Do You Want to Use Your Calculator on ACT Practice Tests?
…and do you want to use your calculator on the real ACT test? Whether you are doing ACT practice tests or the real thing, remember that time is your enemy. While calculators may be helpful, they can actually slow you down. Be careful not to rely on your calculator too much. Since the ACT test has the all the answers on it, you often won’t have to even use it.
My son’s friend forgot his calculator when he went to take the ACT test. You might think that would be devasting. Nope–he got a 34 composite. Didn’t hurt him a bit. Of course he is a smart guy, but the point is you don’t have to have a calculator to do well.
There are several types of problems where you should probably avoid your calculator. Those would include questions where the answers are expressed as fractions (your calculator will use decimals–converting will just slow you down) or questions involving variables.
Remeber that you have 60 minutes for 60 questions. The makers of the ACT test don’t make problems that require a lot of extensive calculations. There isn’t time for it. If you think you need to use a calculator, make sure it is because you have clearly thought things out and are sure you really need a calculator to do that problem. If you are reaching for it on most problems you are probably making a mistake and not understanding the math problems. Very few calculations on the test are that difficult.
If you get the math portion done with time to go back and double check your work, you might use your calculator to double check some of your math. But ONLY when have everything already completed.
And never use an unfamiliar calculator on the ACT. You’ll just confuse yourself and slow things down. By the way, some calculator models are not allowed to be used on the ACT. Make sure you check the ACT website to see if yours is on of those.
So….since practice makes perfect, when doing your ACT practice tests, try doing as many problems as possible without your calculator. You’ll probably discover shortcuts to help you do the test even faster.