ACT Prep

Test-taking tips that helped me during the ACT

What I have noticed during testing, whether it be SATs or AP Exams, is that students don't really have trouble with the information at hand, but rather the material itself. This is why I recommend the following tips for getting the score that you want during exam season.

1. Answer Every Question

No Penalty for Wrong Answers: Unlike some other standardized tests, the ACT doesn’t penalize you for incorrect answers. So, never leave a question blank; always fill in an answer, even if you’re unsure.

Guess Strategically: If you have to guess, try to narrow down the choices. Even eliminating one or two options can significantly improve your odds. If time is tight, consider sticking with one letter for all guesses (like “B” or “C”) on unanswered questions to boost your chance of scoring points randomly.

2. Practice with Timed Tests

Build Your Pacing Skills: The ACT is very time-constrained, so taking timed practice tests will help you get used to the pressure and develop a rhythm for each section. Time management can be as important as knowing the material itself.

Simulate Test Conditions: Practice as if it’s test day: no interruptions, timed sections, and ideally in a quiet place. This makes your practice more realistic and helps you get used to the structure of the test.

Analyze Your Time Use: After each practice, evaluate which sections took longer and where you ran out of time. This will help you know where to push for speed and where you can take your time.

3. Use the Process of Elimination (POE)

Eliminate Obvious Wrong Answers: Sometimes, certain options stand out as incorrect or out of scope. Cross out choices you know are wrong to increase your chances of selecting the right answer.

Guessing Becomes Easier: Once you narrow it down to two or three options, guessing is statistically better. This approach is especially useful in Reading and Science sections, where the choices can be tricky.

Stay Alert for Traps: The ACT often includes answers that seem correct at first glance but are designed to mislead. Check for subtle wording changes or closely related facts that could make a difference in the answer.

4. Review and Understand Your Mistakes

Track Patterns in Errors: Keep a log of common errors. Are you missing specific grammar rules in English, or do certain math concepts throw you off? Recognizing patterns helps you target weak areas for improvement.

Understand the Explanation: For each question you get wrong, review not just the right answer but why you missed it. This can involve reading answer explanations or going over foundational concepts, especially if you’re struggling with specific content areas.

Re-solve Incorrect Problems: Especially for math, redoing missed problems without looking at the answer helps reinforce learning and ensures you fully understand the solution process.

5. Stay Calm and Don’t Fixate on Any One Question

Watch the Clock: Each question is worth the same amount, so try not to get stuck on a difficult one for too long. Move on if it’s taking more than 30–60 seconds, then come back if you have time left at the end of the section.

Use Your Watch Wisely: If allowed, wear a simple, non-smart watch to keep track of time during each section. Set clear checkpoints (e.g., halfway through a section) to gauge if you’re on pace.

Practice Mindfulness: Developing a calming routine can help. If you start feeling anxious, take a few deep breaths and refocus. Remember, one challenging question doesn’t define your whole score.

6. Develop Strong Test-Day Habits

Get a Good Night’s Sleep: Avoid cramming the night before. Sleep is essential for focus and quick thinking, so aim for a restful night leading up to the test.

Eat a Balanced Breakfast: Go for a breakfast that combines protein and complex carbs to maintain energy and focus. Avoid too much sugar, which can lead to an energy crash.

Bring Snacks and Water: The ACT is a long test, so bring a snack and water for breaks to keep your energy up. Avoid anything too heavy or sugar-laden, as you don’t want to feel sluggish or jittery.

7. Practice Process-of-Elimination and Shortcut Strategies

Use Substitution in Math: For some math questions, plugging in your own numbers for variables or trying the answer choices can be faster than solving traditionally.

Skim for Keywords in Reading and Science: Focus on keywords and phrases in questions that match up with parts of the passage, which helps you quickly locate relevant information without reading the whole passage in detail.

Know When to Move On: If you’re truly stuck, don’t lose confidence. Mark it, move on, and remember that there are many other questions you’ll get right. Often, coming back later with a fresh perspective can make tricky questions easier.

Develop Reading Techniques:

Learning to read faster is crucial for English sections of exams, especially timed ones. The best methods to use to shave off the time you take when over viewing passages is to skim through it as fast as you can and jot down everything that you grasped from it (main ideas, names, dates, certain words, etc.). This way you can have main ideas to reference for each question without having to read the text over and over again. If new information needs to be found, just read the passage but skip the parts you have already written down in your notes.