Chad Cargill's ACT Test Prep
62 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 years ago -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.
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Episodes
60: From DRC Congo to America: Creed's Graduation Speech
June 02, 2022 16:30 - 6 minutes - 9.66 MBFrom a kid growing up in extreme poverty to now living in the United States, my son Creed gives his 6th-grade elementary graduation speech.
59: ACT's Great Inflation - A Rant
November 12, 2021 08:00 - 18 minutes - 25.4 MBYou are paying more for everything in 2021. While inflation in the United States runs rampant, ACT is fully on-board participating in the great rate hike of 2021. Hold on to your wallets! ACT is about to make bank off of you.
58: My Graduation Speech and Challenge to the Class of 2021
April 29, 2021 07:00 - 16 minutes - 23.3 MBTo the graduates of the Class of 2021, congratulations on your high school accomplishments. Now, I challenge you to live a life that matters.
57: Live Q&A at the End of an Online Workshop
April 15, 2021 07:00 - 17 minutes - 24.1 MBListen 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.
56: Why You Should Never Take the 5th Experimental Section of the ACT
April 08, 2021 15:15 - 18 minutes - 25 MBMost 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.
55: Trouble Finishing the Reading Test? This Trick Can Immediately Raise Your Score
April 01, 2021 17:00 - 16 minutes - 23 MBIf you find yourself running out of time in reading, many students give up on the last passage. Using this simple tip, students who struggle finishing reading can immediately raise their scores.
54: Master the Dash and Raise Your English Score Now
March 25, 2021 16:15 - 19 minutes - 27.1 MBMost students pick a dash if it looks good. Many test-takers have no idea the rules for using the dash. A dash is on almost every ACT test you take. In this episode, we'll review the rule for a dash and look at examples how it is used.
53: 7 Keys to Writing a Great Scholarship Essay
March 18, 2021 07:00 - 17 minutes - 24.6 MBFollow these seven tips, and write a scholarship essay that wins.
53: 7 Keys to Writing a Winning Scholarship Essay
March 18, 2021 07:00 - 17 minutes - 24.6 MBFollow these seven tips, and write a scholarship essay that wins.
52: 9 Ways to Stay Focused During the ACT Test
March 04, 2021 08:00 - 24 minutes - 33.7 MBRecently, I was asked during a workshop, "How do I stay focused during the ACT test?" In today's episode, I give 9 ways you can stay focused during the test. Let me know which ones of these distractions apply to you and how you handled them.
51: 2 Important Rule Changes and How You Should Adjust
February 25, 2021 08:00 - 17 minutes - 24 MBIn this episode, we discuss two important rule changes that may affect when you take the ACT and how you keep time during the test.
Episode 50: Math - What is Tested? A Detailed Look at the July 2020 National ACT Math Test
February 18, 2021 08:00 - 15 minutes - 21.7 MBSource: 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 & Quantity (7–10%) Algebra (12–15%) Functions (12–15%) Geometry (12–15%) Statistics & Probability (8–12%) Integrating essential skills (40-43%) Modeling
Episode 49: Is the ACT Science Test Changing?
February 11, 2021 08:00 - 23 minutes - 32.5 MBAlthough 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
48: What are Zero Level Classes and How to Avoid Them
February 04, 2021 08:00 - 22 minutes - 30.7 MBAccording 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 towa...
47: Why GPAs are a Joke!
January 28, 2021 08:00 - 24 minutes - 34.4 MBGPAs are used for many things like qualifications, scholarships, and even academic championships. Unless analyzed thoroughly and taken into context, they are almost meaningless numbers. Yet, many continue to use GPAs as a comparative measurement. In this episode, I'll tell you why they shouldn't.
46: QBQ! My #1 Recommended Book with John Miller
January 21, 2021 08:00 - 48 minutes - 67.3 MBWhat makes a question an IQ or a QBQ? In today's episode you'll meet John Miller who is the author of the most impactful book I've read other than the Bible itself. But be warned, this episode may change your life. QBQ! changed mine. Special Guest: John Miller.
45: A Look Ahead to 2021
January 14, 2021 08:00 - 30 minutes - 41.3 MBAs we start the new year, we reflect on the challenges of 2020 and turn our focus to a new beginning in 2021.
Episode 44: How to Determine if You’re a First Instinct Test-Taker
December 10, 2020 08:00 - 22 minutes - 30.8 MBAre you a first instinct test-taker? Sometimes you're told, "Go with your gut" or "Pick whatever you initially thought was best." Is this true? If so, is it true for everyone? In this episode we dive into the strategy of first instinct test-taking. We'll identify what it is, examine why you would do it, and discuss how you can determine if you should use it. Articles referenced in the episode: https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/going-with-first-instinct-not-always-best-test-strategy-re...
Episode 43: How To Do Scholarship Projects That Leave a Legacy with Drew Files
December 03, 2020 08:00 - 27 minutes - 37.4 MBDrew 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 diffe...
Episode 42: Thanksgiving: Why I'm Thankful for School with Creed and Clarity Cargill
November 26, 2020 08:00 - 37 minutes - 51.7 MBClarity and Creed spent the first several years of their lives in an extremely impoverished area of the world. Their original home is Kinshasa which is the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. After almost 5 years in the United States, they have a much different perspective of school than most who have always lived here in the United States. In this episode, Creed and Clarity share why they are thankful for their school and the United States.
Episode 41: ACT Writing - When You Should Take It and How To Get a Great Score
November 19, 2020 08:00 - 24 minutes - 33.4 MBStudents 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.
Episode 40: How To Correctly Use Who and Whom
November 12, 2020 08:00 - 18 minutes - 26.1 MBIn 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. Fo...
Episode 39: Interested in an Engineering Degree? Types of Engineering Explained
November 05, 2020 08:00 - 23 minutes - 31.8 MBMany students say they want to be an engineer, but what kind of engineer is the question. In this episode, I explain the main types of engineering degrees and the general purpose of each type. Types of Engineering Degrees Offered at Oklahoma State Aerospace What is aerospace engineering? Aerospace engineering is the study of the science and technology of flight, and the design of air, land and sea vehicles for transportation and exploration. Biosystems What is biosystems engineering? The stu...
Episode 38: Best in Class: What Some Schools Do That All Schools Should Do
October 29, 2020 07:00 - 20 minutes - 28.7 MBWhen 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."
Episode 37: Your Test Day Checklist - What You Must Bring to the ACT
October 22, 2020 07:00 - 22 minutes - 31.2 MBAre you making sure you have everything you need for the morning of the ACT? This episode provides a checklist to make sure you are ready to walk out the door with everything you need to take the ACT.
Episode 36: Does Eating Certain Foods Help Raise ACT Scores?
October 15, 2020 07:00 - 16 minutes - 22.6 MBDoes what you eat the morning of the ACT help you raise your score? If so, what should those foods be?
Episode 35: 6 Things to Consider When Choosing Where to Take Your ACT
October 08, 2020 07:00 - 22 minutes - 31.3 MBStudents often pick their testing locations strickly on location, but there are 6 key factors you should consider to find the best test center for you.
Episode 34: How to Correctly Use Indefinite Pronouns and Raise English ACT Scores
October 01, 2020 07:00 - 22 minutes - 31.5 MBOften, 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 U...
Episode 33: How To Effectively Practice for the ACT
September 24, 2020 07:00 - 27 minutes - 37.3 MBA lot of students want to practice for the ACT, but effectively practicing for the ACT is much different than what most students are doing. In this episode, I'll teach you how to be purposeful and intentional with your ACT practice. Following these simple steps, your practice will be so effective, you'll be in prime position to see a direct result in your increased ACT score. Register now for Last Chance Prep with Chad Cargill. Just go to academy.chadcargill.com (academy.chadcargill.com), a...
Episode 32: Even More Misconceptions About the ACT and How to Avoid Them Part 3
September 17, 2020 07:00 - 32 minutes - 44.2 MBThis week we conclude our three-part series on misconceptions about the ACT. Often, I hear people telling students what they should do to raise their ACT scores. Sometimes it's valid, but far too many times, it's not accurate. In this episode, I clear even more misconceptions about the ACT.
Episode 31: More Misconceptions About the ACT and How to Avoid Them Part 2
September 10, 2020 07:00 - 27 minutes - 38 MBOften, I hear people telling students what they should do to raise their ACT scores. Sometimes it's valid, but far too many times, it's not accurate. In this episode, I clear many more misconceptions about the ACT.
Episode 30: Common Misconceptions About the ACT and How to Avoid Them
September 03, 2020 07:00 - 25 minutes - 35.4 MBOften, I hear people telling students what they should do to raise their ACT scores. Sometimes it's valid, but far too many times, it's not accurate. In this episode I debunk many misconceptions about the ACT.
Episode 29: What Tech Centers Offer and Why Every HS Student Should Consider Them with NW Tech's Karen Koehn
August 27, 2020 07:00 - 47 minutes - 65.4 MBTech centers could be called "The Artist Formally Known as Vo-Tech." The programs, facilities, and awaiting jobs make tech centers a great option for many students. Karen Koehn of NW Technology Center in Alva, OK joins the podcast to discuss what tech centers offer and why every student should consider them. https://www.okcareertech.org (https://www.okcareertech.org) I’d love to connect with you and keep you posted on upcoming episodes and resources. For a free downloadable pdf What Scholar...
Episode 28: What Top HS College and Career Counselors Say to Mentor Students and Parents
August 20, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 97.9 MBJoin Tulsa Union HS College and Career counselors Chanda Gibson and Emily Ashley as they share a wealth of knowlege to help you navigate scholarships, careers, and ACTs. This episode is loaded with information for students, parents, and fellow counselors. Resource links from this episode: occf.org tulsacf.org cfok.org scholarships.chadcargill.com College Point Advising https://www.collegepoint.info College Essay Guy - Ethan Sawyer https://www.collegeessayguy.com Books mentioned on the show: ...
Episode 27: 8 Places Where You Can Find Mentorship for Your Test Prep and Scholarship Journey
August 13, 2020 07:00 - 31 minutes - 43.5 MBDo you wonder what to do next to raise your scores and win scholarships? Do you ever feel alone in your journey? Everyone needs mentors in life and in the pursuit of test prep, scholarships, and careers. In this episode, I’ll talk about different places to find mentorship and why mentorship is so important. HS Counselors Teachers Tech Center Counselors College Admissions and Scholarship Offices Business Leaders - Especially those involved in scholarships and community programs Fellow Parents...
Episode 26: Three Math Strategies to Increase Your Score Now
August 06, 2020 07:00 - 23 minutes - 32.6 MBDo 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 w...
Episode 25: Science: What You Must Understand About Reasoning to Beat This Section
July 30, 2020 07:00 - 19 minutes - 27.5 MBStudents say the ACT Science section is the most confusing. Once you understand the test is reasoning and not content, the section becomes much more clear. In this episode, we discuss the difference in concrete versus reasoning learners. We explore how those learners approach the questions differently. Finally, we examine some scenarios and analyze them from a literal, concrete approach versus a reasoning approach.
Episode 24: Calculators: What are the Rules This Week?
July 23, 2020 07:00 - 29 minutes - 41.1 MBACT oulines calculator rules on their site actstudent.org. The rules have changed a lot over the last two decades. Below are the links and explanations from their website as of July 15, 2020. http://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/ACT-calculator-policy.pdf https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/help.html You can call 800.498.6481 for a recorded message containing highlights from this policy. Can I use a calculator? The ACT calculator policy is desig...
Episode 23: How a Small-town Student in Rural Oklahoma Got Accepted to Stanford?
July 16, 2020 07:00 - 38 minutes - 52.5 MBJackson Cargill is currently an incoming freshman at Stanford University. Getting accepted to Stanford didn't just happen. He worked years to have this opportunity. Jackson discusses many keys to his journey in this episode. Special Guest: Jackson Cargill.
Episode 22: Should You Choose a Prestigious University or Attend a Local University?
July 09, 2020 07:00 - 45 minutes - 62.4 MBIn this episode, we are joined by one of my greatest mentors and heroes, my brother Lance Cargill. We took similar college paths early on. Then, Lance made a critical decision that shaped much of what he believes about college choice. Now, our kids have chosen similar paths to what each of us chose. Today we look at the pros and cons of choosing between moving to attend a prestigious university versus staying close to home to attend a local university. Special Guest: Lance Cargill.
Episode 21: How to Triple Your Reading Speed in a Few Easy Steps
July 02, 2020 07:00 - 29 minutes - 40.3 MBThe average adult reads about 200-250wpm. Really fast readers will be over 700wpm. President John F. Kennedy read at 1200wpm. Some prestigious universities, I’m told, even require speed reading courses prior to starting your freshman year. So how do you get to these speeds, and how at these speeds, can we comprehend what we read? Common mistakes: Don’t speak what you read Don’t do silent lip movements Don’t breath what you read -Speak: Eyes stop at every word. Only read as fast as you can...
Episode 20: High School Athletes: NCAA Eligibility, Recruiting & Your ACT
June 25, 2020 07:00 - 15 minutes - 21.1 MBSome 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 i...
Episode 19: Master These 5 Comma Rules and Raise Your ACT Score
June 18, 2020 07:00 - 18 minutes - 24.9 MBThere 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 co...
Episode 18: Summer Checklist - 12 Things to Accomplish This Summer
June 11, 2020 07:00 - 23 minutes - 33 MBEight weeks from now, many will look back and wonder what happened to the summer break. Complete even a few of the items on this summer checklist, and you'll likely have had a productive college prep summer. Start a project (See episode #14 for details). scholarships.chadcargill.com (http://scholarships.chadcargill.com) Research colleges and majors (Upcoming episodes to discuss). Tour a few college campuses both large and small, near and far. Review 4-year high school course plan (See episod...
Episode 17: CLEP Tests and Why You Should Take Them
June 04, 2020 07:00 - 18 minutes - 25.6 MB"CLEP exams help students earn college credit for what they already know, for a fraction of the cost of a college course." -College Board CLEP website $89 (Subject to change) plus small administration fee charged by test center. Most tests last 90 minutes. Key CLEP Facts: Students take CLEP exams on a computer at official CLEP test centers. CLEP exams contain multiple-choice questions. CLEP exams take about 90–120 minutes to complete, depending on the exam subject. CLEP exams are offered year...
Episode 16: Part 4 of 4: Scholarships - How to Lose in an Interview
May 28, 2020 07:00 - 25 minutes - 35.1 MBAvoid these interview mistakes: • Glance at watch • Chum up with friend on interview staff • Only look at one person when answering • Hold pencil or pen and play with it during interview • Chew gum • Lounge, slump, or recline in chair • When brought into interview room (area), interviewee just grabs a chair without being told where to sit • Elaborates on one answer too long • Starts questioning interviewer with questions like the following: -"Well, what would you do?" -"What are your thoughts...
Episode 15: Part 3 of 4: Scholarships - How to Win in the Interview
May 21, 2020 07:00 - 31 minutes - 42.8 MBInterviews are inevitable. We all have to face them. You will have interviews for scholarships, clubs, organizations, internships, and ultimately permanent jobs. You should review potential, common questions you may be asked in an interview. Consider the questions and formulate a brief answer. Write a few bullet points for each question. Before you go to an interview, review your answers as practice. You can also have a friend ask you these questions as practice. INTERVIEWING BASICS • Dress a...
Episode 14: Part 2 of 4: Scholarships - The 5 Keys to Submitting a Winning Scholarship Application
May 14, 2020 07:00 - 25 minutes - 35.6 MBShould you include all community service and leadership on your application? When listing something on a scholarship application or resume, typically you will list the organization with which you did the project, your title, and your roles and responsibilities. Your project description is where your application will be sorted as a winner or loser. Most students don't even include a description. If they do include a description, it is usally basic and doesn't give the reader the necessary in...
Episode 13: Part 1 of 4: Scholarships - Show Me the Money!
May 07, 2020 07:00 - 35 minutes - 48.2 MBTwo General Types of Scholarships: 1. Fee Waivers 2. Cash Awards Restrictions: 1. Where Used 2. How They are Used 3. When They are Used Specific Types of Scholarships: 1. Major 2. Situations Key Steps: 1. They Must Know Who You Are 2. Do Something Different Than Your Peers 3. Word It in a Way It will be Read Seperate Scholarships in Two Categories: 1. Require Writing Portion/Essay 2. No Writing Portion/Essay Sort Scholarships By: 1. Due Date 2. Priority/Likelihood of Winning/Value Then clock ...
Episode 12: Why Junior College is a Great Option with Rose State President Dr. Jeanie Webb
April 30, 2020 07:00 - 39 minutes - 54.2 MBDr. Jeanie Webb is President of Rose State College in Midwest City, Oklahoma. She is a product of the community college system. There are many benefits to attending a junioir college. Some key advantages include: Cost Size Proximity Involvement Non-traditional Students Specialty Programs and Cooperative Programs with Local Businesses Many times students don't even consider their local community college because they believe they are settling for something less, but junior college shouldn't ...