1. Become familiar with the test structure
Being familiar with the test structure can help you manage your time more effectively during the test, so you know how much time to spend on each question. The times and materials for each test are listed below.
English: 45 minutes for 75 questions
Tests usage, mechanics, and rhetorical skills
Math: 60 minutes for 60 questions
Tests Algebra (from elementary to intermediate levels), coordinate and plane, Geometry and Trigonometry
Science: 35 minutes for 40 questions
Tests data analysis, experimental results, conflicting viewpoints
Reading: 35 minutes for 40 questions.
Contains 4 sections, with 3 of the 4 having a long passage to answer questions, and the other section has a short reading passage.
Writing (Optional): 40 minutes
Respond to a prompt by choosing one of three stances and defending it in an essay
2. Identify areas of weakness
Focusing on your areas of weakness is critical to have a good ACT score. Even if you don’t grasp the concept right away, staying consistent in studying can help you eventually be familiar with the information and increase your score.
A four-time ACT taker and ZHS student Carson Southall (10) used practice tests to identify and improve the subjects he struggled most with. This strategy aided him in getting a 29 on his ACT.
“I think the most successful thing was probably taking practice tests and then going over the answers to see what I got wrong and why I got it wrong,” said Southall.
3. Make good study habits
Set up a good study schedule in a comfortable space like a desk. A noisy coffee shop or an uncomfortable library chair might not be the best environment. Your surroundings can easily influence your productivity, so it’s important that you are comfortable and focused. It is also important to study for the right amount of time. You want to give yourself enough time to comprehend information, but you don’t want to exhaust yourself. Take 30–40-minute shifts to study.
4. Use websites and online resources to your advantage
There are many different websites that contain ACT practice tests, review games, and questions. The official ACT website has free practice tests, Quizlet.com has ACT review flashcards and practice questions, and magoosh.com has practice questions.
Dillan Thai (11) used internet resources to gather information and find practice questions, which helped him get a 28 on his latest test.
“Watching TikTok on tips for the ACT is really helpful,” said Thai, “But I also timed myself on the ACT.org website because they give practice tests for free.”
5. Buddy up!
Studying with a friend or family member can help you review for the ACT by providing another viewpoint and more knowledge. You know what they say: two heads are better than one. Doing fun review games with a friend helps keep studying fun and engaging.
6. Use popular review books at home and sign up for study sessions
ACT prep books are useful if you are looking for an affordable but still extensive method of studying. I personally use the ACT Premium Prep book for my studying, but there are tons of other books to use.
Zachary High School also offers an ACT boot camp that focuses on many aspects of the ACT and can improve your score. Many students sign up for the boot camp after school to prepare and see positive results.
Yvonne Harms (11) credits much of her success on the ACT to attending the boot camp. Because she had not finished taking Algebra II, the boot camp provided her with all the additional information that she hadn’t learned yet.
“The ACT boot camp the week prior is really helpful,” said Harms, “It was mostly math, and we just did like a bunch of math problems from Algebra II and Algebra I.”
7. Don’t Stress!
You can take the ACT up to 12 times, and colleges will only see your highest score out of all the tests you take. Even if you don’t do well the first time early in your high school career, you can improve and get a better score in the future.
There are endless resources on the internet about the ACT. Below are some links to continue to give students tips on the ACT:
How to Prepare for the ACT: Ultimate 10-Step Guide (prepscholar.com)
10 Simple + Fun ACT Prep Ideas to Keep You Focused (quadeducationgroup.com)
Peter Finney Jr. • Aug 30, 2024 at 7:39 pm
What a comprehensive strategy! Thank you, Miles!