How Hard is the ACT Test? 5 Ways to Make the ACT Test Easier

The ACT is an essential stage in preparation for high school students’ enrollment in a competitive college. Its reputation as a challenging standardised test leaves many students wondering: Is the ACT hard? We strongly believe that there is always some truth hidden regarding the exam, the work it tests, and the preparation for it. Even though some parts of the ACT might seem rather complicated, this test can be comfortably taken and considered less frightening with the right approach.

In this ACT guide, which is split into two parts, we will examine how complex the ACT is and how it differs from the SAT. We will also give tips to help you plan your ACT test-taking strategy.

How Hard Is the ACT Test?

The level of difficulty for the ACT varies in many forms, for instance, the amount of practice you have with questions in the test, your ability to manage time, and your study preparedness for the particular test. Unlike high school exams, skills of the course content are tested; the ACT is centred on problem-solving, thinking abilities, and time limits. Here’s an overview of the test’s sections and their challenges:

1. English Section

The English section contains 75 questions that should be solved in 45 minutes. It determines your grammar, punctuation, sentence construction and mere plain rhetoric proficiency. Most students can cope with concepts in this section if they practice enough; however, this may be fast.

2. Math Section

The Mathematics section comprises 60 questions within 60 minutes, mainly about ea, volume, algebra, trigonometry, and other sections. Although these concepts are taught in high school, this section may be difficult because of the time bar and the type of questions set.

3. Reading Section

There are 40 questions in the Reading section, which must be completed within 35 minutes. The Reading section tests a clear understanding of texts and the ability to make quick analyses. The short time is usually the most significant problem here.

4. Science Section

The Science section contains 40 questions to complete in 35 minutes, and you will have to draw conclusions from data, analyse experiments, and consider scientific appeal. While the material here is fine without scientific sophistication, the section is brisk and densely graphed, making it somewhat deceptive.

5. Writing (Optional)

The Writing section demands an essay be written in 40 minutes. It also measures how well you can reason to justify a particular stand on a specific prevailing issue. This section is not obligatory but highly encouraged for those planning to apply to colleges that require it.

Is the ACT Easier Than the SAT?

Many students especially tend to ask a prevalent question, “Is the ACT easier than the SAT?” The answer depends on your strengths and preferences:

1. Time Management: Compared to the SAT, the ACT is famous for having stricter deadlines. If you need help with pacing, you will probably find the ACT more difficult.
2. Content: Basically, the SAT focuses on reading and writing with an accent on critical evidence, fewer math problems, enhanced problem-solving abilities, and analysis. However, the ACT spreads the concepts over the Math section and, in addition, has the Science section that is missing in the SAT.
3. Question Style: Hypothesis two supports the findings since ACT questions are usually direct, while SAT questions may contain one or many steps and problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Overall, their difficulty levels are inversely proportional to one’s abilities; therefore, one cannot determine which tests are more accessible for a particular student in advance. You can easily decide which exam is appropriate for you by practising for both.

Why Is the ACT Hard? 5 Key Factors

1. Time Pressure
   There are 215 questions to answer in nearly three hours, so time is a significant factor. Every choice implemented in each section demands speed in thinking and execution to save time.
2. Content Breadth
   The ACT focuses on several areas of study, especially in the curriculum’s math and science areas. Students with a weak background in specific topics may need help understanding the concepts explained in those sections of the lessons.
3. Complex Question Formats
   The questions are primarily literal and straightforward, but if a student is trying to understand what is written in the Science section or is to solve a problem that involves several steps in Math, it may take a lot of time.
4. Endurance
   The ACT questions are thoughtful and require consistent attention, as the test takes a long time and calls for seamless switching between sections.
5. Test Anxiety
   Many students go into the ACT exam knowing they need to score enough to get admitted into a university of their choice, which puts much pressure on them and even makes the ACT exam more challenging.

4 Factors That Make the ACT Easier

1. Familiar Content

The ACT assesses ideas that students in high school are taught. In essence, diligent preparation helps most students overcome intimidation on grounds of unfamiliarity with the material in question.

2. Straightforward Questions

Unlike the SAT, where specific questions are asked in forms that make it difficult for the candidate to solve, the ACT does not pose these extra challenging questions.

3. Optional Writing Section

Students who may not be confident about the Writing section can leave it out as it is optional.

4. Plenty of Practice Resources

Unfortunately, there are various official and unofficial practice tests, so the students can get used to the format and get some experience.

Achieve your dream ACT score! Contact Rostrum Education now for expert tutoring and tailored preparation strategies.

5 Tips to Make the ACT Test Easier for You

1. Create a Study Plan

Make a timetable because you must study systematically during a certain period to improve specific subject areas. Choose official resources from ACT prep materials to complete the tasks.

2. Take Practice Tests

Take practice tests according to the guidelines for taking tests on the test day. This will enable you to understand areas of weakness to increase your rate.

3. Focus on Weak Areas

Spend more time on difficult content areas, whether trigonometry or how to read data.

4. Learn Test Strategies

Learn how different approaches work, such as the elimination method, the abandon/come back later method and the time issue.

5. Stay Calm and Confident

Choose and practice methods of calming down during test taking or before going to take a test. Remember that preparation is the most crucial element to a successful outcome.

Ready to ace the ACT? Schedule a free consultation with Rostrum Education to start your personalized ACT prep journey today.

FAQs on How Hard is the ACT Test?

1. Is the ACT burdensome?

The test is burdensome primarily because of the time limits and the number of questions included. Nonetheless, students always consider the situation bearable if they are to prepare for the exam.

2. Has the ACT gotten easier?

The topics of the tests have stayed the same, but the organisation of ACT and the availability of online testing can make a difference for some students.

3. Are ACT practice tests harder than the actual test?

The Past official tests are relatively accurate to the actual section because they were developed to simulate the actual ACT. They may be more challenging to some students because they lack prior exposure to such problems, but they are instrumental as preparation aids.

4. How hard is the MCAT compared to the ACT?

It is easier for a well-prepared student to score high on the ACT than the MCAT, which is far more challenging as it is a prerequisite for admission to a medical school.

5. Is math harder on the ACT or SAT?

Here, the case is the opposite. The SAT math section gives more importance to logic and iterative question solving, and the ACT covers a complete math syllabus but in simple formats. This depends on strength in math skills and how well each shape can be measured and recorded.

6. Is the ACT Science section challenging?

The ACT Science may be complicated, especially when timed and when there is a lot of data included in the problems. However, it can only be done with the schematics and physical knowledge of science as it concentrates on thinking ability.

7. How do you study for the ACT?

Study for the exams, identify your problem areas, solely work with an official guide, and take full-length practice exams to become a better test-taker.

8. How hard is it to get a perfect ACT score?

Getting a 36 in ACT is not as impossible as it may sound; it means getting a perfect ACT score. It took a lot of preparation, good knowledge of the content and many techniques to take a test.

Studying for the ACT can be quite a daunting task. However, it doesn’t have to be a daunting task at all. Rostrum Education offers preparation methods, advice according to the learner’s needs, and a course of action to get high scores. We offer section helpands complete test assistance to help you with whatever you need to face along the way.