it.

5. 2. Math
Math is the most straightforward of the test topics since it has a set list of concepts it will test:
KNOW YOUR FORMULAS/TERMINOLOGY
Volume/Area
Perimeter/Circumference
Pythagorean’s Theorem
Graphing (midpoint, max/min, reflect)
Probability
Mean/Median

6. Math Thoughts The questions can all be answered
Tip
If you get to a problem you seriously don’t know how to do, mark it, skip it, move on. Make sure you answer every question.
Go back at the end if you’re out of time and guess
If a question describes a shape, DRAW IT
These are not normal problems, it tests your understanding, not your memorization
In practice, DO NOT just find the correct answer if you were incorrect.
Content vs Approach
Breakdown of question types;
Heart of Algebra
Advanced Math
Problem Solving/Data
Additional Topics (geometry)
Math Thoughts
The questions can all be answered
Go into it knowing you’ll get it, don’t waste time feeling lost
There are only a certain number of kinds of problems
Practice, Practice, Practice
Admit when you need to work on something
Be creative (taking a quarter can be *.25, or taking the midpoint twice or dividing by 4)

7. Math Breakdown Other (10%): Geometry, Trig, imaginary
SAT gives formulas, ACT does not
Do not rely on them either way, it wastes time
Heart of Algebra (40%): Linear equations (systems), Inequalities (with variables), Graphing (slopes, intercepts)
Advanced Math (30%): Polynomials, Quadratics, Radicals/Exponents, Nonlinear equations
Problem Solving (20%): Ratios/Rates/Proportions, Reading data/charts, Probability, Percentages
Other (10%): Geometry, Trig, imaginary

8. 3. Science (ACT only)
Science is the weirdest of the bunch, but I feel is the easiest to master. It is scary to look at at first, and it tries REALLY hard to confuse you, but it’s very possible to crush it with prep.
BREATH - You don’t need to know ANY science to do really really well (IT IS NOT A KNOWLEDGE TEST)
There will usually be a paragraph or two, a few charts, and then questions
Otherwise it is all text, and is a more fact-oriented reading passage

9. What?

10. Science Thoughts
Read the first paragraph to know what it’s about, but do not worry about terminology
Read the graphs, and FIND THE DIFFERENCES
Read the title, axes, and descriptions
Answer question asked, not assumed
In passages, look for patterns of how information is presented.
Comparing scientists’ views

13. 4. Writing Grammar, formatting, punctuation, and clarity
This tests your grasp on the English language.
If you get one wrong in practice, look at the specific RULE it was
Sentence Correction
Neither/nor, number agreement, verb forms, tense, run-ons,
Sentence Improvement
Subject verb agreement
NO ERROR

14. 5. Last Thoughts Practice Practice Practice
Understand and analyze errors in practice
Study Effectively
Do practice tests
Gives an idea of where you are
Tests stamina
Eat well before the test
Go in with a good mindset
Everyone can do well if they prep

15. Resources
blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-800-on-sat-reading-10-strategies-by-a-perfect-scorer
blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-800-on-sat-writing-11-strategies-from-a-perfect-scorer
blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-800-on-sat-math-by-a-perfect-scorer
scorer