ACT and College Prep Blog

Answer the question!

2010-07-22T17:32:00.016-05:00

I really struggle with English questions like this one. What's the strategy?

'The Vatican Museums house a great many valuable paintings, sculptures, and tapestries.' (the phrase in question is in bold)

Given that all the choices are true, which one best emphasizes the extent and worth of the museums' holdings?

A. NO CHANGE
B. thousands of invaluable
C. numerous important
D. a group of precious

Question from Crystal from Indiana

Easy, just check out page 14 of your ACT Black Book. See ya next time... Just kidding, here is the strategy:

For questions like this one, you need to answer exactly what the question asks. Don't worry about what seems to sound best or fits the passage best. Don't worry about grammar either. Just pay attention to the details of the question and find which answer fits.

In this question all answers seem pretty similar, but one stands out. That answer is B. Why?

The question wants the choice that empasizes "the extent and worth" (these are the key words here) of the holdings. Lets analyze each answer choice to show why B is correct.

A. "A great many valuable" - This choice gives some idea of worth by saying the art is valuable. It also gives some idea of the extent by saying "a great many". At the same time, this statement is pretty general. What is "a great many"? 50 items, 200 items, 1,000,000 items? This answer is OK, but we can do better.

C. "numerous important" - Just because an item is "important" does not mean it has any worth. Your toothbrush is important, but you can buy another for a few bucks. Also, "numerous" is a very weak word to explain the extent of the holdings.

D. "a group of precious" - The word "precious" somewhat explains the worth, but it is not an ideal choice. In addition, "a group of" is a very weak way to explain the extent.

B. "thousands of invaluable" - Here is our winner. "invaluable" is a solid way to explain the worth. Furthermore, "thousands of" is by far our most specific explanation of the extent of the collection. Here we have a number instead of the much more general terms we saw in the other options. This choice truly "best emphasizes the extent and worth of the holdings".

Teachstreet Blogger

2010-07-15T14:31:00.002-05:00

We have just been recommended by Teachstreet.com! We also have recently received some new questions. Look for weekly posts through the rest of summer. Good luck with your ACT and college prep!

When's my last chance?

2010-06-03T14:57:00.003-05:00

"I got a late start on taking the ACT and am just taking it for the first time in two weeks. I am studying my black book and doing practice tests, but I am nervous that I might have a bad day. Is this June test my last chance (I am a junior) or will colleges still take the Septmeber test?"

Billy - Atlanta, GA

Good question that a lot of people are unclear on. You can take the ACT in the beginning of your senior year. Any college in the US will accept it. So the September, October, and even the December tests give you more chances to improve your score. Although, if you are applying for an early admission program, December and possibly October may be too late.

If you feel like your score is too low for a certain college, wait to send in your application. You don't want to get rejected before they can see your great new ACT score. Just make sure you don't miss the deadlines!

ACT Math Question Solved

2009-10-15T14:35:00.023-05:00

Alright, sorry for the delay, the technical issues are worked out!

For the equation x^2 + dx + g = 0, d and g are integers. The only possible value of x is 4. What is the value of d?

Question comes from John in Kentucky.

This one involves some algebra skills and good logic. So where to begin?

Well, you may want to try substituting the 4 in for x. While this usually is a good tactic, you will find that it does not help much here. You are still left with two variables and are unable to come to a single answer for the value of d.

Now if you think you are stumped, remember a line from The Black Book - Think "What can I do here?". Think about this sort of problem - you have probably seen plenty of problems of the form Ax^2 + Bx + C = 0. What do you usually do with them? - break them into (x+__) (x+__)=0

Back to the problem, we see x can only = 4, this means the problem must break down into

(x-4) (x-4) = 0

so, FOILed out it would look like x^2 - 8x + 16

look back to the question, your answer is...... d = -8

Will I get lost at the big state school?

2009-10-09T15:12:00.000-05:00

I really like the pharmaceutical program at the University of Minnesota, but I'm worried that the college is just too big. I am fairly social and want to meet people at school, but I don't want to be lost in the crowd. I also am not that big into the 'party' scene, which I know is big there and at other state schools. Keri from Minnesota

This is a very valid question that thousands of students have asked before. State universities often have top-notch programs and a price tag that is significantly less than private alternatives. At the same time, you will encounter an enormous student population (for example, U of Minn has 51,000 students), large class sizes, less accessible teachers, and more 'red tape' to get through. So how do you decide if the 'big state school' is right for you? Here are some guidelines and general advice from all of us at Superior Test Prep.

1. Visit and talk to current students

This is a must! Walk around the school on a typical class day. Get a feel for what life is like for the typical student. But don't be too shy! If a student doesn't look too busy, ask him or her what life is like there, most will be more than happy to help. Chances are you will find someone who was also worried about the school being too big. If you are really brave, you could even walk into a big lecture hall and see a college class in action! Now go do the exact same thing at a smaller school. See what feels right!

2. Remember Big School = more resources, clubs, groups, etc.

Big schools give you plenty of opportunities to find smaller groups. You will only get lost in the crowd if you do not take advantage of this. For example, most state colleges offer special dorms for certain majors, interest groups, or lifestyles. This will put you with a group of like-minded people right from day 1. Personally, I was part of a 6,000 person greek (frat / sorority) system at a 45,000 person university. I was part of a small community as well as a big one. If you are willing to step out of your comfort zone and get involved you will find a group that fits you.

3. Sometimes Bigger is Better

Some advantages a small school may not offer: Lots of school spirit / A good sports scene. Diverse student populations. More class/ major choices. Hundreds of ways to get involved in the student community. Large alumni networks.

4. Sometimes Bigger is NOT Better

You will undoubtedly encounter larger class sizes and less accessible professors. First of all, not every class at a big state school will be in a huge lecture hall. You will still have small classes, but expect to share your core classes (psychology 101, microeconomics, biology, etc...) with at least 100 other students. If that just does not work for you, you probably want a smaller, more personable college. As for contacting professors at a big school, that is on you. Every professor has office hours. If you attend regularly, you can forge a relationship with the professor of a 350 person lecture. Alternatively, at a small college you probably will simply have to walk up after class to talk to the professor. You cannot deny that a small college offers a more personable education.

5. The Party Issue

Just about every college has some kind of party scene, but it is pushed a bit more in large state schools. If you have a moral objection to partying and drinking, you may want to stay away from these places. But if you just choose not to participate in it, don't worry about it! Yes there is a bit of peer pressure, but you will find plenty of people who share your views. Ask students where the more laid back dorms are located. Maybe even choose to live in a dry dorm or a dorm with extended quiet hours. Even the biggest 'party school' offers plenty of popular activities that do not involve drinking or partying.

The verdict: Big state schools offer a different college experience than smaller private colleges. While you will never meet most of your classmates, you will have plenty of chances to join smaller organizations. You probably will not find yourself having coffee and stimulating conversation with a state school professor, but it is certainly possible if you work to forge the relationship. A big state school can work for anyone if you have some confidence and are willing to be somewhat outgoing. And most importantly -Visit and talk to as many students as possible!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't be shy, this is a big choice.

Coming Soon....

2009-09-22T22:20:00.002-05:00

This blog will begin soon...Send your questions to nick@superiortestprep.com