The ACT is one of the most important standardized tests for students in the United States. It plays a big role in college admissions, scholarship eligibility, and even self-confidence during the transition from high school to college. Many students feel anxious or overwhelmed when they think about the ACT. The good news is that with smart preparation and the right strategies, you can improve your score and feel confident on test day.
In this guide, you’ll find comprehensive ACT tips, including preparation strategies, section-specific guidance, time management techniques, mental health advice, study routines, motivational tips, and real-life examples from students who have succeeded.
Understanding the ACT
Before you start studying, it’s crucial to understand the ACT’s structure, timing, and scoring system. Many students make the mistake of diving into prep materials without knowing what the test requires.
The ACT consists of four mandatory sections:
English – 75 questions in 45 minutes, testing grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills.
Math – 60 questions in 60 minutes, covering algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and some statistics.
Reading – 40 questions in 35 minutes, testing comprehension, inference, and analytical skills.
Science – 40 questions in 35 minutes, requiring interpretation of graphs, charts, experiments, and scientific data.
There is also an optional Writing section, which requires writing an essay in 40 minutes. Each section is scored from 1 to 36, and your composite score is the average of the four main sections.
Understanding the format, timing, and scoring helps you plan your preparation effectively. Without this knowledge, even well-prepared students can feel anxious on test day.
Why ACT Preparation Matters
Many students underestimate the ACT because it may feel like regular school exams. However, the ACT is designed to test college readiness. It evaluates your ability to think critically, analyze information, and solve problems under time pressure.
Here’s why preparation is essential:
Familiarity with the test: Reduces surprises and stress.
Targeted improvement: Helps you focus on weaknesses instead of just reviewing content you already know.
Confidence building: Practicing under realistic conditions prepares you mentally for test day.
Think of preparation as building a muscle: the more consistently you practice, the stronger your test-taking skills will become.
ACT Tips for Success
Here are detailed strategies to help you improve your ACT score.
1. Start Early and Study Consistently
One of the best ACT tips is to start early. Ideally, begin your preparation 3–6 months before the test. Starting early gives you time to:
Learn concepts thoroughly
Take practice tests
Identify and work on weak areas
Build test-taking stamina
Example: Sarah, a high school junior, started studying six months before her ACT. She studied one hour every weekday and two hours on weekends. By the time she took her first practice test, she noticed a significant improvement in her pacing and confidence.
Consistency is more effective than cramming. Studying short, focused sessions daily is better than long, infrequent study marathons.
2. Take Realistic Practice Tests
Practice tests are one of the most important tools for ACT preparation. They help you:
Understand the test format
Identify areas for improvement
Improve pacing and time management
Treat each practice test as if it’s the real exam. Set a timer, use only allowed materials, and avoid distractions. After the test, carefully review mistakes to understand why you got a question wrong.
Example: John, a student aiming for a top-tier university, took a full-length ACT practice test every two weeks. Each time, he tracked his mistakes in a notebook. Over three months, he reduced careless errors in the English section by 40%.
3. Focus on Weak Areas
Many students make the mistake of only practicing what they’re good at. The real improvement comes from focusing on weak areas.
Math struggles? Dedicate extra time to algebra, geometry, or trigonometry.
Reading challenges? Practice inference questions and main idea identification.
Science difficulties? Focus on graph interpretation and experiment analysis.
Tip: Keep a “mistake log.” Every time you make an error on practice questions, write it down. Review it weekly to see patterns and ensure you don’t repeat mistakes.
4. Develop Time Management Skills
Time management is critical. Many students know the material but run out of time. Practice pacing for each section:
English: ~36 seconds per question
Math: ~1 minute per question
Reading: ~52 seconds per question
Science: ~52 seconds per question
ACT tip: If a question takes too long, skip it and return later. Spending too much time on one question can cost you several others.
5. Use High-Quality Study Materials
Not all resources are created equal. The official ACT guide is the most reliable, as it contains real test questions. Other options include:
Kaplan or Princeton Review prep books
Online courses from reputable platforms
Educational YouTube tutorials and practice apps
Avoid outdated or random materials—they may include incorrect questions or teach strategies that won’t work on the real test.
6. Practice Strategic Guessing
Because the ACT does not penalize wrong answers, guessing is better than leaving a blank.
Eliminate obviously wrong answers first
Make an educated guess if unsure
If necessary, pick a “letter of the day” (e.g., always choose C when guessing)
This strategy can add a few points to your score, especially in multiple-choice heavy sections like Reading and Science.
7. Review Mistakes Thoroughly
After each practice session, review all mistakes. Ask:
Did I misread the question?
Was it a careless error?
Do I need to practice this type of problem more?
By understanding your mistakes, you can avoid repeating them and improve more efficiently.
8. Stay Calm and Confident
Test anxiety can lower your score. Prepare mentally by:
Practicing deep breathing before each section
Visualizing yourself answering questions correctly
Reminding yourself of your preparation
Confidence comes from preparation. The more you practice, the calmer and more focused you’ll feel on test day.
9. Take Care of Your Body
A healthy body supports a healthy mind. On test day:
Get 7–9 hours of sleep
Eat a balanced breakfast with protein and complex carbs
Stay hydrated
Bring healthy snacks if allowed
Students who ignore sleep or nutrition often experience fatigue and reduced focus.
Section-Specific ACT Tips
English Section
Focus on grammar rules, punctuation, and sentence structure
Use concise language—ACT favors clear sentences
Practice identifying and correcting redundant or awkward phrasing
Example Tip: If a sentence contains unnecessary words like “in order to,” simplify it to “to.”
Math Section
Memorize important formulas for geometry, algebra, and trigonometry
Start with easier questions to build confidence
Use process of elimination for challenging questions
Example ACT Tips for Maths: For slope calculations between two points, use (y2−y1)/(x2−x1)(y_2 – y_1)/(x_2 – x_1) instead of guessing.
Reading Section ACT Tips
Skim passages for the main idea
Highlight key points to answer questions quickly
Focus on inference and tone questions
Example Science Section ACT Tips: If asked for the author’s perspective, pay attention to tone, word choice, and the argument’s structure.
Science Section
Interpret graphs, tables, and charts carefully
Focus on trends and patterns
Avoid relying on outside knowledge
Example Tip: If a graph shows temperature vs. reaction rate, answer questions based solely on the graph rather than assumptions.
Writing Section
Plan your essay: Introduction → Body Paragraphs → Conclusion
Support your argument with evidence
Stay focused on the prompt
Proofread if time allows
Example Tip: Start with a strong thesis and organize each paragraph around one main point.
Real-Life Student Examples
Emma, a high school senior, struggled with Science. By doing graph interpretation drills daily for a month, her Science score increased from 28 to 34.
Michael, a junior, had difficulty pacing in Reading. Practicing one passage per day under timed conditions helped him finish the section on time and reduce careless mistakes.
Sofia improved her Math score by reviewing only her weak areas instead of redoing all questions, saving time and boosting efficiency.
Study Plan Example (8 Weeks)
Week 1–2: Take diagnostic test, identify weaknesses
Week 3–4: Focused practice on weak areas, start drills
Week 5–6: Full-length timed practice tests, analyze mistakes
Week 7: Practice pacing and tricky problems
Week 8: Light review, mental prep, rest, and confidence-building
Mental Health and Motivation Tips
- Read Inspirational Quotes for motivation
Take breaks during study sessions to avoid burnout
Use positive affirmations: “I am prepared for this test.”
Reward yourself after completing practice tests
Maintain balance with hobbies, sports, or relaxation
Visualize achieving your goal score to stay motivated
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cramming instead of consistent study
Ignoring weak sections
Over-relying on calculators
Skipping practice tests
Neglecting sleep and nutrition
Avoiding these mistakes ensures your preparation is both effective and sustainable.
FAQs About ACT Preparation
Q1: How many times should I take the ACT?
A: Most students take it 2–3 times to improve scores.
Q2: Should I take the optional Writing section?
A: Only if required by your target colleges.
Q3: How long should I study?
A: 3–6 months with 5–10 hours per week is ideal.
Q4: Can I improve quickly?
A: Targeted practice can help in a few weeks, but starting early is best.
Q5: Are online prep courses useful?
A: Yes, especially if they provide structured learning and realistic practice.
Official ACT Resources
ACT Test Prep (Official): Access free practice tests, study guides, and test-taking strategies directly from the makers of the ACT.
- The Princeton Review: Offers free ACT practice tests, strategy sessions, and a self-paced 2-week trial to kickstart your preparation.
Final Thoughts
The ACT is challenging, but success is possible with preparation, strategy, and focus. Start early, practice consistently, target your weaknesses, and follow these ACT tips to maximize your score. Remember: each practice test, drill, and study session is a step toward your goal. With confidence, persistence, and smart strategies, you can approach the ACT with a positive mindset and achieve the score you want.
Preparation is not just about knowledge—it’s about building confidence, stamina, and mental readiness. Follow these ACT tips, trust your efforts, and approach the exam with determination. Your college goals are within reach.
