Well, juniors, the time is approaching to take the ACT/PSAE tests. Cramming, pulling your hair out, or having a panic attack will not help you, considering the tests are about a month away. There are many tools you can use, though, to be successful on these tests…
- PACE YOURSELF-Don’t spend too much time on any question or reading section; go on to the other questions and come back if there is time.
- LISTEN TO AND READ THE DIRECTIONS FOR EACH TEST CAREFULLY
- READ EACH QUESTION CAREFULLY
- ANSWER THE EASY QUESTIONS FIRST-Skip the more difficult questions, then return to them if time allows: be careful to place answers in the correct answer space.
- USE LOGIC IN MORE DIFFICULT QUESTIONS-Eliminate as many incorrect answers as you can; then make an educated guess between the remaining possible answers.
- ANSWER EVERY QUESTION-Your score is based on the number of questions that you answer correctly. It is better to answer a question than to leave it blank. There is no penalty for guessing.
- REVIEW YOUR WORK-If time allows, double check your answers.
- BE PRECISE IN MARKING YOUR ANSWER DOCUMENT-Be sure to fill in the correct circles on your answer document.
- ERASE COMPLETELY-If you change an answer, it is extremely important to erase the original mark completely so that it can be scored correctly.
SPECIFIC STRATEGIES FOR TAKING THE ACT
- FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE CONTENT OF THE ACT TESTS. Knowing what to expect can reduce “test stress.” The ACT Website has helpful practice tests.
- REFRESH YOU KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS IN THE CONTENT AREAS. Some of the areas being tested may be areas you have not studied recently—refresh your memory.
- IDENTIFY THE CONTENT AREAS THAT YOU HAVE NOT STUDIED. Be able to identify areas that you have not studied. Do not waste time trying to figure out items you have not studied—be prepared to make “educated guesses” in those areas.
TIPS FOR PREPARING FOR THE ACT TEST DAY
- Be confident in your ability to do well.
- Be prepared to work hard.
- Know what to expect on test day—familiarize yourself with the parts of the test.
- Take the practice tests and review your responses so you will feel comfortable about the ACT test.
- Prepare well in advance for the tests—don’t wait until the last minute.
- Bring the following items with you to the test:
-Several sharpened #2 pencils with good erasers.
-A watch (without an alarm) to pace yourself.
-A permitted calculator for use on the Mathematics Test (see special section of the Preparing for the ACT booklet).
AN OVERVIEW OF THE PRAIRIE STATE
ACHIEVEMENT EXAM (PSAE)
Day One—ACT
ACT English—45 minutes (75 questions)
ACT Mathematics—60 minutes (60 questions)
ACT Reading—35 minutes (40 questions)
ACT Science—35 minutes (40 questions)
ACT Writing—30 minutes (one prompt)
Day Two— Work Keys and Science
ISBE-Developed Science—40 minutes (45 questions)
WorkKeys Applied Mathematics—45 minutes (33 questions)
WorkKeys Reading for Information—45 minutes (33 questions)
The test dates are as follows:
PSAE Day 1: Tuesday, April 24, 2012
PSAE Day 2: Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Makeup Standard- Time Testing
PSAE Day 1: Tuesday, May 8, 2012
PSAE Day 2: Wednesday, May 9, 2012
It seems very tricky to wrap your head around all that goes on during PSAE week. There are so many rules! The first one is to not be late. The test starts at the same time at every testing location in the United States. So if you are late, then teachers will be forced to send you to Student Services for the duration of the testing period. If you are late, you can make up the test during the make-up times, but it is a big, unneeded pain. The biggest rule of all is NO CELL PHONES OR OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES! If your cell phone goes off or is seen during testing, and it is thought that you are cheating, then multiple consequences could take place!
1) Your electronic devices could possibly be confiscated and sent to the ACT Headquarters in Iowa City, Iowa.
2) You could be brought in for questioning.
3) Your test scores could be canceled.
4) Your class will eternally harbor ill feelings towards you for distracting them during this very important test.
There are some up sides to testing, though. All juniors will be dismissed from school after testing has ended. Students are generally let out between noon and one o’clock on testing days.