More than a million high school students take the ACT each year. Your score can shape college admissions, scholarships, and your academic future. This guide is built from real-world experience, packed with practical tips to help you perform at your best.

We’ll walk through every stage of the ACT journey:

• The Preliminaries: how to get oriented and when to sign up
• The Prep: how to train your brain and build test-day confidence
• The Process: what to do before you arrive at the test center
• The Pace: how to approach each section efficiently during the test

Whether you're a student aiming for a solid score or a parent helping to smooth the path, this guide will help you approach the ACT with strategy, not stress.

ACT Preliminaries

1. Choose the ACT instead of the SAT

Choose the ACT over the SAT for the following reasons:

• You can practice using real test conditions.
  • ACT has a paper test available. This means faster problem solving in math and science, and easier markup in English and Reading.
  • A calculator allowed on all Math problems. Use any app, program, or shortcut you like.
• You can optimize your score more easily 
  • There are 3 separate sections for superscoring — English, Math, and Reading. 
  • You can retake and improve your weakest areas individually.
• The questions are more consistent.
  • ACT uses a non-adaptive format. Each ACT section is of similar difficulty level across all tests; the SAT can increase difficulty based on your answers in the first section.
• The questions are straightforward, and not designed to trick you.
  • Math
    • ACT Math problems are clear and unambiguous. There are 45 problems to complete in 50 minutes. You can learn the problem types to expect, and then move through the Math section quickly.
    • All Math questions are multiple choice. There are no "grid-ins" like on the SAT, which require exact numeric answers.
  • English
    • The English section is quite achievable, since it's mostly based on grammar and punctuation rules. We offer several suggestions below.
  • Reading 
    • This section is fact-based: answers are typically found directly in the passage.
    • Reading avoids dense historical texts. Passages are more straightforward, more accessible, and free from obscure words.
  • Science
    • This optional section is available for students considering STEM majors. 
    • Key to understand: it's mostly based on reading and chart analysis, not actual science facts.

2. Take the ACT early and often, starting in your Junior year

There are only 7 ACT dates during the year: in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July. Start with the September test at the beginning of your 11th grade year. If you get the score you want, you can stop taking the ACT. If you don't get the score you want, you have learned a lot:

• What it feels like to take the test in the testing environment.
• The pace you need to finish all the problems.
• The types of problems you will see.
• What you need to work on to maximize your score. This could include Math topics that you are learning during your Junior year, and that you need to pay close attention to.

If you start taking the ACT later in your Junior year, you delay learning this valuable information. Also, if you start late and then realize that you are getting better at taking the ACT, you can run out of time to take more tests.

3. Register early. Some testing locations can sell out

The July test, for example, is the last test of the summer and can sell out due to its popularity. Pro Tip: If your testing center is sold out, try adding the optional Writing section, even if you don't want to take the Writing test. This will cost a little extra, but each location reserves extra spots for students taking the Writing test. Then when you arrive on test day, you can tell the proctor that you are opting out of Writing. This will not affect your other scores, and writing will not appear on your test results.

4. Choose a college over a high school for your test location, if possible

The reason for this is the classroom layout and type of desk you use for the test. The worst is a small writing surface attached to a single chair. The best is a lecture hall with long rows of tables or wrap-around horseshoe-style desks that give you plenty of room to spread out your materials, keep your calculator handy, and work comfortably without bumping elbows or juggling your answer sheet in your lap.

5. Skip ACT Writing, unless required by your college

The only notable college to require ACT Writing is the United States Military Academy (West Point). You should probably take the Science test if you're planning to major in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM). But double-check with the colleges you're applying to.

6. Order the Test Information Release (TIR), if available

If available for your test, order the TIR, the Test Information Release. This costs extra, but it's worth it. It's a copy of all the ACT questions on the test you took plus your answers, plus the correct answers. This can be a valuable study tool. The option to buy the TIR is only available for a couple tests per year.

7. Register for the paper test, not the online one

Here are some reasons to take the paper ACT instead of the online ACT. 

Paper offers better visual navigation

• Side-to-side scanning is faster than scrolling up and down on a screen.
• Flipping pages is quicker than switching tabs or sections digitally.

Paper offers saves time since you can write directly on the test

• Cross out wrong answers, Circle details or words, Underline topic sentences or clues.
• Cross out non-essential phrases in English, to check for comma usage
• Circle the "insert here" letters in Reading, since those will be referred to later
• Mark up charts and diagrams in Science.
• Work with math visuals, such as triangles, without re-drawing

Paper allows quicker passage referencing

• Look back over a passage (in Reading, English, or Science) more easily since you can see the whole thing at once without scrolling or clicking.

Paper allows better pacing strategy

• You can bubble in guesses quickly if time runs out.
• You can jump ahead to find easier problems if you’re stuck, which is harder in the digital format.
• Previewing the whole section at a glance is easier on paper, especially for pacing and identifying easy questions.

Paper provides test-day practicality

• Your calculator is already on the desk, ready to go—no need to switch between digital tools.
• No risk of tech issues like lag, misclicks, or login problems.

8. Scope out the venue in advance

Visit the testing location the week before the test. This will allow you to remain calm on test day, since you know exactly where to go and how to get there. Know alternate routes in case traffic is bad. Know where to park. Know if there is a cost to park. Know the exact building. Know the entrance to use.

ACT Prep

Start with easy and free (or low-cost) resources. This will give you a solid understanding about what's on the test, and what you need to practice. Then if you need more help with a particular topic, then you can find more resources related to that topic.

1. Know the math prerequisites: Algebra 2, Geometry, and Trigonometry.

If you haven’t taken all of these topics by the time you take the ACT, you’ll need to learn these subjects independently. But there's some really good news: ACT Math does not have complex problems related to these topics. You just need a really solid understanding of the basics. Even for advanced topics like vectors, matrices, or function transformations, ACT Math typically expects only basic familiarity. If you'd like a thorough review of all topics on the ACT Math, you can take this course from Aleks: 

Mastery of ACT Math, https://www.aleks.com/about_aleks/course_products

This is a long course, though. If you are missing some math knowledge, you can just focus on the topics you don't know.

2. Learn to use your calculator to save time and increase accuracy.

The ACT allows full calculator use — even on basic arithmetic. You can use programs, apps, and shortcuts to solve problems more efficiently. There are just 45 Math questions, and only 41 of them count. Mastering one or two problem types could boost your score by several points. One resource we're developing is a course at Calculator Academy (www.calculatoracademy) to provide specific calculator strategies and programs for every ACT Math subject. The emphasis is on completing problems quickly and accurately, so you can have more time for the challenging problems and still finish on time.

3. Develop a study routine. 

Don't just study for the ACT "when you feel like it," since that time may never arrive. Instead, schedule some time each week for a study session. This can be reviewing topics, or taking an online course, or taking practice tests.

4. Create a study group of you plus 1 to 3 other people. 

This can provide accountability and make it more fun. Schedule a regular time to meet. Work through sample tests at the same time, individually. Then compare answers and help everyone understand what they missed.. 

5. Use the sprint technique.

Do one section or passage at a time, then check your answers. Time yourself on each section. If you're working in a group, wait until everyone is finished and then check your answers together, with a quick review of any question that anyone missed.

6. Use a practice log and write down every mistake.

For each practice section, track the date, subject (English, Math, Reading, Science), number of questions missed, and most importantly, the reason you missed them. Don’t just write “careless mistake.” Write something specific that would help you avoid the same error later. This becomes your personal study guide over time.

Here's a sample format. 

Or download the printable PDF

7. Understand which sections are "low hanging fruit." 

If you have limited time to study for the ACT, make sure you prioritize the test sections where you can pick up the most points for the least time spent studying or practicing.

a. English – Easiest to improve

• Memorize punctuation rules, especially commas, dashes, and semicolons.
• Learn grammar rules: subject-verb agreement, pronoun clarity, modifier placement, and pronoun-antecedent agreement.
• Master common transition types, including contrast, addition, and cause/effect.
• Recognize repeated question types. Most ACT English questions follow predictable patterns.
• Use the process of elimination. The shortest grammatically correct option is often best.
• Mark contrast or logic words like however, but, although, yet, not.
• Watch for redundancy. Eliminate repeated or unnecessary ideas.
• Favor clarity and conciseness. Don’t overthink “style” if a simple option works.

b. Science – Easy to improve (Even Without Science Knowledge)

• Skip intro paragraphs and go straight to the questions — except on the Contrasting Viewpoints passage.
• Label each viewpoint briefly during the "Contrasting Viewpoints" passage. This type of passage, which appears on all ACT Science tests, briefly describes an experiment or observation. For example, this could be how light, water, and nutrients affect a certain organism. But the catch is that you are given three or four different explanations for the observations, each from a different person's viewpoint. These explanations are labelled on the ACT as Student 1, Student 2, and Student 3 or Scientist 1, Scientist 2, and Scientist 3. As you read each person's explanation, you will find the same topics recurring. Continuing the light/water/nutrients example from above, each person will offer an opinion about how those items affect what was observed. You can highlight each person’s stance on each topic. For example, in the margin next to Scientist 1, you could mark "Light = H" or "Light = 🠝" if that person thinks light has a large effect on the experiment outcome and "Water = M" or "Water = 〰"  if the amount of water has a medium effect on the outcome. Or you could make a quick table like this:

The questions for the "Contrasting Viewpoints" passage focus on which person said what. 

• Match keywords in the question with labels on graphs, charts, or tables.
• Read axis labels carefully to understand what a graph is showing.
• Ignore scientific jargon unless it’s directly referenced in a question.
• Keep moving — most answers are found directly in visuals, not text.
• Learn the passage format so you can predict question types and manage time.

c. Math – Moderately easy to improve

• Learn core math concepts from Algebra I through basic trigonometry. But learn which topics are covered on the ACT, since the ACT does not get very far into trigonometry: it stops after a few basic concepts.
• Memorize key formulas — area, slope, distance, SOHCAHTOA, special triangles.
• Know how to solve linear, quadratic, and exponential equations.
• Use plug-and-chug if you can't solve for the answer directly or if solving algebraically is messy. Plug in numbers when variables are used in answer choices.
• Identify easy-win topics — linear equations, proportions, exponent rules.
• Mark diagrams or redraw them to visualize relationships.
• Skip and return to hard questions if no clear method appears in 20 seconds. Don’t get stuck on time-wasters. To finish Math on time, you need to average 67 seconds per question.

d. Reading – Moderately easy to improve

• Know that the reading passages appear in this order on every test: 
  • Prose Fiction/Literary Narrative. This can include two different passages to compare.
  • Social Science, including trends and economics
  • Humanities, including music and art
  • Natural Science
• Read the blurb (author/source) that appears at the beginning of the passage. This can give you some context clues based on the title of the source document. Each passage on the ACT does not have a title, so the blurb can provide an introduction. For example, you could see something like this:

This passage is adapted from the novel The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. In this excerpt, the narrator, Daniel Sempere, recounts a childhood memory of visiting the Cemetery of Forgotten Books in Barcelona.

This gives you some context. But don't rely on that clue too much; it's just a small head start.

• Read the passage straight through, but don’t skim too aggressively. Some prep experts suggest skimming the passage quickly and not reading every detail. But we don't like that approach. We found it's better just to read the passage straight through.
• Answer "main idea" questions by revisiting the introduction and conclusion.
• Scan for "line X most nearly means" and tone questions by locating keywords.
• Reread 2–3 lines above and below for vocabulary-in-context questions.
  • This type of question can appear as "The word ____ in line 23 most nearly means:"
  • Every 5th line is numbered in the Reading section. So you need to look back at line 23 to answer the question.
• Eliminate extreme or emotionally charged answer choices.
• Save fiction/literature passages for last if they’re harder for you personally.
• Practice timing each passage. You should aim for a maximum of 8 to 9 minutes per passage.

8. Use online resources wisely. 

There are a lot of websites and services competing for your attention. Some are inexpensive and really good. Some are expensive and not that great. Here are some that we have tried and like:

• Calculator Academy. How to improve your Math score using your calculator. https://www.calculatoracademy.com/
• Magoosh. Good overview of all sections. Reasonable price for one year of access. https://act.magoosh.com/
• MathChops. Useful for drills and sample problems. https://www.mathchops.com/
• GrammarChops. Sister site to MathChops, but focusing on English. https://www.grammarchops.com/

9. Find the best books and printed resources. 

Look carefully at ratings and read reviews. Just because a book is thick and expensive does not make it good. Don't think you need to finish a book cover-to-cover. You may only need it for a couple chapters to review or cover your weak spots. Don't waste time on subjects that you have already mastered. Below are some suggestions.

a. ACT Official Guide

https://www.amazon.com/Official-ACT-Prep-Guide-2025/dp/1394335881

Recommended, if only for the practice tests. There are also individual subject guides for English, Math, Reading, and Science. But wait to buy those until you see if you need them.

b. The Complete Guide to ACT English

https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-ACT-English-Fourth/dp/1733589546

Recommended. Solid overview of grammar and punctuation rules, plus plenty of practice problems. You can use this selectively, based on the types of English problems that you miss. 

https://www.amazon.com/Barrons-ACT-36-Online-Tests/dp/1438011113

Not recommended. This was a bit disorganized.

d. ACT Prep Black Book: The Most Effective ACT Strategies Ever Published

https://www.amazon.com/ACT-Prep-Black-Book-Strategies/dp/0692027912

Not recommended. This book offers alternate explanations for the sample tests in the Official Guide. But the Official Guide offers explanations that are good enough, so just use the Official Guide instead.

10. Use AI. 

You can feed any problem into AI and get an explanation of how to solve it.

11. Use a tutor for guidance only if needed. 

This is likely the most expensive option, but with the most personalized attention. Online tutors will likely be more cost effective than in-person. You can find online tutors on many websites, including Fiverr.com.

Maximize the tutor's effectiveness by showing up with a list of specific questions and concepts, rather than just saying "teach me the ACT." Take some practice tests before you ask a tutor for help. One idea to maximize the value of a tutor is to take your practice log and review the topics that you missed.

ACT Process on Test Day

1. Set a backup alarm for the morning of test day.
2. Eat a good breakfast. Avoid sugary foods so you don't crash in the middle of the test.
3. Print a packing list and pack the night before. 

What to wear:

__ analog watch

__ comfortable clothes

__ sleeves or hoodie (in case the air conditioning is too cold)

What to take:

__ printed ID ticket

__ gallon ziplock with the following

__ TI-84 Plus CE with charged battery

__ pencil sharpener

__ package of #2 pencils, sharpened with good erasers

__ cough drop (optional)

__ snack (not messy)

__ water bottle (optional)

4. Arrive 15 minutes early. Don’t let traffic or car trouble make you late or cause you to miss the test.
5. Use an analog watch. Place your watch flat on the desk next to you. Before each test section begins, move the minute hand so that it will end on the 12 at the end of the test. For example, before the English test, move the minute hand to 5 (since you have 35 minutes for this test) and pull out the watch's stem to stop the watch. Then when the proctor says "begin," press the stem back in to start the watch. Now you can glance at your watch and get a visual indicator of how much time is left.
6. Monitor your beverage intake before the test. The first part of the ACT includes check-in, instructions from the proctor, filling in your personal data, taking the English test, and taking the Math test. That’s a long stretch if you need a restroom break.

ACT Pace During the Test

Know the sequence of the subjects, what to expect, and how to apply what you've learned.

1. English is first. What's nice about this section is that you can read the passage and answer the questions as you go. 

• When you see letters or numbers appear in the text, mark these with a triangle since they will be mentioned in a question and you will need to refer back to these locations.
• When you see "not" or "least" in a question, underline it so that you remember to look for an opposite.

2. Math is second. 

• Keep a quick pace. If a problem is too difficult, mark it with a triangle in the test booklet at move on. Be sure to skip that item on your bubble sheet. 
• Don't slow down if you find some problems can be completed in under 15 seconds. You will need that banked time for later problems.

After Math, you get a break. Eat your snack. Use the restroom. Walk around a bit. 

3. Reading is third. 

• Read quickly, but carefully. 
• Be ready to identify paragraphs and lines by number.

4. Science is last. 

• Skip straight to the questions without reading the passage. 
  • Exception: One Science section, Contrasting Viewpoints, will compare the explanations from three or four Students or Scientists. You need to read this section starting at the beginning.
• Refer back to a chart or graph that is specified in the questions. For example, if the question is "In Figure 2, what is the maximum pressure achieved from Experiment 3 at 90 seconds?"  To answer this, you would find Figure 2, then find 90 seconds on the Y-axis, then draw a line up to the Experiment 2 line on the graph, then draw a line toward the X-axis, then read the X-axis labels to determine the value. Then see which answer is closest to the value. Then bubble in that answer. With practice, you can do this in under 15 seconds. 
• Track your time. Your average time per Science question needs to be 60 seconds, but you will need to "bank" some time with easier questions, so you can spend more time on the complex questions.

After the ACT

You made it! Take a breather and have some lunch. Wait patiently for the results to arrive, and gear up for the next test if you're aiming for a higher score.