The ACT is full of tricks, pitfalls, and answer choices that are close but not correct. And one of the biggest tricks is that the test feels lightning fast.
When Caleb first started, he saw the clock ticking down and his brain went, “Ah! A timed test!” which is basically the same panic response as, “Ah! A lion!” Once that adrenaline kicked in, Caleb panic-sprinted: he reread, spaced out, and fell for trick answers.
So, I taught Caleb how to stay calm and collected under pressure. Strategies gave him confidence, so he didn’t panic. He learned how to slow down, read carefully the first time, and focus. Ironically, this method of slowing down actually sped Caleb up, since he was no longer rereading, spacing out, and second-guessing himself.
I’m a perfect referral for Shannon Wagar, owner of Fourth Wall College Consulting in Fayetteville. Shannon helps students and their families navigate the college admissions process. If you know Shannon, ask: “Do any of your students talk about their dream jobs?”