5 Best ACT Tips and Tricks to Achieve Your Desired Score
After years of helping students get into their dream schools, we’ve learned that a smart test taker is a strategic test taker. Here’s the lowdown: The ACT assesses college readiness and helps colleges compare applicants. Scored out of 36 (with subscores for English, Math, Reading, and Science), a good ACT score can significantly impact your college options and even scholarship opportunities. To maximize your chances, we recommend preparing several months in advance by reviewing ACT content, taking practice tests, and pinpointing your weak areas.
However, the ACT is different from your typical school exams, so it needs a different approach and not just cramming formulas. We’ve compiled these simple, ACT-specific strategies based on our proven methods—the same ones that have consistently boosted students’ scores. Following these tips is one of the most effective ways to ace the ACT.
Now, read our expert-tested ACT tips and tricks to boost your score and ace the ACT!
5 Simple ACT Tips and Strategies to Maximize Your Score
Get ready to improve your ACT score with 5 easy strategies. Learn how to manage time and study smarter for better results on test day.
1. Gather reliable study materials
Start by gathering reliable and accurate study materials that closely mimic the actual ACT, such as The Official ACT Prep Guide or free resources on the ACT website. These resources typically include practice tests and review guides to help you solidify concepts.
But don’t forget the human touch! Teachers, ACT tutors, and even peers can be invaluable for clarifying concepts and learning new strategies. Consider enrolling in an online ACT prep class for additional support.
2. Work on time management skills
To excel on the ACT, you need to be as comfortable with the time constraints as you are with the content. Taking timed practice tests is crucial, as test-day pressure can significantly impact your score. This will help you understand how much time you can realistically dedicate to each question, considering that different sections vary in allotted time per question.
For instance, while the English section allows 36 seconds per question for you, you’ll enjoy a minute per question in Math. Understanding these differences and practicing accordingly will prepare you to take the ACT with optimal time management.
| Section | Time Limit | Number of Questions | Time per Question |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 45 minutes | 75 | 36 seconds |
| Math | 60 minutes | 60 | 60 seconds |
| Reading | 35 minutes | 40 | 53 seconds |
| Science | 35 minutes | 40 | 53 seconds |
3. Answer the known questions first
Prioritize questions you confidently understand, even if it means temporarily skipping others. This focused approach gives you more time to solve trickier ones later. Here’s some advice for you: Play to your strengths! Prioritize passages or questions that suit you best. Time invested in areas of strength yields more points than struggling with weaknesses.
Don’t forget to leave time to revisit skipped or missed questions. Even if you’re unsure, guess to avoid leaving blanks. Multiple-choice tests offer a benefit: the correct answer is always present on the page. Employ the logic of elimination: Identify the clear wrong answers, and the right one might stand out more easily.
4. Memorize common Math formulas
While some ACT Math questions can be solved through reasoning and logic, memorizing key formulas plays a crucial role in solving roughly 40% of the section. Don’t rely solely on your high school curriculum, as some crucial formulas, particularly in geometry and trigonometry, might not have been explicitly covered. Take the initiative to research and actively memorize these formulas; they’ll become your tools to solve a significant portion of the math section.
5. Maximize your reading efficiency
If you can decrease the time it takes you to read questions and understand passages, you can spend more time contemplating the answers. Experts suggest practicing techniques that increase your reading speed. If you find yourself struggling to read through long passages or running short on time, you may want to research how speed reading can help or work with a tutor.
Other techniques include skimming, taking advantage of your peripheral vision, and focusing on important words. It is also advised that you underline, circle, or draw arrows around (or mentally review) important concepts, main ideas, or supporting details.
Read More – ACT Exam Duration: How Long is The ACT?
From the Desk of Yocket
When it comes to ACT prep, tips and tricks can be tempting. These tips and tricks can offer valuable insights. Learning efficient test-taking strategies like time management or question elimination can genuinely improve your approach. Similarly, understanding common question patterns or identifying recurring keywords can help you solve the test with more confidence. These strategies, when used ethically and thoughtfully, can become valuable tools in your preparation arsenal.
However, overdependence on tricks can even backfire. What works for one question might not translate to another, and relying on shortcuts can hinder your ability to develop genuine understanding and critical thinking skills. Instead of chasing quick fixes, focus on building a deep and nuanced understanding of the test content. This means delving into the concepts, practicing problem types, and honing your analytical skills. It’s a slower, more challenging path, but Yocket is here to support you along the way, as it ultimately leads to success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I study for the ACT?
The amount of time you need to study will vary depending on your starting score and goals. However, most experts recommend studying for at least 10–20 hours per week.
What are the best ACT prep resources?
Official ACT resources like The Official ACT Prep Guide and ACT practice tests are excellent. Other popular options include Kaplan, Princeton Review, and Khan Academy.
When should I start preparing for the ACT?
The earlier, the better! Ideally, start 2-3 months before your target ACT test date.