<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0" encoding="UTF-8" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:admin="http://webns.net/mvcb/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom/" xmlns:rdf="http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:googleplay="http://www.google.com/schemas/play-podcasts/1.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:fireside="http://fireside.fm/modules/rss/fireside">
  <channel>
    <fireside:hostname>web01.fireside.fm</fireside:hostname>
    <fireside:genDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:05:17 -0500</fireside:genDate>
    <generator>Fireside (https://fireside.fm)</generator>
    <title>Chad Cargill's ACT Test Prep - Episodes Tagged with “Qualify”</title>
    <link>https://podcast.chadcargill.com/tags/qualify</link>
    <pubDate>Thu, 15 Apr 2021 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
    <description>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.
</description>
    <language>en-us</language>
    <itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type>
    <itunes:subtitle>Practical tips to increase ACT scores and win scholarships</itunes:subtitle>
    <itunes:author>Chad Cargill</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>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.
</itunes:summary>
    <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/3/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/cover.jpg?v=8"/>
    <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
    <itunes:keywords>act, chad cargill, high school, prep, qualify, scholarships, test, classes</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:owner>
      <itunes:name>Chad Cargill</itunes:name>
      <itunes:email>chad@chadcargill.com</itunes:email>
    </itunes:owner>
<itunes:category text="Education">
  <itunes:category text="Courses"/>
</itunes:category>
<itunes:category text="Education">
  <itunes:category text="How To"/>
</itunes:category>
<item>
  <title>57: Live Q&amp;A at the End of an Online Workshop</title>
  <link>https://podcast.chadcargill.com/57</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">c7a24ee7-8ee9-477b-bea3-c33aaa27ec77</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 15 Apr 2021 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Chad Cargill</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/c7a24ee7-8ee9-477b-bea3-c33aaa27ec77.mp3" length="25259825" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
  <itunes:author>Chad Cargill</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Listen in as students post questions at the end of one of my online workshops. I answer as they are posted, and you can listen to all my answers in this episode.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>17:29</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/3/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/cover.jpg?v=8"/>
  <description>Listen in as students post questions at the end of one of my online workshops. I answer as they are posted, and you can listen to all my answers in this episode. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Q&amp;A, act, high school, prep, qualify, scholarships, test, classes</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Listen in as students post questions at the end of one of my online workshops. I answer as they are posted, and you can listen to all my answers in this episode.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Listen in as students post questions at the end of one of my online workshops. I answer as they are posted, and you can listen to all my answers in this episode.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>56: Why You Should Never Take the 5th Experimental Section of the ACT</title>
  <link>https://podcast.chadcargill.com/56</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">cd76341f-4c74-47d9-bba3-8ea777aea097</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 08 Apr 2021 10:15:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Chad Cargill</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/cd76341f-4c74-47d9-bba3-8ea777aea097.mp3" length="26263554" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
  <itunes:author>Chad Cargill</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Most ACT tests now have a 5th experimental section. Most stay and try on this section. In this episode, I explain what this section is and why you should never take it.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>18:11</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/3/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/cover.jpg?v=8"/>
  <description>Most ACT tests now have a 5th experimental section. Most stay and try on this section. In this episode, I explain what this section is and why you should never take it. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>5th experimental, high school, prep, qualify, scholarships, test</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Most ACT tests now have a 5th experimental section. Most stay and try on this section. In this episode, I explain what this section is and why you should never take it.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Most ACT tests now have a 5th experimental section. Most stay and try on this section. In this episode, I explain what this section is and why you should never take it.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Episode 50: Math - What is Tested? A Detailed Look at the July 2020 National ACT Math Test</title>
  <link>https://podcast.chadcargill.com/50</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">b7796ea8-7564-458b-920a-d5672dd6a1e4</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 18 Feb 2021 02:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
  <author>Chad Cargill</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/b7796ea8-7564-458b-920a-d5672dd6a1e4.mp3" length="22784671" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
  <itunes:author>Chad Cargill</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Have you ever wondered what percent of the math test is geometry? Or maybe you wonder if certain math topics are tested. In this episode, we go question by question from the July 2020 national ACT test. We look at the concepts tested and break down what percentage of questions are each category.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>15:46</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/3/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/cover.jpg?v=8"/>
  <description>Source: ACT.org (https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/scores/understanding-your-scores.html)
Mathematics 60  
Preparing for higher math (57-60%)
Number &amp;amp; Quantity (7–10%)
Algebra (12–15%)
Functions (12–15%)
Geometry (12–15%)
Statistics &amp;amp; Probability (8–12%)
Integrating essential skills (40-43%)
Modeling 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>act, high school, prep, math, scholarships, test</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Source: ACT.org (<a href="https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/scores/understanding-your-scores.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/scores/understanding-your-scores.html</a>)</p>

<p>Mathematics 60<br><br>
Preparing for higher math (57-60%)</p>

<p>Number &amp; Quantity (7–10%)<br>
Algebra (12–15%)<br>
Functions (12–15%)<br>
Geometry (12–15%)<br>
Statistics &amp; Probability (8–12%)<br>
Integrating essential skills (40-43%)</p>

<p>Modeling</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Source: ACT.org (<a href="https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/scores/understanding-your-scores.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/scores/understanding-your-scores.html</a>)</p>

<p>Mathematics 60<br><br>
Preparing for higher math (57-60%)</p>

<p>Number &amp; Quantity (7–10%)<br>
Algebra (12–15%)<br>
Functions (12–15%)<br>
Geometry (12–15%)<br>
Statistics &amp; Probability (8–12%)<br>
Integrating essential skills (40-43%)</p>

<p>Modeling</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Episode 49: Is the ACT Science Test Changing?</title>
  <link>https://podcast.chadcargill.com/49</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">d67f2015-0207-4dcc-a9b8-54d36a30e2ea</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 11 Feb 2021 02:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
  <author>Chad Cargill</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/d67f2015-0207-4dcc-a9b8-54d36a30e2ea.mp3" length="34102797" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
  <itunes:author>Chad Cargill</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Although the ACT has been virtually the same for the last few decades, there are subtle changes that are important to know. In this episode, we'll discuss some of the changes you'll see in the science section of the test.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>23:38</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/3/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/episodes/d/d67f2015-0207-4dcc-a9b8-54d36a30e2ea/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Although the ACT has been virtually the same for the last few decades, there are subtle changes that are important to know. In this episode, we'll discuss some of the changes you'll see in the science section of the test.
I Ordered My Test and Answers. Now What?
https://podcast.chadcargill.com/4 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>act, high school, prep, science, scholarships, test</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Although the ACT has been virtually the same for the last few decades, there are subtle changes that are important to know. In this episode, we&#39;ll discuss some of the changes you&#39;ll see in the science section of the test.</p>

<p>I Ordered My Test and Answers. Now What?<br>
<a href="https://podcast.chadcargill.com/4" rel="nofollow">https://podcast.chadcargill.com/4</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Although the ACT has been virtually the same for the last few decades, there are subtle changes that are important to know. In this episode, we&#39;ll discuss some of the changes you&#39;ll see in the science section of the test.</p>

<p>I Ordered My Test and Answers. Now What?<br>
<a href="https://podcast.chadcargill.com/4" rel="nofollow">https://podcast.chadcargill.com/4</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>48: What are Zero Level Classes and How to Avoid Them</title>
  <link>https://podcast.chadcargill.com/48</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">2651bc01-c195-4937-8d1a-f5fb327d715d</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 04 Feb 2021 02:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
  <author>Chad Cargill</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/2651bc01-c195-4937-8d1a-f5fb327d715d.mp3" length="32162421" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
  <itunes:author>Chad Cargill</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Over $1 billion dollars are spent annually on remedial college classes that don't even count toward a major. In this episode, we take a look at zero level classes. We answer what they are, why you would have to take them, and how to avoid them.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>22:17</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/3/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/cover.jpg?v=8"/>
  <description>According to Education Reform Now, approximately one-in-four college freshmen had to enroll in remedial courses during their first year in college. Looking at the total cost of these remedial classes, including private, public, and community colleges, the remedial class enrollment adds up to an estimated $1.5 billion annually. (Source: Study.com)
Remedial (0-level) courses are identified by the first digit in the course number—a zero (0), e.g., UNIV 0123.  These courses cannot be applied toward the degree, but do count for full-time enrollment status (except for honor roll eligibility).   “0-level courses” can be counted toward NCAA athletic eligibility only if taken during the student’s freshman year.
Some colleges use ACT scores to determine this. For some it will be at least a 19 in that ACT subsection. For others it will be a placement test students will take before enrolling.
Freshman students receive recommendations regarding the need for remediation through the Entry Level Assessment Report (ELPA) provided when they enroll for their first semester. 
Remediation will normally take place during the first year on campus, preferably during the first semester.  According to State Regents policy, curricular and performance deficiencies must be remediated within the first 24 hours of college credit. (Source: okstate.edu)
Math Placement Exam 
Prior to enrolling in an OSU math class, you will need to complete the Math Placement Exam to ensure you have the best opportunity to succeed in your first math course.
Incoming students should complete Math Placement after March 1 and it is recommended at least one week prior to your scheduled orientation program in order to enroll in math for your first semester. Please contact a local proctor to make neccessary arrangements, or If you have a webcam and a reliable Internet connection, you can take the Math Placement Exam with ProctorU for $10. 
Math Placement Exceptions
There are a few exceptions for taking the math placement exam: 
The first exception is if you have taken a college-level math course that is posted on a college (not high school) transcript showing successful completion with a grade of “C” or better in a prerequisite or required math course for your intended major. You can find required prerequisites in OSU's Catalog for the math course(s) required for your major.
The second exception is AP or CLEP exam credit. If you have your AP Calculus score and earned at least a 3 on the AB test, on the BC test, or on the AB subsection of the BC test, you do not need to take the math placement test. Please bring evidence of your AP score or CLEP exam credit to your orientation session. If you do not have your AP or CLEP scores, you should take the math placement test.
Please note that  zero-level, beginning algebra, intermediate algebra, and pre-college algebra courses are considered “pre-college level” and do not count as college-level math. Additionally, statistics courses do not serve as exceptions to taking the math placement. (Source: okstate.edu)
OU-
WHAT IS DEVELOPMENTAL STUDIES?
The Developmental Studies program was developed to help students who do not meet the university's minimum mathematics, reading, and English requirements.
Who Takes Developmental Studies Courses?
The typical student is either a returning student who needs a refresher in mathematics, English, or reading before tackling college-level courses or a traditional student who does not have a strong foundation in high school mathematics, English, or reading.
What Courses are Offered in Developmental Studies?
Developmental English – This course is designed to prepare students for college-level English composition courses. It includes foundational techniques, such as developing strong thesis statements, constructing logical arguments, and utilizing communicative, persuasive rhetorical principles. Also included will be public speaking and presentation skills. This course serves as the prerequisite for Principles of English Composition (ENGL 1113).
Developmental Reading – This course is designed to improve students’ reading skills in college courses. Skills presented will include improving vocabulary, active learning, concentration skills, finding main ideas, patterns of organization, note taking, outlining, annotating, point of view, and creative and critical thinking skills.
Developmental Mathematics - These courses are designed to give students a refresher in mathematics, specifically basic and intermediate algebra. They serve as prerequisites to Mathematics for Critical Thinking (MATH 1473), College Algebra (MATH 1503), and Pre-calculus for Business, Life, and Social Science Majors (MATH 1643). 
How do Developmental Studies Courses Fit into OU Academics?
Developmental Studies courses are zero-level courses that carry load credit only, counting towards full-time student status, including financial aid and all other aspects of student life. However, the courses do not satisfy degree requirements or count in GPA calculations.
Developmental Studies courses must be taken and passed with a grade of C or higher before a student is allowed to take a college-level class, including mandatory Gen-Ed classes required for all OU degree programs. The Developmental Studies courses are to be taken upon intial enrollment at OU and in consecutive fall and spring semesters.
How To Effectively Practice for the ACT
https://podcast.chadcargill.com/33
How to avoid:
1. Take hard classes.
2. Take a English, math, and science classes your senior year.
3. Take my workshop.
4. Study my prep book.
Your Test Day Checklist - What You Must Bring to the ACT
https://podcast.chadcargill.com/37
Master These 5 Comma Rules and Raise Your ACT Score
https://podcast.chadcargill.com/19 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>act, high school, prep, qualify, scholarships, test, classes</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>According to Education Reform Now, approximately one-in-four college freshmen had to enroll in remedial courses during their first year in college. Looking at the total cost of these remedial classes, including private, public, and community colleges, the remedial class enrollment adds up to an estimated $1.5 billion annually. (Source: Study.com)</p>

<p>Remedial (0-level) courses are identified by the first digit in the course number—a zero (0), e.g., UNIV 0123.  These courses cannot be applied toward the degree, but do count for full-time enrollment status (except for honor roll eligibility).   “0-level courses” can be counted toward NCAA athletic eligibility only if taken during the student’s freshman year.</p>

<p>Some colleges use ACT scores to determine this. For some it will be at least a 19 in that ACT subsection. For others it will be a placement test students will take before enrolling.</p>

<p>Freshman students receive recommendations regarding the need for remediation through the Entry Level Assessment Report (ELPA) provided when they enroll for their first semester. </p>

<p>Remediation will normally take place during the first year on campus, preferably during the first semester.  According to State Regents policy, curricular and performance deficiencies must be remediated within the first 24 hours of college credit. (Source: okstate.edu)</p>

<p>Math Placement Exam <br>
Prior to enrolling in an OSU math class, you will need to complete the Math Placement Exam to ensure you have the best opportunity to succeed in your first math course.</p>

<p>Incoming students should complete Math Placement after March 1 and it is recommended at least one week prior to your scheduled orientation program in order to enroll in math for your first semester. Please contact a local proctor to make neccessary arrangements, or If you have a webcam and a reliable Internet connection, you can take the Math Placement Exam with ProctorU for $10. </p>

<p>Math Placement Exceptions<br>
There are a few exceptions for taking the math placement exam: </p>

<p>The first exception is if you have taken a college-level math course that is posted on a college (not high school) transcript showing successful completion with a grade of “C” or better in a prerequisite or required math course for your intended major. You can find required prerequisites in OSU&#39;s Catalog for the math course(s) required for your major.<br>
The second exception is AP or CLEP exam credit. If you have your AP Calculus score and earned at least a 3 on the AB test, on the BC test, or on the AB subsection of the BC test, you do not need to take the math placement test. Please bring evidence of your AP score or CLEP exam credit to your orientation session. If you do not have your AP or CLEP scores, you should take the math placement test.<br>
Please note that  zero-level, beginning algebra, intermediate algebra, and pre-college algebra courses are considered “pre-college level” and do not count as college-level math. Additionally, statistics courses do not serve as exceptions to taking the math placement. (Source: okstate.edu)</p>

<p>OU-<br>
WHAT IS DEVELOPMENTAL STUDIES?<br>
The Developmental Studies program was developed to help students who do not meet the university&#39;s minimum mathematics, reading, and English requirements.</p>

<p>Who Takes Developmental Studies Courses?<br>
The typical student is either a returning student who needs a refresher in mathematics, English, or reading before tackling college-level courses or a traditional student who does not have a strong foundation in high school mathematics, English, or reading.</p>

<p>What Courses are Offered in Developmental Studies?</p>

<p>Developmental English – This course is designed to prepare students for college-level English composition courses. It includes foundational techniques, such as developing strong thesis statements, constructing logical arguments, and utilizing communicative, persuasive rhetorical principles. Also included will be public speaking and presentation skills. This course serves as the prerequisite for Principles of English Composition (ENGL 1113).</p>

<p>Developmental Reading – This course is designed to improve students’ reading skills in college courses. Skills presented will include improving vocabulary, active learning, concentration skills, finding main ideas, patterns of organization, note taking, outlining, annotating, point of view, and creative and critical thinking skills.</p>

<p>Developmental Mathematics - These courses are designed to give students a refresher in mathematics, specifically basic and intermediate algebra. They serve as prerequisites to Mathematics for Critical Thinking (MATH 1473), College Algebra (MATH 1503), and Pre-calculus for Business, Life, and Social Science Majors (MATH 1643). </p>

<p>How do Developmental Studies Courses Fit into OU Academics?<br>
Developmental Studies courses are zero-level courses that carry load credit only, counting towards full-time student status, including financial aid and all other aspects of student life. However, the courses do not satisfy degree requirements or count in GPA calculations.</p>

<p>Developmental Studies courses must be taken and passed with a grade of C or higher before a student is allowed to take a college-level class, including mandatory Gen-Ed classes required for all OU degree programs. The Developmental Studies courses are to be taken upon intial enrollment at OU and in consecutive fall and spring semesters.</p>

<p>How To Effectively Practice for the ACT<br>
<a href="https://podcast.chadcargill.com/33" rel="nofollow">https://podcast.chadcargill.com/33</a></p>

<p>How to avoid:</p>

<ol>
<li>Take hard classes.</li>
<li>Take a English, math, and science classes your senior year.</li>
<li>Take my workshop.</li>
<li>Study my prep book.</li>
</ol>

<p>Your Test Day Checklist - What You Must Bring to the ACT<br>
<a href="https://podcast.chadcargill.com/37" rel="nofollow">https://podcast.chadcargill.com/37</a></p>

<p>Master These 5 Comma Rules and Raise Your ACT Score<br>
<a href="https://podcast.chadcargill.com/19" rel="nofollow">https://podcast.chadcargill.com/19</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>According to Education Reform Now, approximately one-in-four college freshmen had to enroll in remedial courses during their first year in college. Looking at the total cost of these remedial classes, including private, public, and community colleges, the remedial class enrollment adds up to an estimated $1.5 billion annually. (Source: Study.com)</p>

<p>Remedial (0-level) courses are identified by the first digit in the course number—a zero (0), e.g., UNIV 0123.  These courses cannot be applied toward the degree, but do count for full-time enrollment status (except for honor roll eligibility).   “0-level courses” can be counted toward NCAA athletic eligibility only if taken during the student’s freshman year.</p>

<p>Some colleges use ACT scores to determine this. For some it will be at least a 19 in that ACT subsection. For others it will be a placement test students will take before enrolling.</p>

<p>Freshman students receive recommendations regarding the need for remediation through the Entry Level Assessment Report (ELPA) provided when they enroll for their first semester. </p>

<p>Remediation will normally take place during the first year on campus, preferably during the first semester.  According to State Regents policy, curricular and performance deficiencies must be remediated within the first 24 hours of college credit. (Source: okstate.edu)</p>

<p>Math Placement Exam <br>
Prior to enrolling in an OSU math class, you will need to complete the Math Placement Exam to ensure you have the best opportunity to succeed in your first math course.</p>

<p>Incoming students should complete Math Placement after March 1 and it is recommended at least one week prior to your scheduled orientation program in order to enroll in math for your first semester. Please contact a local proctor to make neccessary arrangements, or If you have a webcam and a reliable Internet connection, you can take the Math Placement Exam with ProctorU for $10. </p>

<p>Math Placement Exceptions<br>
There are a few exceptions for taking the math placement exam: </p>

<p>The first exception is if you have taken a college-level math course that is posted on a college (not high school) transcript showing successful completion with a grade of “C” or better in a prerequisite or required math course for your intended major. You can find required prerequisites in OSU&#39;s Catalog for the math course(s) required for your major.<br>
The second exception is AP or CLEP exam credit. If you have your AP Calculus score and earned at least a 3 on the AB test, on the BC test, or on the AB subsection of the BC test, you do not need to take the math placement test. Please bring evidence of your AP score or CLEP exam credit to your orientation session. If you do not have your AP or CLEP scores, you should take the math placement test.<br>
Please note that  zero-level, beginning algebra, intermediate algebra, and pre-college algebra courses are considered “pre-college level” and do not count as college-level math. Additionally, statistics courses do not serve as exceptions to taking the math placement. (Source: okstate.edu)</p>

<p>OU-<br>
WHAT IS DEVELOPMENTAL STUDIES?<br>
The Developmental Studies program was developed to help students who do not meet the university&#39;s minimum mathematics, reading, and English requirements.</p>

<p>Who Takes Developmental Studies Courses?<br>
The typical student is either a returning student who needs a refresher in mathematics, English, or reading before tackling college-level courses or a traditional student who does not have a strong foundation in high school mathematics, English, or reading.</p>

<p>What Courses are Offered in Developmental Studies?</p>

<p>Developmental English – This course is designed to prepare students for college-level English composition courses. It includes foundational techniques, such as developing strong thesis statements, constructing logical arguments, and utilizing communicative, persuasive rhetorical principles. Also included will be public speaking and presentation skills. This course serves as the prerequisite for Principles of English Composition (ENGL 1113).</p>

<p>Developmental Reading – This course is designed to improve students’ reading skills in college courses. Skills presented will include improving vocabulary, active learning, concentration skills, finding main ideas, patterns of organization, note taking, outlining, annotating, point of view, and creative and critical thinking skills.</p>

<p>Developmental Mathematics - These courses are designed to give students a refresher in mathematics, specifically basic and intermediate algebra. They serve as prerequisites to Mathematics for Critical Thinking (MATH 1473), College Algebra (MATH 1503), and Pre-calculus for Business, Life, and Social Science Majors (MATH 1643). </p>

<p>How do Developmental Studies Courses Fit into OU Academics?<br>
Developmental Studies courses are zero-level courses that carry load credit only, counting towards full-time student status, including financial aid and all other aspects of student life. However, the courses do not satisfy degree requirements or count in GPA calculations.</p>

<p>Developmental Studies courses must be taken and passed with a grade of C or higher before a student is allowed to take a college-level class, including mandatory Gen-Ed classes required for all OU degree programs. The Developmental Studies courses are to be taken upon intial enrollment at OU and in consecutive fall and spring semesters.</p>

<p>How To Effectively Practice for the ACT<br>
<a href="https://podcast.chadcargill.com/33" rel="nofollow">https://podcast.chadcargill.com/33</a></p>

<p>How to avoid:</p>

<ol>
<li>Take hard classes.</li>
<li>Take a English, math, and science classes your senior year.</li>
<li>Take my workshop.</li>
<li>Study my prep book.</li>
</ol>

<p>Your Test Day Checklist - What You Must Bring to the ACT<br>
<a href="https://podcast.chadcargill.com/37" rel="nofollow">https://podcast.chadcargill.com/37</a></p>

<p>Master These 5 Comma Rules and Raise Your ACT Score<br>
<a href="https://podcast.chadcargill.com/19" rel="nofollow">https://podcast.chadcargill.com/19</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>45: A Look Ahead to 2021</title>
  <link>https://podcast.chadcargill.com/45</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">dfc52c11-cb40-49da-9022-7f0dd6458eff</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 14 Jan 2021 02:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
  <author>Chad Cargill</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/dfc52c11-cb40-49da-9022-7f0dd6458eff.mp3" length="43356413" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
  <itunes:author>Chad Cargill</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>As we start the new year, we reflect on the challenges of 2020 and turn our focus to a new beginning in 2021. </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>30:03</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/3/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/cover.jpg?v=8"/>
  <description>As we start the new year, we reflect on the challenges of 2020 and turn our focus to a new beginning in 2021.  
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>act, high school, prep, qualify, scholarships, test, classes, MS</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>As we start the new year, we reflect on the challenges of 2020 and turn our focus to a new beginning in 2021. </p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>As we start the new year, we reflect on the challenges of 2020 and turn our focus to a new beginning in 2021. </p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Episode 43: How To Do Scholarship Projects That Leave a Legacy with Drew Files</title>
  <link>https://podcast.chadcargill.com/43</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">808892a8-9b78-4ff0-a0fd-aca5582e9049</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 03 Dec 2020 02:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
  <author>Chad Cargill</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/808892a8-9b78-4ff0-a0fd-aca5582e9049.mp3" length="39236798" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
  <itunes:author>Chad Cargill</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Drew Files was a great high school softball player at Moore High School in Moore, OK. While in high school, she wanted to use her talent as a way to inspire and help others. She decided to organize a softball game at her high school to raise money for a great cause. This softball game is now an annual event at the high school, making a huge difference for some amazing kids. Drew's legacy lives on through this game. In this episode, Drew shares her story and challenges students to make a difference as she did.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>27:12</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/3/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/cover.jpg?v=8"/>
  <description>Drew Files was a great high school softball player at Moore High School in Moore, OK. While in high school, she wanted to use her talent as a way to inspire and help others. She decided to organize a softball game at her high school to raise money for a great cause. This softball game is now an annual event at the high school, making a huge difference for some amazing kids. Drew's legacy lives on through this game. In this episode, Drew shares her story and challenges students to make a difference as she did. Special Guest: Drew Files.
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>act, high school, prep, qualify, scholarships, test, classes</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Drew Files was a great high school softball player at Moore High School in Moore, OK. While in high school, she wanted to use her talent as a way to inspire and help others. She decided to organize a softball game at her high school to raise money for a great cause. This softball game is now an annual event at the high school, making a huge difference for some amazing kids. Drew&#39;s legacy lives on through this game. In this episode, Drew shares her story and challenges students to make a difference as she did.</p><p>Special Guest: Drew Files.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Drew Files was a great high school softball player at Moore High School in Moore, OK. While in high school, she wanted to use her talent as a way to inspire and help others. She decided to organize a softball game at her high school to raise money for a great cause. This softball game is now an annual event at the high school, making a huge difference for some amazing kids. Drew&#39;s legacy lives on through this game. In this episode, Drew shares her story and challenges students to make a difference as she did.</p><p>Special Guest: Drew Files.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Episode 41: ACT Writing - When You Should Take It and How To Get a Great Score</title>
  <link>https://podcast.chadcargill.com/41</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">c37b0013-1973-45a0-b7e9-c86e2a8bce26</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2020 02:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
  <author>Chad Cargill</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/c37b0013-1973-45a0-b7e9-c86e2a8bce26.mp3" length="35052609" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
  <itunes:author>Chad Cargill</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Students wonder if they should take the ACT writing test. And if so, how should the essay be written to get a great score. In this episode, we break down the ACT writing test and look at the strategies needed to maximize your score.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>24:17</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/3/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/cover.jpg?v=8"/>
  <description>Students wonder if they should take the ACT writing test. And if so, how should the essay be written to get a great score. In this episode, we break down the ACT writing test and look at the strategies needed to maximize your score. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>act, high school, prep, qualify, scholarships, test, writing</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Students wonder if they should take the ACT writing test. And if so, how should the essay be written to get a great score. In this episode, we break down the ACT writing test and look at the strategies needed to maximize your score.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Students wonder if they should take the ACT writing test. And if so, how should the essay be written to get a great score. In this episode, we break down the ACT writing test and look at the strategies needed to maximize your score.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Episode 40: How To Correctly Use Who and Whom</title>
  <link>https://podcast.chadcargill.com/40</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">4ecc8caa-037b-427f-9597-1300a0774f05</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2020 02:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
  <author>Chad Cargill</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/4ecc8caa-037b-427f-9597-1300a0774f05.mp3" length="27319946" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
  <itunes:author>Chad Cargill</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>In high school, choosing between who and whom was very difficult for me. But once I learned a simple trick, this became one of the easiest things in the English language.  In this episode, we dive back into the English section of the ACT and learn when to pick who and when to choose whom.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>18:55</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/3/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/cover.jpg?v=8"/>
  <description>In high school, choosing between who and whom was very difficult for me. But once I learned a simple trick, this became one of the easiest things in the English language.  In this episode, we dive back into the English section of the ACT and learn when to pick who and when to choose whom.
Louis Zamporini is a man _ I respect.
It was King Henry VIII _ had six wives.
I talked with Teresa _ was trying to paint the walls of her new living room.
There is the new student _ you were asking about.
For _ did Molly vote?
_ will give the graduation speech on Friday evening?
Our new neighbor, _ we met yesterday morning, works at Conoco.
With _ are you rooming with for your freshman year at college?
whom 2. who 3. who 4. whom 5. whom 6. Who 7. whom 8. whom 
He gave it to John and me/I.
John and me/I went to the game.
Between you and me/I, let's keep that a secret.
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>English, ACT, test prep, who, whom, grammar</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>In high school, choosing between who and whom was very difficult for me. But once I learned a simple trick, this became one of the easiest things in the English language.  In this episode, we dive back into the English section of the ACT and learn when to pick who and when to choose whom.</p>

<ol>
<li>Louis Zamporini is a man _ I respect.</li>
<li>It was King Henry VIII _ had six wives.</li>
<li>I talked with Teresa _ was trying to paint the walls of her new living room.</li>
<li>There is the new student _ you were asking about.</li>
<li>For _ did Molly vote?</li>
<li>_ will give the graduation speech on Friday evening?</li>
<li>Our new neighbor, _ we met yesterday morning, works at Conoco.</li>
<li><p>With _ are you rooming with for your freshman year at college?</p></li>
<li><p>whom 2. who 3. who 4. whom 5. whom 6. Who 7. whom 8. whom </p></li>
</ol>

<p>He gave it to John and me/I.</p>

<p>John and me/I went to the game.</p>

<p>Between you and me/I, let&#39;s keep that a secret.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>In high school, choosing between who and whom was very difficult for me. But once I learned a simple trick, this became one of the easiest things in the English language.  In this episode, we dive back into the English section of the ACT and learn when to pick who and when to choose whom.</p>

<ol>
<li>Louis Zamporini is a man _ I respect.</li>
<li>It was King Henry VIII _ had six wives.</li>
<li>I talked with Teresa _ was trying to paint the walls of her new living room.</li>
<li>There is the new student _ you were asking about.</li>
<li>For _ did Molly vote?</li>
<li>_ will give the graduation speech on Friday evening?</li>
<li>Our new neighbor, _ we met yesterday morning, works at Conoco.</li>
<li><p>With _ are you rooming with for your freshman year at college?</p></li>
<li><p>whom 2. who 3. who 4. whom 5. whom 6. Who 7. whom 8. whom </p></li>
</ol>

<p>He gave it to John and me/I.</p>

<p>John and me/I went to the game.</p>

<p>Between you and me/I, let&#39;s keep that a secret.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Episode 38: Best in Class: What Some Schools Do That All Schools Should Do</title>
  <link>https://podcast.chadcargill.com/38</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">fefaf76a-fc84-4269-a629-702005d39bea</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2020 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Chad Cargill</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/fefaf76a-fc84-4269-a629-702005d39bea.mp3" length="30144305" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
  <itunes:author>Chad Cargill</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>As I work with high schools across the country, I often say, "Man, every school should do this." In this episode, we discuss a few of these and what I label "Best in Class."</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>20:53</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/3/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/cover.jpg?v=8"/>
  <description>When I worked as an engineer at Lucent Technologies, we used benchmarking to study other companies, processes, and systems. Certain practices would be identified as "Best in Class." Some high schools have features, processes, and cultures that fit the "Best in Class" standard.  In this episode, we discuss a few of these and why I call these "Best in Class." 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>act, high school, prep, qualify, scholarships, test, best practices, best in class</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>When I worked as an engineer at Lucent Technologies, we used benchmarking to study other companies, processes, and systems. Certain practices would be identified as &quot;Best in Class.&quot; Some high schools have features, processes, and cultures that fit the &quot;Best in Class&quot; standard.  In this episode, we discuss a few of these and why I call these &quot;Best in Class.&quot;</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>When I worked as an engineer at Lucent Technologies, we used benchmarking to study other companies, processes, and systems. Certain practices would be identified as &quot;Best in Class.&quot; Some high schools have features, processes, and cultures that fit the &quot;Best in Class&quot; standard.  In this episode, we discuss a few of these and why I call these &quot;Best in Class.&quot;</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Episode 34: How to Correctly Use Indefinite Pronouns and Raise English ACT Scores</title>
  <link>https://podcast.chadcargill.com/34</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">81d277a4-b95f-447a-890e-0aee37569b11</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2020 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Chad Cargill</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/81d277a4-b95f-447a-890e-0aee37569b11.mp3" length="32997504" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
  <itunes:author>Chad Cargill</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Often, indefinite pronouns are used incorrectly.  Even though I teach how to use them, I still make mistakes.  Today I’m going to explain how to correctly use indefinite pronouns.  And stick around for the end of the episode because I’ll tell you a small part of our adoptive family story.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>22:52</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/3/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/cover.jpg?v=8"/>
  <description>Often, indefinite pronouns are used incorrectly.  Even though I teach how to use them, I still make mistakes.  Today I’m going to explain how to correctly use indefinite pronouns.  And stick around for the end of the episode because I’ll tell you a small part of our adoptive family story.
Learn more about embryo adoption at https://www.embryodonation.org.
Join Last Chance Prep Oct 2020 and you will:
• Review Key Content Asked on ACTs
• Solidify Your Knowledge of Math Formulas and Calculator Usage
• Verify Your Method and Timing in Reading
• Be Able to Ask Last Minute Questions Directly to Chad Cargill
• Reduce Test Anxiety
• Have Confidence You are Ready
• Crush Any Last Minute Weaknesses
https://academy.chadcargill.com
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>English, ACT, test prep, indefinite pronouns, grammar, embryo, adoption, snowflake,</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Often, indefinite pronouns are used incorrectly.  Even though I teach how to use them, I still make mistakes.  Today I’m going to explain how to correctly use indefinite pronouns.  And stick around for the end of the episode because I’ll tell you a small part of our adoptive family story.</p>

<p>Learn more about embryo adoption at <a href="https://www.embryodonation.org" rel="nofollow">https://www.embryodonation.org</a>.</p>

<p>Join Last Chance Prep Oct 2020 and you will:<br>
• Review Key Content Asked on ACTs<br>
• Solidify Your Knowledge of Math Formulas and Calculator Usage<br>
• Verify Your Method and Timing in Reading<br>
• Be Able to Ask Last Minute Questions Directly to Chad Cargill<br>
• Reduce Test Anxiety<br>
• Have Confidence You are Ready<br>
• Crush Any Last Minute Weaknesses</p>

<p><a href="https://academy.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">https://academy.chadcargill.com</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Often, indefinite pronouns are used incorrectly.  Even though I teach how to use them, I still make mistakes.  Today I’m going to explain how to correctly use indefinite pronouns.  And stick around for the end of the episode because I’ll tell you a small part of our adoptive family story.</p>

<p>Learn more about embryo adoption at <a href="https://www.embryodonation.org" rel="nofollow">https://www.embryodonation.org</a>.</p>

<p>Join Last Chance Prep Oct 2020 and you will:<br>
• Review Key Content Asked on ACTs<br>
• Solidify Your Knowledge of Math Formulas and Calculator Usage<br>
• Verify Your Method and Timing in Reading<br>
• Be Able to Ask Last Minute Questions Directly to Chad Cargill<br>
• Reduce Test Anxiety<br>
• Have Confidence You are Ready<br>
• Crush Any Last Minute Weaknesses</p>

<p><a href="https://academy.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">https://academy.chadcargill.com</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Episode 26: Three Math Strategies to Increase Your Score Now</title>
  <link>https://podcast.chadcargill.com/26</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">05c55700-2af5-4715-8f2c-5327ee05555c</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2020 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Chad Cargill</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/05c55700-2af5-4715-8f2c-5327ee05555c.mp3" length="34184926" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
  <itunes:author>Chad Cargill</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>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.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>23:41</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/3/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/cover.jpg?v=8"/>
  <description>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. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>act, high school, prep, math, scholarships, test</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>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&#39;re almost out of time? If so, this episode is for you.</p>

<ol>
<li>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.</li>
<li>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.</li>
<li>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.</li>
</ol>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>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&#39;re almost out of time? If so, this episode is for you.</p>

<ol>
<li>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.</li>
<li>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.</li>
<li>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.</li>
</ol>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Episode 20: High School Athletes: NCAA Eligibility, Recruiting &amp; Your ACT</title>
  <link>https://podcast.chadcargill.com/20</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">58905c43-b29b-4dfa-bf84-03df5d6cac8b</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 25 Jun 2020 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Chad Cargill</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/58905c43-b29b-4dfa-bf84-03df5d6cac8b.mp3" length="22150209" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
  <itunes:author>Chad Cargill</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Often athletes get to their senior year and discover ACTs and GPAs matter a lot more than they thought. In this episode, we look at qualifying to play college sports and how athletic scholarships are often a combination of academic and athletic money.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>15:20</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/3/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/cover.jpg?v=8"/>
  <description>Some athletes believe their ACT scores, high school classes, and grades won't matter. The NCAA says differently.
Athletes must be an NCAA qualifier to compete.  Part of the requirements is a combination of ACT and core GPA. You must meet the minimum core requirements to qualify. This varies by division.
NCAA's Use of ACT Scores:
1. Use a sliding scale of ACT and GPA. 
2. Do not use ACT writing. 
3. Use superscores.
Some colleges have their own requirements higher than the NCAA.
Some schools internally use a tier system for recruited athletes.
If you think you may want to be a college athlete:
-Verify you are on track to have all required core courses.
-Calculate your core GPA
-Calculate your superscore
-Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center
http://www.ncaa.org/student-athletes/future/educational-resources (http://www.ncaa.org/student-athletes/future/educational-resources)
Division 1 Fact Sheet
http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibilitycenter/StudentResources/DI_ReqsFactSheet.pdf (http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/Student_Resources/DI_ReqsFactSheet.pdf)
FULL QUALIFIER
• Complete 16 core courses.
• Ten of the 16 core courses must be completed before the seventh semester (senior year) of high school.
• Seven of the 10 core courses must be in English, math or natural/physical science.
• Earn a core-course GPA of at least 2.300.
• Earn an SAT combined score or ACT sum score matching the core-course. GPA on the Division I sliding scale (Click on fact sheet link above)
• Graduate high school.
Division 2 Fact Sheet
http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibilitycenter/StudentResources/DII_ReqsFactSheet.pdf (http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/Student_Resources/DII_ReqsFactSheet.pdf)
FULL QUALIFIER
• Complete 16 core courses.
• Earn a core-course GPA of at least 2.200.
• Earn an SAT combined score or ACT sum score matching the core-course. GPA on the Division II full qualifier sliding scale (see back page).
• Graduate high school.
Many sports teams offer partial athletic scholarships.  Often, these partials can be supplemented with academic scholarships.
Objective scholarships are defined as money given to every student who meets defined objectives which are typically ACT and GPA related.
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 (http://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 (https://www.facebook.com/Chad-Cargill-Workshops-22077611182/?ref=bookmarks) page.
To view the workshop calendar, go to calendar.chadcargill.com (http://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 penny@chadcargill.com.
chadcargill.com (http://www.chadcargill.com)
Twitter: @ChadCargill
Thanks for listening to the podcast!
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>act, athlete, prep, qualify, scholarships, test, classes, offer</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Some athletes believe their ACT scores, high school classes, and grades won&#39;t matter. The NCAA says differently.</p>

<p>Athletes must be an NCAA qualifier to compete.  Part of the requirements is a combination of ACT and core GPA. You must meet the minimum core requirements to qualify. This varies by division.</p>

<p>NCAA&#39;s Use of ACT Scores:</p>

<ol>
<li>Use a sliding scale of ACT and GPA. </li>
<li>Do not use ACT writing. </li>
<li>Use superscores.</li>
</ol>

<p>Some colleges have their own requirements higher than the NCAA.</p>

<p>Some schools internally use a tier system for recruited athletes.</p>

<p>If you think you may want to be a college athlete:<br>
-Verify you are on track to have all required core courses.<br>
-Calculate your core GPA<br>
-Calculate your superscore<br>
-Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center</p>

<p><a href="http://www.ncaa.org/student-athletes/future/educational-resources" rel="nofollow">http://www.ncaa.org/student-athletes/future/educational-resources</a></p>

<p>Division 1 Fact Sheet<br>
<a href="http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/Student_Resources/DI_ReqsFactSheet.pdf" rel="nofollow">http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/Student_Resources/DI_ReqsFactSheet.pdf</a></p>

<p>FULL QUALIFIER<br>
• Complete 16 core courses.<br>
• Ten of the 16 core courses must be completed before the seventh semester (senior year) of high school.<br>
• Seven of the 10 core courses must be in English, math or natural/physical science.<br>
• Earn a core-course GPA of at least 2.300.<br>
• Earn an SAT combined score or ACT sum score matching the core-course. GPA on the Division I sliding scale (Click on fact sheet link above)<br>
• Graduate high school.</p>

<p>Division 2 Fact Sheet<br>
<a href="http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/Student_Resources/DII_ReqsFactSheet.pdf" rel="nofollow">http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/Student_Resources/DII_ReqsFactSheet.pdf</a></p>

<p>FULL QUALIFIER<br>
• Complete 16 core courses.<br>
• Earn a core-course GPA of at least 2.200.<br>
• Earn an SAT combined score or ACT sum score matching the core-course. GPA on the Division II full qualifier sliding scale (see back page).<br>
• Graduate high school.</p>

<p>Many sports teams offer partial athletic scholarships.  Often, these partials can be supplemented with academic scholarships.</p>

<p>Objective scholarships are defined as money given to every student who meets defined objectives which are typically ACT and GPA related.</p>

<hr>

<p>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 <a href="http://scholarships.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">scholarships.chadcargill.com</a>, and get your guide now.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.  </p>

<p>If you have questions, leave a comment here or on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Chad-Cargill-Workshops-22077611182/?ref=bookmarks" rel="nofollow">Chad Cargill Workshops Facebook</a> page.</p>

<p>To view the workshop calendar, go to <a href="http://calendar.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">calendar.chadcargill.com</a>. You can also order the prep book Chad Cargill&#39;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 <a href="mailto:penny@chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">penny@chadcargill.com</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">chadcargill.com</a><br>
Twitter: @ChadCargill</p>

<p>Thanks for listening to the podcast!</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Some athletes believe their ACT scores, high school classes, and grades won&#39;t matter. The NCAA says differently.</p>

<p>Athletes must be an NCAA qualifier to compete.  Part of the requirements is a combination of ACT and core GPA. You must meet the minimum core requirements to qualify. This varies by division.</p>

<p>NCAA&#39;s Use of ACT Scores:</p>

<ol>
<li>Use a sliding scale of ACT and GPA. </li>
<li>Do not use ACT writing. </li>
<li>Use superscores.</li>
</ol>

<p>Some colleges have their own requirements higher than the NCAA.</p>

<p>Some schools internally use a tier system for recruited athletes.</p>

<p>If you think you may want to be a college athlete:<br>
-Verify you are on track to have all required core courses.<br>
-Calculate your core GPA<br>
-Calculate your superscore<br>
-Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center</p>

<p><a href="http://www.ncaa.org/student-athletes/future/educational-resources" rel="nofollow">http://www.ncaa.org/student-athletes/future/educational-resources</a></p>

<p>Division 1 Fact Sheet<br>
<a href="http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/Student_Resources/DI_ReqsFactSheet.pdf" rel="nofollow">http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/Student_Resources/DI_ReqsFactSheet.pdf</a></p>

<p>FULL QUALIFIER<br>
• Complete 16 core courses.<br>
• Ten of the 16 core courses must be completed before the seventh semester (senior year) of high school.<br>
• Seven of the 10 core courses must be in English, math or natural/physical science.<br>
• Earn a core-course GPA of at least 2.300.<br>
• Earn an SAT combined score or ACT sum score matching the core-course. GPA on the Division I sliding scale (Click on fact sheet link above)<br>
• Graduate high school.</p>

<p>Division 2 Fact Sheet<br>
<a href="http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/Student_Resources/DII_ReqsFactSheet.pdf" rel="nofollow">http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/Student_Resources/DII_ReqsFactSheet.pdf</a></p>

<p>FULL QUALIFIER<br>
• Complete 16 core courses.<br>
• Earn a core-course GPA of at least 2.200.<br>
• Earn an SAT combined score or ACT sum score matching the core-course. GPA on the Division II full qualifier sliding scale (see back page).<br>
• Graduate high school.</p>

<p>Many sports teams offer partial athletic scholarships.  Often, these partials can be supplemented with academic scholarships.</p>

<p>Objective scholarships are defined as money given to every student who meets defined objectives which are typically ACT and GPA related.</p>

<hr>

<p>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 <a href="http://scholarships.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">scholarships.chadcargill.com</a>, and get your guide now.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.  </p>

<p>If you have questions, leave a comment here or on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Chad-Cargill-Workshops-22077611182/?ref=bookmarks" rel="nofollow">Chad Cargill Workshops Facebook</a> page.</p>

<p>To view the workshop calendar, go to <a href="http://calendar.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">calendar.chadcargill.com</a>. You can also order the prep book Chad Cargill&#39;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 <a href="mailto:penny@chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">penny@chadcargill.com</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">chadcargill.com</a><br>
Twitter: @ChadCargill</p>

<p>Thanks for listening to the podcast!</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Episode 19: Master These 5 Comma Rules and Raise Your ACT Score</title>
  <link>https://podcast.chadcargill.com/19</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">686df874-53a9-45a6-86ad-f03c4a0cab12</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2020 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Chad Cargill</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/686df874-53a9-45a6-86ad-f03c4a0cab12.mp3" length="26136913" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
  <itunes:author>Chad Cargill</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Master these five comma rules and watch your ACT English score soar.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>18:06</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/3/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/cover.jpg?v=8"/>
  <description>There are five key comma rules you must know to score well in ACT English.
1. Use a comma to separate main clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. The common coordinating conjunctions are and, but, or, nor, for, so, and yet. A main clause is one that has both a subject (s) and a verb (v).
EX: We went to the store, and we spent our money. 
S/V, and S/V.
-Some memorize the conjunctions with the word FAN BOYS
2. Set off words, phrases, and clauses that are not needed (nonessential). Use commas around nonessential, transitional, or contrasting information. Non-restrictive elements function much like appositives.
3 Examples Below:
1. Intense preparation, then, is known to produce higher
test scores. (transitional)
2. Robert Frost, a Pulitzer Prize winner, is known for his
poem “Birches.” (nonessential)
3. Robert Kurson, not Stephen King, is my favorite
author. (contrasting)
3. Use a comma after an introductory phrase, clause, and adverb. Short introductory prepositional phrases do not require commas unless needed for clarity.
3 Examples Below:
1. To be able to compete on the collegiate level, many
high school athletes practice their sport all year.
2. If you are counting on a college scholarship, pay
attention to your grades, class rank, community
service, and standardized test scores.
3. Occasionally, the person actually responsible for the
vandalism will be caught and pay the damage.
4. A series can be defined as three or more words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence that have the same grammatical rank.
EX: I am taking biology, calculus and history.
-The comma before the word _and _is optional.
5. Use commas to separate adjectives in a series that describe the same word.
EX: The old, blue shirt was worn today.
EX: The dark blue shirt was worn today. The second sentence does not have a comma between dark and blue because dark describes blue; whereas, in the first sentence old does not describe blue.
-Can you replace the comma with the word and?
-Can you reverse the words?
Pages 41-49 of Chad Cargill's ACT prep book provides these rules, examples, exercises, and model ACT questions.  
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 (http://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 (https://www.facebook.com/Chad-Cargill-Workshops-22077611182/?ref=bookmarks) page.
To view the workshop calendar, go to calendar.chadcargill.com (http://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 penny@chadcargill.com.
chadcargill.com (http://www.chadcargill.com)
Twitter: @ChadCargill
Thanks for listening to the podcast!
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>English, ACT, test prep, commas, grammar</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>There are five key comma rules you must know to score well in ACT English.</p>

<p><strong>1. Use a comma to separate main clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. The common coordinating conjunctions are and, but, or, nor, for, so, and yet. A main clause is one that has both a subject (s) and a verb (v).</strong></p>

<p>EX: We went to the store, and we spent our money. <br>
S/V, and S/V.</p>

<p>-Some memorize the conjunctions with the word FAN BOYS</p>

<p><strong>2. Set off words, phrases, and clauses that are not needed (nonessential). Use commas around nonessential, transitional, or contrasting information. Non-restrictive elements function much like appositives.</strong></p>

<p>3 Examples Below:</p>

<ol>
<li>Intense preparation, then, is known to produce higher
test scores. (transitional)</li>
<li>Robert Frost, a Pulitzer Prize winner, is known for his
poem “Birches.” (nonessential)</li>
<li>Robert Kurson, not Stephen King, is my favorite
author. (contrasting)</li>
</ol>

<p><strong>3. Use a comma after an introductory phrase, clause, and adverb. Short introductory prepositional phrases do not require commas unless needed for clarity.</strong><br>
3 Examples Below:</p>

<ol>
<li>To be able to compete on the collegiate level, many
high school athletes practice their sport all year.</li>
<li>If you are counting on a college scholarship, pay
attention to your grades, class rank, community
service, and standardized test scores.</li>
<li>Occasionally, the person actually responsible for the
vandalism will be caught and pay the damage.</li>
</ol>

<p><strong>4. A series can be defined as three or more words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence that have the same grammatical rank.</strong><br>
EX: I am taking biology, calculus and history.</p>

<p>-The comma before the word _and _is optional.</p>

<p><strong>5. Use commas to separate adjectives in a series that describe the same word.</strong><br>
EX: The old, blue shirt was worn today.<br>
EX: The dark blue shirt was worn today. The second sentence does not have a comma between dark and blue because dark describes blue; whereas, in the first sentence old does not describe blue.</p>

<p>-Can you replace the comma with the word and?<br>
-Can you reverse the words?</p>

<p>Pages 41-49 of Chad Cargill&#39;s ACT prep book provides these rules, examples, exercises, and model ACT questions.  </p>

<hr>

<p>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 <a href="http://scholarships.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">scholarships.chadcargill.com</a>, and get your guide now.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.  </p>

<p>If you have questions, leave a comment here or on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Chad-Cargill-Workshops-22077611182/?ref=bookmarks" rel="nofollow">Chad Cargill Workshops Facebook</a> page.</p>

<p>To view the workshop calendar, go to <a href="http://calendar.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">calendar.chadcargill.com</a>. You can also order the prep book Chad Cargill&#39;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 <a href="mailto:penny@chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">penny@chadcargill.com</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">chadcargill.com</a><br>
Twitter: @ChadCargill</p>

<p>Thanks for listening to the podcast!</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>There are five key comma rules you must know to score well in ACT English.</p>

<p><strong>1. Use a comma to separate main clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. The common coordinating conjunctions are and, but, or, nor, for, so, and yet. A main clause is one that has both a subject (s) and a verb (v).</strong></p>

<p>EX: We went to the store, and we spent our money. <br>
S/V, and S/V.</p>

<p>-Some memorize the conjunctions with the word FAN BOYS</p>

<p><strong>2. Set off words, phrases, and clauses that are not needed (nonessential). Use commas around nonessential, transitional, or contrasting information. Non-restrictive elements function much like appositives.</strong></p>

<p>3 Examples Below:</p>

<ol>
<li>Intense preparation, then, is known to produce higher
test scores. (transitional)</li>
<li>Robert Frost, a Pulitzer Prize winner, is known for his
poem “Birches.” (nonessential)</li>
<li>Robert Kurson, not Stephen King, is my favorite
author. (contrasting)</li>
</ol>

<p><strong>3. Use a comma after an introductory phrase, clause, and adverb. Short introductory prepositional phrases do not require commas unless needed for clarity.</strong><br>
3 Examples Below:</p>

<ol>
<li>To be able to compete on the collegiate level, many
high school athletes practice their sport all year.</li>
<li>If you are counting on a college scholarship, pay
attention to your grades, class rank, community
service, and standardized test scores.</li>
<li>Occasionally, the person actually responsible for the
vandalism will be caught and pay the damage.</li>
</ol>

<p><strong>4. A series can be defined as three or more words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence that have the same grammatical rank.</strong><br>
EX: I am taking biology, calculus and history.</p>

<p>-The comma before the word _and _is optional.</p>

<p><strong>5. Use commas to separate adjectives in a series that describe the same word.</strong><br>
EX: The old, blue shirt was worn today.<br>
EX: The dark blue shirt was worn today. The second sentence does not have a comma between dark and blue because dark describes blue; whereas, in the first sentence old does not describe blue.</p>

<p>-Can you replace the comma with the word and?<br>
-Can you reverse the words?</p>

<p>Pages 41-49 of Chad Cargill&#39;s ACT prep book provides these rules, examples, exercises, and model ACT questions.  </p>

<hr>

<p>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 <a href="http://scholarships.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">scholarships.chadcargill.com</a>, and get your guide now.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.  </p>

<p>If you have questions, leave a comment here or on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Chad-Cargill-Workshops-22077611182/?ref=bookmarks" rel="nofollow">Chad Cargill Workshops Facebook</a> page.</p>

<p>To view the workshop calendar, go to <a href="http://calendar.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">calendar.chadcargill.com</a>. You can also order the prep book Chad Cargill&#39;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 <a href="mailto:penny@chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">penny@chadcargill.com</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">chadcargill.com</a><br>
Twitter: @ChadCargill</p>

<p>Thanks for listening to the podcast!</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Episode 10: The Right Way to Keep Time on the ACT</title>
  <link>https://podcast.chadcargill.com/10</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">2ba8c653-275f-4f92-a23f-bc3a3e310085</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2020 12:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Chad Cargill</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/2ba8c653-275f-4f92-a23f-bc3a3e310085.mp3" length="28510503" type="audio/mp3"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
  <itunes:author>Chad Cargill</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>The way most students keep time on the ACT is wrong.  Listen to this episode to learn the right way.  This episode teaches the easiest way to lower test anxiety and raise scores by effectively keeping your own time and working all the way to the end.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>19:45</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/3/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/cover.jpg?v=8"/>
  <description>One of the downfalls of being an inexperienced ACT test taker is you may not know how much time you have left. The tests are very long and difficult to finish. As mentioned earlier, you should always answer every question. If you run out of time without every question answered, your score will not be as high as it could be. Time seems to pass very quickly during a difficult section of the test. Be aware of the time but not terrified of it. Using a wall clock in the testing center may not be the best method. I found that trying to keep time on my watch or a simple wall clock often confused me, and concentrating solely on the test often caused me to forget when the test started and when it was supposed to end. In order to prevent this unnecessary confusion, I created my own method of time keeping. I wore a simple three-handed (hour, minute, and second) watch. Before a section began, I let the second hand on my watch rotate until it pointed to the twelve. Then I stopped the second hand from moving by pulling out the crown. Next, I adjusted the other hands so that the clock read exactly noon. Then I backed the time from noon for the amount of time allotted for the section. For example on the English test, which lasts 45 minutes, I moved the clock to read 11:15. When the test administrator said, "Go," I started the clock. I knew at all times during the test that when my watch read straight up noon, the test was over. No questions. No confusion. This method may seem somewhat ridiculous, but if you want to reduce confusion and improve your score, master a time keeping method. A digital watch can also be used if you want to purchase one, but it can not make noise or communicate such as an Apple watch.
Finally, when the test administrators announce there are five minutes remaining in each section, you should ignore them. First of all, you already know the time because you are keeping time on your watch. The other reason is five minutes is a lot of time. For example, the science test is six passages designed to be of approximately equal length and difficulty. The science test as a whole is 35 minutes long. Thirty-five minutes divided by six equal passages is five minutes and 50 seconds. At the five minute call if you think your test is over and you panic, you are greatly reducing your score. Many students start guessing when the test administrator calls five minutes. If you do that, you are going to guess on approximately 24 questions total in English, math, reading, and science. If the guessing odds play out, you will get about 6 of the 24 correct. Consider the following: if you score a 19, you are getting about half the questions right. If you do this while guessing when they call five minutes, you got 6 out of 24 rather than 12 out of 24. That is a difference of 6 questions spread over the four sections of the ACT. Did you know that a difference of 6 questions spread over the four sections of the ACT is over a one composite score increase? If you are guessing at 5 minutes and scoring a 19, try the method described above, and your composite ACT score should increase to at least a 20 doing this alone!
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 (http://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 (https://www.facebook.com/Chad-Cargill-Workshops-22077611182/?ref=bookmarks) page.
To view the workshop calendar, go to calendar.chadcargill.com (http://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 penny@chadcargill.com.
chadcargill.com (http://www.chadcargill.com)
Twitter: @ChadCargill
Thanks for listening to the podcast!
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>test anxiety, ACT, test prep, time, timed test</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>One of the downfalls of being an inexperienced ACT test taker is you may not know how much time you have left. The tests are very long and difficult to finish. As mentioned earlier, you should always answer every question. If you run out of time without every question answered, your score will not be as high as it could be. Time seems to pass very quickly during a difficult section of the test. Be aware of the time but not terrified of it. Using a wall clock in the testing center may not be the best method. I found that trying to keep time on my watch or a simple wall clock often confused me, and concentrating solely on the test often caused me to forget when the test started and when it was supposed to end. In order to prevent this unnecessary confusion, I created my own method of time keeping. I wore a simple three-handed (hour, minute, and second) watch. Before a section began, I let the second hand on my watch rotate until it pointed to the twelve. Then I stopped the second hand from moving by pulling out the crown. Next, I adjusted the other hands so that the clock read exactly noon. Then I backed the time from noon for the amount of time allotted for the section. For example on the English test, which lasts 45 minutes, I moved the clock to read 11:15. When the test administrator said, &quot;Go,&quot; I started the clock. I knew at all times during the test that when my watch read straight up noon, the test was over. No questions. No confusion. This method may seem somewhat ridiculous, but if you want to reduce confusion and improve your score, master a time keeping method. A digital watch can also be used if you want to purchase one, but it can not make noise or communicate such as an Apple watch.<br>
Finally, when the test administrators announce there are five minutes remaining in each section, you should ignore them. First of all, you already know the time because you are keeping time on your watch. The other reason is five minutes is a lot of time. For example, the science test is six passages designed to be of approximately equal length and difficulty. The science test as a whole is 35 minutes long. Thirty-five minutes divided by six equal passages is five minutes and 50 seconds. At the five minute call if you think your test is over and you panic, you are greatly reducing your score. Many students start guessing when the test administrator calls five minutes. If you do that, you are going to guess on approximately 24 questions total in English, math, reading, and science. If the guessing odds play out, you will get about 6 of the 24 correct. Consider the following: if you score a 19, you are getting about half the questions right. If you do this while guessing when they call five minutes, you got 6 out of 24 rather than 12 out of 24. That is a difference of 6 questions spread over the four sections of the ACT. Did you know that a difference of 6 questions spread over the four sections of the ACT is over a one composite score increase? If you are guessing at 5 minutes and scoring a 19, try the method described above, and your composite ACT score should increase to at least a 20 doing this alone!</p>

<hr>

<p>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 <a href="http://scholarships.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">scholarships.chadcargill.com</a>, and get your guide now.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.  </p>

<p>If you have questions, leave a comment here or on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Chad-Cargill-Workshops-22077611182/?ref=bookmarks" rel="nofollow">Chad Cargill Workshops Facebook</a> page.</p>

<p>To view the workshop calendar, go to <a href="http://calendar.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">calendar.chadcargill.com</a>. You can also order the prep book Chad Cargill&#39;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 <a href="mailto:penny@chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">penny@chadcargill.com</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">chadcargill.com</a><br>
Twitter: @ChadCargill</p>

<p>Thanks for listening to the podcast!</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>One of the downfalls of being an inexperienced ACT test taker is you may not know how much time you have left. The tests are very long and difficult to finish. As mentioned earlier, you should always answer every question. If you run out of time without every question answered, your score will not be as high as it could be. Time seems to pass very quickly during a difficult section of the test. Be aware of the time but not terrified of it. Using a wall clock in the testing center may not be the best method. I found that trying to keep time on my watch or a simple wall clock often confused me, and concentrating solely on the test often caused me to forget when the test started and when it was supposed to end. In order to prevent this unnecessary confusion, I created my own method of time keeping. I wore a simple three-handed (hour, minute, and second) watch. Before a section began, I let the second hand on my watch rotate until it pointed to the twelve. Then I stopped the second hand from moving by pulling out the crown. Next, I adjusted the other hands so that the clock read exactly noon. Then I backed the time from noon for the amount of time allotted for the section. For example on the English test, which lasts 45 minutes, I moved the clock to read 11:15. When the test administrator said, &quot;Go,&quot; I started the clock. I knew at all times during the test that when my watch read straight up noon, the test was over. No questions. No confusion. This method may seem somewhat ridiculous, but if you want to reduce confusion and improve your score, master a time keeping method. A digital watch can also be used if you want to purchase one, but it can not make noise or communicate such as an Apple watch.<br>
Finally, when the test administrators announce there are five minutes remaining in each section, you should ignore them. First of all, you already know the time because you are keeping time on your watch. The other reason is five minutes is a lot of time. For example, the science test is six passages designed to be of approximately equal length and difficulty. The science test as a whole is 35 minutes long. Thirty-five minutes divided by six equal passages is five minutes and 50 seconds. At the five minute call if you think your test is over and you panic, you are greatly reducing your score. Many students start guessing when the test administrator calls five minutes. If you do that, you are going to guess on approximately 24 questions total in English, math, reading, and science. If the guessing odds play out, you will get about 6 of the 24 correct. Consider the following: if you score a 19, you are getting about half the questions right. If you do this while guessing when they call five minutes, you got 6 out of 24 rather than 12 out of 24. That is a difference of 6 questions spread over the four sections of the ACT. Did you know that a difference of 6 questions spread over the four sections of the ACT is over a one composite score increase? If you are guessing at 5 minutes and scoring a 19, try the method described above, and your composite ACT score should increase to at least a 20 doing this alone!</p>

<hr>

<p>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 <a href="http://scholarships.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">scholarships.chadcargill.com</a>, and get your guide now.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.  </p>

<p>If you have questions, leave a comment here or on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Chad-Cargill-Workshops-22077611182/?ref=bookmarks" rel="nofollow">Chad Cargill Workshops Facebook</a> page.</p>

<p>To view the workshop calendar, go to <a href="http://calendar.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">calendar.chadcargill.com</a>. You can also order the prep book Chad Cargill&#39;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 <a href="mailto:penny@chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">penny@chadcargill.com</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">chadcargill.com</a><br>
Twitter: @ChadCargill</p>

<p>Thanks for listening to the podcast!</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Episode 7: I'm a Bad Test Taker - Help Me!</title>
  <link>https://podcast.chadcargill.com/7</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">5785855f-514e-420d-a557-64ddc414645d</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2020 02:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Chad Cargill</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/5785855f-514e-420d-a557-64ddc414645d.mp3" length="21385344" type="audio/mp3"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
  <itunes:author>Chad Cargill</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>I’ll be out, and someone sees me. She realizes I’m the ACT guy. Then she approaches me with the #1 question I get asked. Listen to this episode to hear that question and learn the one question evaluation I give to answer this question. </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>14:48</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/3/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/cover.jpg?v=8"/>
  <description>The #1 question parents ask me. 
I’ll be out and someone sees me. She realizes I’m the ACT guy. Then she approaches me with the #1 question I get asked. 
My son is a bad test taker. Help us. 
Listen to this episode to hear that question and learn the one question evaluation I give to answer this question. 
Go to testday.chadcargill.com to get the things you must know the day of the test.
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 (http://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 (https://www.facebook.com/Chad-Cargill-Workshops-22077611182/?ref=bookmarks) page.
To view the workshop calendar, go to calendar.chadcargill.com (http://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 penny@chadcargill.com.
chadcargill.com (http://www.chadcargill.com)
Twitter: @ChadCargill
Thanks for listening to the podcast!  
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>act, chad cargill, bad test-taker, high school, prep, qualify, scholarships, test, classes</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>The #1 question parents ask me. <br>
I’ll be out and someone sees me. She realizes I’m the ACT guy. Then she approaches me with the #1 question I get asked. <br>
My son is a bad test taker. Help us. <br>
Listen to this episode to hear that question and learn the one question evaluation I give to answer this question. </p>

<p>Go to testday.chadcargill.com to get the things you must know the day of the test.</p>

<hr>

<p>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 <a href="http://scholarships.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">scholarships.chadcargill.com</a>, and get your guide now.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.  </p>

<p>If you have questions, leave a comment here or on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Chad-Cargill-Workshops-22077611182/?ref=bookmarks" rel="nofollow">Chad Cargill Workshops Facebook</a> page.</p>

<p>To view the workshop calendar, go to <a href="http://calendar.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">calendar.chadcargill.com</a>. You can also order the prep book Chad Cargill&#39;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 <a href="mailto:penny@chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">penny@chadcargill.com</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">chadcargill.com</a><br>
Twitter: @ChadCargill</p>

<p>Thanks for listening to the podcast! </p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>The #1 question parents ask me. <br>
I’ll be out and someone sees me. She realizes I’m the ACT guy. Then she approaches me with the #1 question I get asked. <br>
My son is a bad test taker. Help us. <br>
Listen to this episode to hear that question and learn the one question evaluation I give to answer this question. </p>

<p>Go to testday.chadcargill.com to get the things you must know the day of the test.</p>

<hr>

<p>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 <a href="http://scholarships.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">scholarships.chadcargill.com</a>, and get your guide now.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.  </p>

<p>If you have questions, leave a comment here or on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Chad-Cargill-Workshops-22077611182/?ref=bookmarks" rel="nofollow">Chad Cargill Workshops Facebook</a> page.</p>

<p>To view the workshop calendar, go to <a href="http://calendar.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">calendar.chadcargill.com</a>. You can also order the prep book Chad Cargill&#39;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 <a href="mailto:penny@chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">penny@chadcargill.com</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">chadcargill.com</a><br>
Twitter: @ChadCargill</p>

<p>Thanks for listening to the podcast! </p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Episode 6: 7 Ways to Reduce Test Anxiety on the ACT</title>
  <link>https://podcast.chadcargill.com/6</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">580de109-c419-45d9-a491-465b2e93e923</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2020 01:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Chad Cargill</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/580de109-c419-45d9-a491-465b2e93e923.mp3" length="33934150" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
  <itunes:author>Chad Cargill</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>While the world is anxious about the Corona virus, students are also anxious about taking an ACT.  In this episode, we look at the number one reason good academic students underachieve on this test.  Here are 7 practical tips you can use to immediately reduce your test anxiety.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>23:31</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/3/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/cover.jpg?v=8"/>
  <description>While the world is anxious about the Corona virus, students are also anxious about taking an ACT.  The number one reason good academic students underachieve on the ACT is test anxiety.  Here are 7 practical tips you can use to immediately reduce your test anxiety.
Control what you can control. You can't control everything, but control what you can.  Apply one, a few, or all of these tips to immediately start reducing your test anxiety.
Take the test as many times as you can afford
Drive to the test center before the test day
Recognize everyone misses questions
Familiarize yourself with your calculator
Keep your own time
Memorize key rules and formulas
    testday.chadcargill.com (testday.chadcargill.com)
Do your best, and God will do the rest
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 (http://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 (https://www.facebook.com/Chad-Cargill-Workshops-22077611182/?ref=bookmarks) page.
To view the workshop calendar, go to calendar.chadcargill.com (http://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 penny@chadcargill.com.
chadcargill.com (http://www.chadcargill.com)
Twitter: @ChadCargill
Thanks for listening to the podcast!  
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>test anxiety, ACT, test prep</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>While the world is anxious about the Corona virus, students are also anxious about taking an ACT.  The number one reason good academic students underachieve on the ACT is test anxiety.  Here are 7 practical tips you can use to immediately reduce your test anxiety.</p>

<p>Control what you can control. You can&#39;t control everything, but control what you can.  Apply one, a few, or all of these tips to immediately start reducing your test anxiety.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Take the test as many times as you can afford</p></li>
<li><p>Drive to the test center before the test day</p></li>
<li><p>Recognize everyone misses questions</p></li>
<li><p>Familiarize yourself with your calculator</p></li>
<li><p>Keep your own time</p></li>
<li><p>Memorize key rules and formulas<br>
    [testday.chadcargill.com](testday.chadcargill.com)</p></li>
<li><p>Do your best, and God will do the rest</p></li>
</ol>

<hr>

<p>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 <a href="http://scholarships.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">scholarships.chadcargill.com</a>, and get your guide now.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.  </p>

<p>If you have questions, leave a comment here or on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Chad-Cargill-Workshops-22077611182/?ref=bookmarks" rel="nofollow">Chad Cargill Workshops Facebook</a> page.</p>

<p>To view the workshop calendar, go to <a href="http://calendar.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">calendar.chadcargill.com</a>. You can also order the prep book Chad Cargill&#39;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 <a href="mailto:penny@chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">penny@chadcargill.com</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">chadcargill.com</a><br>
Twitter: @ChadCargill</p>

<p>Thanks for listening to the podcast! </p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>While the world is anxious about the Corona virus, students are also anxious about taking an ACT.  The number one reason good academic students underachieve on the ACT is test anxiety.  Here are 7 practical tips you can use to immediately reduce your test anxiety.</p>

<p>Control what you can control. You can&#39;t control everything, but control what you can.  Apply one, a few, or all of these tips to immediately start reducing your test anxiety.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Take the test as many times as you can afford</p></li>
<li><p>Drive to the test center before the test day</p></li>
<li><p>Recognize everyone misses questions</p></li>
<li><p>Familiarize yourself with your calculator</p></li>
<li><p>Keep your own time</p></li>
<li><p>Memorize key rules and formulas<br>
    [testday.chadcargill.com](testday.chadcargill.com)</p></li>
<li><p>Do your best, and God will do the rest</p></li>
</ol>

<hr>

<p>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 <a href="http://scholarships.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">scholarships.chadcargill.com</a>, and get your guide now.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.  </p>

<p>If you have questions, leave a comment here or on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Chad-Cargill-Workshops-22077611182/?ref=bookmarks" rel="nofollow">Chad Cargill Workshops Facebook</a> page.</p>

<p>To view the workshop calendar, go to <a href="http://calendar.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">calendar.chadcargill.com</a>. You can also order the prep book Chad Cargill&#39;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 <a href="mailto:penny@chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">penny@chadcargill.com</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">chadcargill.com</a><br>
Twitter: @ChadCargill</p>

<p>Thanks for listening to the podcast! </p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Episode 4: I Ordered My Test and Answers. Now What?</title>
  <link>https://podcast.chadcargill.com/4</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">8f5754ed-b12a-458c-9fea-db1b51704e2d</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2020 02:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
  <author>Chad Cargill</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/8f5754ed-b12a-458c-9fea-db1b51704e2d.mp3" length="38001102" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
  <itunes:author>Chad Cargill</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>You ordered the test questions, your answers, and the correct answers. What do you do with that? This episode gives you a step-by-step guide what to do. </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>26:20</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/3/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/cover.jpg?v=8"/>
  <description>Episode 4: I Ordered My Test and Answers. Now What?
Test Information Release - $22
Available December, April, and June national tests
Not available on residuals
Order when you register or by logging back in to your account and adding this up to 5 days after you test. 
This year you can also order up to 6 months after you test by calling ACT. 
If you order when you register you’ll get your test about 3 weeks after you test. 
When it comes in the mail, you’ll receive the test questions, your answers, and the correct answers. 
—
Now that you’ve received it, now what?
Look at every question you missed and say, “Why did I miss this?”
This is a two part question. You are not only looking at what was being asked that you missed, but you are also looking at what you selected that was wrong. 
For example, if in English the underline part was a dash and you changed it to a colon and missed it, you missed both the dash and the colon. 
Build a Pareto chart of your misses. 
Put your top missed concepts first. All misses should be shown from most missed to least missed. 
Spend 80% of your practice time on your top 20% of misses. 
—
Bring your test to your teachers
Teachers please work the math section with your math class. Science and English the same. 
—
When you graduate donate it to your counseling office. 
—
Finally, what are you reading? Make that part of your culture. 
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 (http://scholarships.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 (https://www.facebook.com/Chad-Cargill-Workshops-22077611182/?ref=bookmarks) page.
To view the workshop calendar, go to calendar.chadcargill.com (http://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 penny@chadcargill.com.
chadcargill.com (http://www.chadcargill.com)
Twitter: @ChadCargill
Thanks for listening to the podcast! 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>TIR, test information release, ACT, test prep</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Episode 4: I Ordered My Test and Answers. Now What?</p>

<p>Test Information Release - $22</p>

<p>Available December, April, and June national tests</p>

<p>Not available on residuals</p>

<p>Order when you register or by logging back in to your account and adding this up to 5 days after you test. </p>

<p>This year you can also order up to 6 months after you test by calling ACT. </p>

<p>If you order when you register you’ll get your test about 3 weeks after you test. </p>

<p>When it comes in the mail, you’ll receive the test questions, your answers, and the correct answers. </p>

<p>—<br>
Now that you’ve received it, now what?</p>

<p>Look at every question you missed and say, “Why did I miss this?”</p>

<p>This is a two part question. You are not only looking at what was being asked that you missed, but you are also looking at what you selected that was wrong. </p>

<p>For example, if in English the underline part was a dash and you changed it to a colon and missed it, you missed both the dash and the colon. </p>

<p>Build a Pareto chart of your misses. <br>
Put your top missed concepts first. All misses should be shown from most missed to least missed. </p>

<p>Spend 80% of your practice time on your top 20% of misses. </p>

<p>—<br>
Bring your test to your teachers</p>

<p>Teachers please work the math section with your math class. Science and English the same. </p>

<p>—<br>
When you graduate donate it to your counseling office. </p>

<p>—<br>
Finally, what are you reading? Make that part of your culture. </p>

<hr>

<p>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 <a href="http://scholarships.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">scholarships.chadcargill.com</a>, and get your guide now.</p>

<p>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.  </p>

<p>If you have questions, leave a comment here or on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Chad-Cargill-Workshops-22077611182/?ref=bookmarks" rel="nofollow">Chad Cargill Workshops Facebook</a> page.</p>

<p>To view the workshop calendar, go to <a href="http://calendar.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">calendar.chadcargill.com</a>. You can also order the prep book Chad Cargill&#39;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 <a href="mailto:penny@chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">penny@chadcargill.com</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">chadcargill.com</a><br>
Twitter: @ChadCargill</p>

<p>Thanks for listening to the podcast! </p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Episode 4: I Ordered My Test and Answers. Now What?</p>

<p>Test Information Release - $22</p>

<p>Available December, April, and June national tests</p>

<p>Not available on residuals</p>

<p>Order when you register or by logging back in to your account and adding this up to 5 days after you test. </p>

<p>This year you can also order up to 6 months after you test by calling ACT. </p>

<p>If you order when you register you’ll get your test about 3 weeks after you test. </p>

<p>When it comes in the mail, you’ll receive the test questions, your answers, and the correct answers. </p>

<p>—<br>
Now that you’ve received it, now what?</p>

<p>Look at every question you missed and say, “Why did I miss this?”</p>

<p>This is a two part question. You are not only looking at what was being asked that you missed, but you are also looking at what you selected that was wrong. </p>

<p>For example, if in English the underline part was a dash and you changed it to a colon and missed it, you missed both the dash and the colon. </p>

<p>Build a Pareto chart of your misses. <br>
Put your top missed concepts first. All misses should be shown from most missed to least missed. </p>

<p>Spend 80% of your practice time on your top 20% of misses. </p>

<p>—<br>
Bring your test to your teachers</p>

<p>Teachers please work the math section with your math class. Science and English the same. </p>

<p>—<br>
When you graduate donate it to your counseling office. </p>

<p>—<br>
Finally, what are you reading? Make that part of your culture. </p>

<hr>

<p>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 <a href="http://scholarships.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">scholarships.chadcargill.com</a>, and get your guide now.</p>

<p>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.  </p>

<p>If you have questions, leave a comment here or on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Chad-Cargill-Workshops-22077611182/?ref=bookmarks" rel="nofollow">Chad Cargill Workshops Facebook</a> page.</p>

<p>To view the workshop calendar, go to <a href="http://calendar.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">calendar.chadcargill.com</a>. You can also order the prep book Chad Cargill&#39;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 <a href="mailto:penny@chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">penny@chadcargill.com</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">chadcargill.com</a><br>
Twitter: @ChadCargill</p>

<p>Thanks for listening to the podcast! </p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Episode 3: 3 Reasons Why in English You Should Read the Passage as You Go</title>
  <link>https://podcast.chadcargill.com/3</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">87c7e0a9-3661-49a6-9420-d1dedceb3975</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 27 Feb 2020 02:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
  <author>Chad Cargill</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/87c7e0a9-3661-49a6-9420-d1dedceb3975.mp3" length="29347466" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
  <itunes:author>Chad Cargill</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Over half of today's English ACT test-takers skip from one underline to the next.  In this episode we discuss why you should never do this.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>20:20</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/3/32a4b823-27e7-4d70-92cf-3fbc712dade0/cover.jpg?v=8"/>
  <description>3 reasons why in English you should read the passage as you go
2 Types of Questions:
Usage questions
General passage questions
Usage 
Underline in a sentence
Grammatically correct?
Punctuated correctly?
1st choice is no change. 
General passage questions do not have an underline part in a sentence. The first choice is usually something other than No Change. 
These are questions more about the passage rather than just an underlined part in a sentence. 
The first several ACT tests I took in high school, I didn’t read the passage. 
Why? I was in a hurry. 75 questions in 45 mins. 
When I ask students in my workshop how many skip, over half agree. 
Many so called experts teach this. 
I figured out quickly I had to read the passage as I tested; otherwise, I was having to go back and reread. 
As you read from one underline to the next, remember this isn’t reading comprehension. You just need to think, “In general what is happening?” 
“What’s the purpose of the passage?”
“What’s the author’s main point?”
3 Reasons why you should read as you go: 
Tough to summarize an essay you didn’t read. 
Context
Some was/were eaten. 
For Cat’s first birthday her mother bought her 2 cakes. 
Some were eaten. There were two cakes. 
Changing tense of the verbs. 
If you read a sentence by itself, the present tense verb, for example, works great. 
But if you read the paragraph, every other verb was past tense, and you’ll immediately make a change. 
So read the passage as you go. That doesn’t mean read the entire essay, then go back and answer the questions. Just read to question one, then answer question one. Then read to question two, then answer question two. 
If you do this, you’ll finish even faster with a higher score than not reading it. 
Remember this is not reading comprehension. You don’t need to know all the details. Keep asking yourself as you are reading, “In general, what is happening here?”
Special thanks to Ms. Julie Garner for a great review of the podcast. Julie is an English teacher at Jim Ned HS is West Texas. 
This is a great podcast for those of you who are looking for some helpful advice and tips on taking the ACT. Chad Cargill is a trusted source and is the guy that some of you may have gone to see last October in Anson. Whether you went then or not, you should check this out. 
~Ms. Garner
--
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 (http://scholarships.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 (https://www.facebook.com/Chad-Cargill-Workshops-22077611182/?ref=bookmarks) page.
To view the workshop calendar, go to calendar.chadcargill.com (http://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 penny@chadcargill.com.
chadcargill.com (http://www.chadcargill.com)
Twitter: @ChadCargill
Thanks for listening to the podcast!  
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>English, ACT, test, prep, chad, cargill</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>3 reasons why in English you should read the passage as you go</p>

<p>2 Types of Questions:</p>

<p>Usage questions</p>

<p>General passage questions</p>

<p>Usage <br>
Underline in a sentence<br>
Grammatically correct?<br>
Punctuated correctly?</p>

<p>1st choice is no change. </p>

<p>General passage questions do not have an underline part in a sentence. The first choice is usually something other than <em>No Change</em>. </p>

<p>These are questions more about the passage rather than just an underlined part in a sentence. </p>

<p>The first several ACT tests I took in high school, I didn’t read the passage. </p>

<p>Why? I was in a hurry. 75 questions in 45 mins. </p>

<p>When I ask students in my workshop how many skip, over half agree. </p>

<p>Many so called experts teach this. </p>

<p>I figured out quickly I had to read the passage as I tested; otherwise, I was having to go back and reread. </p>

<p>As you read from one underline to the next, remember this isn’t reading comprehension. You just need to think, “In general what is happening?” </p>

<p>“What’s the purpose of the passage?”<br>
“What’s the author’s main point?”</p>

<p>3 Reasons why you should read as you go: </p>

<ol>
<li><p>Tough to summarize an essay you didn’t read. </p></li>
<li><p>Context</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Some was/were eaten. </p>

<p>For Cat’s first birthday her mother bought her 2 cakes. </p>

<p>Some were eaten. There were two cakes. </p>

<ol>
<li>Changing tense of the verbs. </li>
</ol>

<p>If you read a sentence by itself, the present tense verb, for example, works great. </p>

<p>But if you read the paragraph, every other verb was past tense, and you’ll immediately make a change. </p>

<p>So read the passage as you go. That doesn’t mean read the entire essay, then go back and answer the questions. Just read to question one, then answer question one. Then read to question two, then answer question two. </p>

<p>If you do this, you’ll finish even faster with a higher score than not reading it. </p>

<p>Remember this is not reading comprehension. You don’t need to know all the details. Keep asking yourself as you are reading, “In general, what is happening here?”</p>

<p>Special thanks to Ms. Julie Garner for a great review of the podcast. Julie is an English teacher at Jim Ned HS is West Texas. </p>

<p>This is a great podcast for those of you who are looking for some helpful advice and tips on taking the ACT. Chad Cargill is a trusted source and is the guy that some of you may have gone to see last October in Anson. Whether you went then or not, you should check this out. <br>
~Ms. Garner</p>

<p>--<br>
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 <a href="http://scholarships.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">scholarships.chadcargill.com</a>, and get your guide now.</p>

<p>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.  </p>

<p>If you have questions, leave a comment here or on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Chad-Cargill-Workshops-22077611182/?ref=bookmarks" rel="nofollow">Chad Cargill Workshops Facebook</a> page.</p>

<p>To view the workshop calendar, go to <a href="http://calendar.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">calendar.chadcargill.com</a>. You can also order the prep book Chad Cargill&#39;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 <a href="mailto:penny@chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">penny@chadcargill.com</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">chadcargill.com</a><br>
Twitter: @ChadCargill</p>

<p>Thanks for listening to the podcast! </p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>3 reasons why in English you should read the passage as you go</p>

<p>2 Types of Questions:</p>

<p>Usage questions</p>

<p>General passage questions</p>

<p>Usage <br>
Underline in a sentence<br>
Grammatically correct?<br>
Punctuated correctly?</p>

<p>1st choice is no change. </p>

<p>General passage questions do not have an underline part in a sentence. The first choice is usually something other than <em>No Change</em>. </p>

<p>These are questions more about the passage rather than just an underlined part in a sentence. </p>

<p>The first several ACT tests I took in high school, I didn’t read the passage. </p>

<p>Why? I was in a hurry. 75 questions in 45 mins. </p>

<p>When I ask students in my workshop how many skip, over half agree. </p>

<p>Many so called experts teach this. </p>

<p>I figured out quickly I had to read the passage as I tested; otherwise, I was having to go back and reread. </p>

<p>As you read from one underline to the next, remember this isn’t reading comprehension. You just need to think, “In general what is happening?” </p>

<p>“What’s the purpose of the passage?”<br>
“What’s the author’s main point?”</p>

<p>3 Reasons why you should read as you go: </p>

<ol>
<li><p>Tough to summarize an essay you didn’t read. </p></li>
<li><p>Context</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Some was/were eaten. </p>

<p>For Cat’s first birthday her mother bought her 2 cakes. </p>

<p>Some were eaten. There were two cakes. </p>

<ol>
<li>Changing tense of the verbs. </li>
</ol>

<p>If you read a sentence by itself, the present tense verb, for example, works great. </p>

<p>But if you read the paragraph, every other verb was past tense, and you’ll immediately make a change. </p>

<p>So read the passage as you go. That doesn’t mean read the entire essay, then go back and answer the questions. Just read to question one, then answer question one. Then read to question two, then answer question two. </p>

<p>If you do this, you’ll finish even faster with a higher score than not reading it. </p>

<p>Remember this is not reading comprehension. You don’t need to know all the details. Keep asking yourself as you are reading, “In general, what is happening here?”</p>

<p>Special thanks to Ms. Julie Garner for a great review of the podcast. Julie is an English teacher at Jim Ned HS is West Texas. </p>

<p>This is a great podcast for those of you who are looking for some helpful advice and tips on taking the ACT. Chad Cargill is a trusted source and is the guy that some of you may have gone to see last October in Anson. Whether you went then or not, you should check this out. <br>
~Ms. Garner</p>

<p>--<br>
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 <a href="http://scholarships.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">scholarships.chadcargill.com</a>, and get your guide now.</p>

<p>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.  </p>

<p>If you have questions, leave a comment here or on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Chad-Cargill-Workshops-22077611182/?ref=bookmarks" rel="nofollow">Chad Cargill Workshops Facebook</a> page.</p>

<p>To view the workshop calendar, go to <a href="http://calendar.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">calendar.chadcargill.com</a>. You can also order the prep book Chad Cargill&#39;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 <a href="mailto:penny@chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">penny@chadcargill.com</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.chadcargill.com" rel="nofollow">chadcargill.com</a><br>
Twitter: @ChadCargill</p>

<p>Thanks for listening to the podcast! </p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
  </channel>
</rss>
