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Chad Cargill's ACT Test Prep episodes
- Episode 30: Common Misconceptions About the ACT and How to Avoid Them
Often, I hear people telling students what they should do to raise their ACT scores. Sometimes it's valid, but far too many times, it's not accurate. In this episode I debunk many misconceptions about the ACT.
26 min - Episode 29: What Tech Centers Offer and Why Every HS Student Should Consider Them with NW Tech's Karen Koehn
Tech centers could be called "The Artist Formally Known as Vo-Tech." The programs, facilities, and awaiting jobs make tech centers a great option for many students. Karen Koehn of NW Technology Center in Alva, OK joins the podcast to discuss what tech centers offer and why every student should consider them.
https://www.okcareertech.org
I’d love to connect with you and keep you posted on upcoming episodes and resources. For a free downloadable pdf What Scholarship Committees Look for and How to Win Them, go to scholarships.chadcargill.com, and get your guide now.
For a free downloadable pdf of Key Things You Must Know on Test Day, go to [testday.chadcargill.com](testday.chadcargill.com), and get your guide now.
If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review on your podcast app. Leave a shout out for your high school, and I may read it on a future podcast.
If you have questions, leave a comment here or on the Chad Cargill Workshops Facebook page.
To view the workshop calendar, go to calendar.chadcargill.com. You can also order the prep book Chad Cargill's ACT and sign up for speed reading at chadcargill.com. If you are interested in hosting a workshop at your high school, call our office at (405) 454-3233 or email [email protected].
chadcargill.com
Twitter: @ChadCargillThanks for listening to the podcast!
Special Guest: Karen Koehn.
48 min - Episode 28: What Top HS College and Career Counselors Say to Mentor Students and Parents
Join Tulsa Union HS College and Career counselors Chanda Gibson and Emily Ashley as they share a wealth of knowlege to help you navigate scholarships, careers, and ACTs. This episode is loaded with information for students, parents, and fellow counselors.
Resource links from this episode:
occf.org
tulsacf.orgcfok.orgscholarships.chadcargill.comCollege Point Advising
https://www.collegepoint.infoCollege Essay Guy - Ethan Sawyer
https://www.collegeessayguy.comBooks mentioned on the show:
College Essay Essentials by Ethan Sawyerhttps://www.collegeessayguy.comHeretics for Armchair Theologians by Justo Gonzalez
iGen: Why Today's Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy--and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood--and What That Means for the Rest of Us
by Jean M. Twenge PhDThe Broken Way: A Daring Path into the Abundant Life
by Ann VoskampBonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
by Eric MetaxasAmazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery
by Eric MetaxasMartin Luther: The Man Who Rediscovered God and Changed the World
by Eric MetaxasBe the Bridge: Pursuing God's Heart for Racial Reconciliation
by Latasha Morrison , Jennie Allen , et al.Tulsa Union College and Career Center
https://www.unionps.org/231918_2Special Guests: Chanda Gibson and Dr. Jeanie Webb.
1 hr 12 min - Episode 27: 8 Places Where You Can Find Mentorship for Your Test Prep and Scholarship Journey
Do you wonder what to do next to raise your scores and win scholarships? Do you ever feel alone in your journey? Everyone needs mentors in life and in the pursuit of test prep, scholarships, and careers. In this episode, I’ll talk about different places to find mentorship and why mentorship is so important.
- HS Counselors
- Teachers
- Tech Center Counselors
- College Admissions and Scholarship Offices
- Business Leaders - Especially those involved in scholarships and community programs
- Fellow Parents
- Co-Ops
- Coaching/Mastermind Groups
Chad Cargill's Test Prep AcademyMastermind Group Details:
Parents of Seniors Class of 2021 (Limited to 10)Parents of Juniors Class of 2022 (Limited to 10)Parents of Sophomores and Freshmen Class of 2023 & 2024 (Limited to 10)Join up to 9 other parents to navigate your student's year of high school. You'll get personal access to Chad Cargill as well as a community of like-minded parents working together to help our students raise ACT scores and win scholarships. You can cancel your membership at any time. Benefits include:
Each Semester One Personal Video Call with Chad Cargill
-You will join Chad in a video call to discuss your specific questions and test-prep plan.-Discuss your goals, analyze your ACT scores, talk about your college plans, and examine future steps.
Each Month a 1-hour Group Video Call with Chad Cargill and Fellow Masterminds
-Be encouraged and challenged by Chad and fellow masterminds.-Discuss challenges, opportunities, blockers, and goals.
-Collaborate with other masterminds and ask Chad questions.
One Resume or Scholarship Application Review by Chad Cargill
-Drawing on his experience directing scholarship committees at both the university and local levels, work in corporate recruiting, and advising scholarship graders, Chad will analyze your student's resume/scholarship app.-Optimize the wording on your leadership and community service projects.
-Prioritize what should and should not be included.
Direct Access to Chad Cargill and Other Masterminds through Discord Messaging Group
-Access the live messaging group through Discord messaging app.-Build community with other masterminds by posting your questions, successes, ideas, and encouragements.
-Ask questions on dedicated channels including Scholarships, ACT Tests, College Visits, and more.
-Post on your hotseat channel monthly goals, questions, and updates.
50% Discount on All Online Courses in the Chad Cargill Test Prep Online Academy
-Purchase any course in the academy for half the regular price.-Take your ACT Prep to the next level as Chad teaches in-depth workshops on specific sections of the ACT and scholarships.
I’d love to connect with you and keep you posted on upcoming episodes and resources. For a free downloadable pdf What Scholarship Committees Look for and How to Win Them, go to scholarships.chadcargill.com, and get your guide now.
For a free downloadable pdf of Key Things You Must Know on Test Day, go to [testday.chadcargill.com](testday.chadcargill.com), and get your guide now.
If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review on your podcast app. Leave a shout out for your high school, and I may read it on a future podcast.
If you have questions, leave a comment here or on the Chad Cargill Workshops Facebook page.
To view the workshop calendar, go to calendar.chadcargill.com. You can also order the prep book Chad Cargill's ACT and sign up for speed reading at chadcargill.com. If you are interested in hosting a workshop at your high school, call our office at (405) 454-3233 or email [email protected].
chadcargill.com
Twitter: @ChadCargillThanks for listening to the podcast!
32 min - Episode 26: Three Math Strategies to Increase Your Score Now
Do you get stuck on an ACT math question and waste tons of time? Could you backsolve more efficiently? Do you freak out at the end of the math test because the problems are difficult and you're almost out of time? If so, this episode is for you.
- If a problem is getting extremely long and difficult, you are approaching it the wrong way. You should stop working and decide whether to approach the problem another way or simply guess and go to the next problem.
- On trial and error problems, start with the middle choice if the choices are in order from least to greatest or greatest to least, and start with the last choice and work to the first choice if the choices are random.
- In general, the problems get harder as you take the test. You may want to start with problem number 60 and work back to problem number 1.
24 min - Episode 25: Science: What You Must Understand About Reasoning to Beat This Section
Students say the ACT Science section is the most confusing. Once you understand the test is reasoning and not content, the section becomes much more clear. In this episode, we discuss the difference in concrete versus reasoning learners. We explore how those learners approach the questions differently. Finally, we examine some scenarios and analyze them from a literal, concrete approach versus a reasoning approach.
20 min - Episode 24: Calculators: What are the Rules This Week?
ACT oulines calculator rules on their site actstudent.org. The rules have changed a lot over the last two decades.
Below are the links and explanations from their website as of July 15, 2020.
http://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/ACT-calculator-policy.pdf
https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/help.html
You can call 800.498.6481 for a recorded message containing highlights from this policy.
Can I use a calculator?
The ACT calculator policy is designed to ensure fairness for all examinees, avoid disturbances in the testing room, and protect the security of the test materials. For more information view the latest Calculator Policy (PDF).
Please visit our FAQ for Computer Algebra System (CAS) Functionality for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions - Computer Algebra System (CAS) Functionality
Note: These FAQs may be updated from time to time.Q1: How does the policy apply to calculators that cannot hold programs and documents?
A: Not all calculators have the capability to hold programs and documents. If the calculator you bring to take the ACT Mathematics Test cannot hold programs and documents, then these clarifications do not affect you.Q2: What is computer algebra system (CAS) functionality?
A: A computer algebra system typically solves equations algebraically, simplifies expressions, performs algebraic manipulations, and performs exact arithmetic (for example, does not round or truncate decimal places). A computer algebra system is also a system, potentially doing many levels of analysis at the same time. Examples include, but are not limited to, Zoom-Math, APP4MATH, F2K, etc.Q3: Why can't I use a computer algebra system on the ACT Mathematics test?
A: A computer algebra system has a valid place in mathematics, and learning how to use the tool effectively is valuable. The ACT Mathematics Test does not assess this skill. Being college and career ready in mathematics requires that a student be able to analyze algebraic expressions and equations, knowing what to do in order to solve problems.Q4: My calculator holds apps as well as programs. Are apps allowed?
A: Apps that have CAS functionality must be removed as well. Even though your calculator may have separate buttons or places to store apps versus programs, an app is a kind of program. For the purposes of this policy, the definition of “program” includes apps. Any time the word “program” is used, it should be interpreted to include apps as well.Q5: Do ALL programs have to be removed? What about documents?
A: Only programs that have CAS functionality must be removed. All documents, however, must be removed regardless of their purpose or function.Q6: Can you tell me if a specific program or app is allowed?
A: Given the proliferation of math resources/tools, ACT is not fully familiar with all mathematics programs and apps that are available for use on a calculator. If you are unsure whether a program or app is prohibited, our recommendation is to not install it or remove it before test day.Q7: Is it OK to disable programs instead of removing them?
A: ACT's calculator policy calls for the programs to be removed. Disabling programs – for example, putting the calculator in Press to Test mode – is not enough.Q8: If I have to remove programs from my calculator, how do I get them back on it after I test?
A: Many calculators have a way of restoring programs if they have been saved outside the calculator. If you have programs that you need to remove and you do not know how to save and restore, we recommend you check with your calculator company for details well in advance of test day.Q9: What kinds of mathematics-related programs ARE allowed?
A: The kinds of mathematics-related programs permitted for the ACT allow students to use the calculator capabilities to do the routine calculations yet require students to show their analysis skills by choosing the right operations and process. Mathematics-related programs are allowed if they are single-purpose – for example, finding numeric solutions to a quadratic equation. A student must choose the right program for the right purpose. This is much the same as choosing the right formula for the right purpose.Q10: Are there any rules that allowed mathematics-related programs must follow?
A: Programs must be written in the language of the calculator. Programs written in a different language, compiled, and loaded onto the calculator are not allowed. In this way, the programs can be examined on the calculator and will use calculator functions. Programs must not be lengthy. The limit is 25 logical lines of code. Programs cannot call another program. Techniques such as compressing code into a data statement are not allowed as a way of getting around this limit. Programs are allowed to change the value of system variables so that results may, for example, be graphed through the normal calculator graphing interface.I’d love to connect with you and keep you posted on upcoming episodes and resources. For a free downloadable pdf What Scholarship Committees Look for and How to Win Them, go to scholarships.chadcargill.com, and get your guide now.
For a free downloadable pdf of Key Things You Must Know on Test Day, go to [testday.chadcargill.com](testday.chadcargill.com), and get your guide now.
If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review on your podcast app. Leave a shout out for your high school, and I may read it on a future podcast.
If you have questions, leave a comment here or on the Chad Cargill Workshops Facebook page.
To view the workshop calendar, go to calendar.chadcargill.com. You can also order the prep book Chad Cargill's ACT and sign up for speed reading at chadcargill.com. If you are interested in hosting a workshop at your high school, call our office at (405) 454-3233 or email [email protected].
chadcargill.com
Twitter: @ChadCargillThanks for listening to the podcast!
30 min - Episode 23: How a Small-town Student in Rural Oklahoma Got Accepted to Stanford?
Jackson Cargill is currently an incoming freshman at Stanford University. Getting accepted to Stanford didn't just happen. He worked years to have this opportunity. Jackson discusses many keys to his journey in this episode.
Special Guest: Jackson Cargill.
39 min - Episode 22: Should You Choose a Prestigious University or Attend a Local University?
In this episode, we are joined by one of my greatest mentors and heroes, my brother Lance Cargill.
We took similar college paths early on. Then, Lance made a critical decision that shaped much of what he believes about college choice. Now, our kids have chosen similar paths to what each of us chose.
Today we look at the pros and cons of choosing between moving to attend a prestigious university versus staying close to home to attend a local university.
Special Guest: Lance Cargill.
46 min - Episode 21: How to Triple Your Reading Speed in a Few Easy Steps
The average adult reads about 200-250wpm.
Really fast readers will be over 700wpm.
President John F. Kennedy read at 1200wpm.
Some prestigious universities, I’m told, even require speed reading courses prior to starting your freshman year.
So how do you get to these speeds, and how at these speeds, can we comprehend what we read?
Common mistakes:
Don’t speak what you readDon’t do silent lip movementsDon’t breath what you read-Speak: Eyes stop at every word. Only read as fast as you can speak.
-Lip movements: Slightly faster. But still stopping on each word until your mind says it.
Some get around this by not moving lips, but reading like a ventriloquist. Often this is because an elementary teacher or parent said to stop moving your mouth when you read.
-Breathing: Breathing out as you read is like inflating a balloon. Do it fast enough for a 40 minute ACT, you’ll pass out.
Keys:
-Read with your eyes only-Visualize-Read in groups of words rather than each wordExercise:
Create a simple sentence using:MorningTripArt MuseumYour sentence would be something like:
In the morning, we're taking a trip to an art museum.-Keep your eyes moving through the page.
To do this on your own:
-Get a book. Seriously! Go to the library.
For ACT purposes, I like a book with narrow columns about the width of an ACT column.
Start a timer for three minutes.
Start reading.
Using a note card, black out the words from the top of the page down. Slide the card at a rate slightly uncomfortable and keep it moving.
Each time you get comfortable, speed it up.
At the end of three minutes, get up and stretch. Let your eyes rest.
After a brief break of maybe 15-30 seconds, set the timer for two minutes.
Begin reading where you left off without sliding the card.
Keep your eyes moving through the page.
When the timer ends, put your book away.
Do this each day for a week, and see what happens.
Another exercise:
Download the YouVersion Bible app. Put it on audio of the English Standard Version (ESV). Increase the speed to 1.25x or whatever is slightly faster than you read. Scroll as he reads. Keep increasing the speed. You’ll quickly learn to read in groups of words and focus on key words. Your comprehension actually increases.
If you don’t want to do all this manually, use our speed reading software speedreading.chadcargill.com.
This software allows you to set your baseline speed and automatically tracks your progress.
How does it work?
You will complete three types of exercises focusing on visualization, word grouping, and eye movement. As you progress, you’ll unlock increased speed levels and eventually work your way to the coveted Ninja badge - 1000 words per minute.Once you create your account, you’ll establish your baseline speed. After completing a series of exercises, you’ll complete a challenge to see if you’ve mastered the speed. Get the comprehension questions correct, and you’ll jump to the next level.For each challenge, a passage appears on the screen. We slide a virtual "index card" over the words as you read the passage. Answer the comprehension questions correct, and you unlock the next badge.
1 yr subscription $39
“Using your book and speed reading program, I was able to improve my reading score by 6 points! My last 3 tests, the highest I was able to get was a 25. I got my scores back from the September test and I got a 31 in reading.”
Sammie
Owasso, OKI’d love to connect with you and keep you posted on upcoming episodes and resources. For a free downloadable pdf What Scholarship Committees Look for and How to Win Them, go to scholarships.chadcargill.com, and get your guide now.
For a free downloadable pdf of Key Things You Must Know on Test Day, go to [testday.chadcargill.com](testday.chadcargill.com), and get your guide now.
If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review on your podcast app. Leave a shout out for your high school, and I may read it on a future podcast.
If you have questions, leave a comment here or on the Chad Cargill Workshops Facebook page.
To view the workshop calendar, go to calendar.chadcargill.com. You can also order the prep book Chad Cargill's ACT and sign up for speed reading at chadcargill.com. If you are interested in hosting a workshop at your high school, call our office at (405) 454-3233 or email [email protected].
chadcargill.com
Twitter: @ChadCargillThanks for listening to the podcast!
30 min
About Chad Cargill's ACT Test Prep
From the publisher's feed
Chad Cargill took the ACT test 18 times in high school raising his score 13 points and scoring in the 99.5 percentile. He is the nation's leading ACT test prep workshop presenter having taught nearly…
250,000 students over the last 32 years. He travels the Midwest each school day teaching students, faculty, and parents how to beat the ACT. His full workshop schedule can be found at calendar.chadcargill.com. His website is chadcargill.com.