The ACT is a standardized test that is used for college admissions in the United States. It is a timed test that consists of four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Calculators are allowed on the Math section of the ACT, but there are some restrictions on the types of calculators that can be used.
What Calculators Are Allowed on the ACT?
The ACT allows the use of any scientific calculator, graphing calculator, or four-function calculator that does not have the following features:
- Computer algebra system (CAS)
- The ability to store programs or text
- The ability to connect to other devices
What Calculators Are Not Allowed on the ACT?
Calculators that are not allowed on the ACT include:
- Calculators with a QWERTY keyboard
- Calculators with built-in word processors
- Calculators that can access the internet
- Calculators that can store or display text or programs
- Calculators that can perform operations beyond basic arithmetic, trigonometry, and statistics
How Do I Know if My Calculator Is Allowed on the ACT?
If you are unsure whether or not your calculator is allowed on the ACT, you can check the ACT website for a list of approved calculators. You can also consult with your high school guidance counselor or the ACT customer service department.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Calculator on the ACT?
There are several benefits to using a calculator on the ACT Math section. Calculators can help you to:
- Solve problems more quickly and accurately
- Check your answers
- Avoid careless errors
- Focus on understanding the concepts being tested
What Are the Disadvantages of Using a Calculator on the ACT?
There are also some disadvantages to using a calculator on the ACT Math section. Calculators can be:
- A distraction
- A source of errors if used incorrectly
- Time-consuming if you are not familiar with how to use them
Should I Use a Calculator on the ACT?
Whether or not you should use a calculator on the ACT is a personal decision. If you are comfortable with using a calculator and you believe that it will help you to improve your score, then you should use one. However, if you are not comfortable with using a calculator or you are worried that it will be a distraction, then you should not use one.
Tips for Using a Calculator on the ACT
If you decide to use a calculator on the ACT, here are a few tips to help you use it effectively:
- Make sure that your calculator is allowed on the ACT.
- Bring a backup calculator in case your primary calculator fails.
- Be familiar with how to use your calculator before the test day.
- Use your calculator to check your answers, but don’t rely on it to solve every problem.
- Don’t let your calculator become a distraction.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes that students make when using calculators on the ACT:
- Using a calculator that is not allowed on the ACT.
- Not being familiar with how to use their calculator.
- Relying too heavily on their calculator.
- Letting their calculator become a distraction.
FAQs
1. What is the ACT calculator policy?
The ACT calculator policy states that students are allowed to use any scientific calculator, graphing calculator, or four-function calculator that does not have a CAS, the ability to store programs or text, or the ability to connect to other devices.
2. What calculators are not allowed on the ACT?
Calculators that are not allowed on the ACT include calculators with a QWERTY keyboard, calculators with built-in word processors, calculators that can access the internet, calculators that can store or display text or programs, and calculators that can perform operations beyond basic arithmetic, trigonometry, and statistics.
3. How do I know if my calculator is allowed on the ACT?
You can check the ACT website for a list of approved calculators. You can also consult with your high school guidance counselor or the ACT customer service department.
4. What are the benefits of using a calculator on the ACT?
Calculators can help you to solve problems more quickly and accurately, check your answers, avoid careless errors, and focus on understanding the concepts being tested.
5. What are the disadvantages of using a calculator on the ACT?
Calculators can be a distraction, a source of errors if used incorrectly, and time-consuming if you are not familiar with how to use them.
6. Should I use a calculator on the ACT?
Whether or not you should use a calculator on the ACT is a personal decision. If you are comfortable with using a calculator and you believe that it will help you to improve your score, then you should use one. However, if you are not comfortable with using a calculator or you are worried that it will be a distraction, then you should not use one.
Conclusion
The ACT calculator policy is designed to ensure that all students have a fair and equal opportunity to succeed on the ACT. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can make sure that you are using your calculator in a way that will help you to achieve your best possible score.