How to Get a Good ACT Score

Getting a good ACT score can feel a little mystifying to some students. After all, with the big numbers the SAT throws around, it feels a little more clear. But when it comes to the ACT, the gaps between the numbers feel much larger; for instance, there’s no statistically significant difference between a 1585 and a 1590, but there’s an enormous gulf between a 30 and a 35. 

So what kind of score should you aim for? How do you get a good ACT score? The secret is in the prep work, and that becomes far more manageable once you understand how the exam works and what your personal goals look like. With steady practice and a clear plan, you can build confidence and work toward a score that supports your future plans.

What Is A Good ACT Score? 

A good ACT score is different for everyone. Some students might be thrilled with a 30 because it lets them get into the school they want. Other students won’t be satisfied with anything under 34.  For you, the definition of a good score should match the opportunities you want to pursue rather than someone else’s expectations. Once you identify the ranges that matter for your plans, you can approach prep with a clearer sense of direction.

It helps to see your ACT score as one part of your overall application strategy. Instead of comparing yourself to classmates, use data from your prospective colleges as guideposts. This steadies your mindset and keeps your prep focused instead of stressful.

Plan Your Prep

I’ve been in the test prep world for a while now, and I’ve seen it all. From huge merit scholarship wins to helping students get into their dream schools, I know the power of standardized testing– and I know the power of good preparation. You’re not alone, and at Prep Expert®, we’re here to help you on your journey. Step one? Plan the prep. Sit down and think about where you and where you want to go; don’t just dive in!

First, take a full practice exam to establish a baseline score. Only after you have the baseline should you set any score goals. Setting goals is something that lots of students think they understand, but many actually struggle with. This is because many students set a big end goal but don’t think enough about how to get there. “I want a 36” is a big goal that doesn’t come with a path forward. “I want to increase my math section score to bring up my overall score” is much clearer.

A good way to set your goals is by using the SMART framework. Each letter of SMART stands for a feature your goal should have: 

• Specific: The goal clearly states what you want to do and why.
• Measurable: You can track your progress with numbers or milestones.
• Achievable: The goal is realistic for your timeline and current skill level. (This is especially important for ACT score improvement; consider when your test date is and how much time you have!)
• Relevant: Your goal supports a larger objective, like improving your ACT score for college admission or scholarships.
• Time-Bound: The goal has a deadline or endpoint.

SMART goals turn vague desires into practical steps and helps you break down the end goal into a series of smaller, manageable steps. 

After establishing your baseline, outline goals that fit your timeline. With clear, specific targets, you can track progress and stay motivated. It’s also important to have a consistent schedule, and to start early enough. The data is out there: cramming doesn’t work. Spacing out your study is more effective, and it helps prevent fatigue. Some successful students study a little every day, while others find it’s more effective to use longer sessions once or twice a week. What matters most is choosing a routine you can maintain. 

Know Your Learning Style

ACT prep is different from traditional schoolwork, so it helps to choose a method that fits your learning habits. Some students prefer self-prep because it gives them flexibility. They enjoy working through books and online materials on their own timeline.

Self-prep can work, but it has limits. Without guidance, it can be difficult to recognize subtle patterns in your mistakes. You might review content you already understand while overlooking the skills that would help you gain points faster. But taking classes offers structure and steady progression. Some students thrive in group classes, while others do better with one-on-one private tutoring. Whether or not you’re in a group, working with an instructor gives you access to someone who can watch how you approach problems, identify habits that hold you back, and help you adjust quickly. 

An outside perspective often reveals patterns you didn’t know were there, and you need to analyze your mistakes to improve your ACT score. Your practice exam answers give you more than a score; they show how you think.  Every wrong answer is useful because it highlights a skill that needs attention. Your wrong answers are clues to your next step forward. 

Read As Much As Possible

Reading widely helps across the ACT. The English and Reading sections reward familiarity with different writing styles. Exposure to varied prose sharpens your ability to understand tone, structure, and ideas. Regular reading also strengthens your ability to recognize structure quickly, which is valuable across the exam. Many ACT passages follow familiar patterns, and students who read often can anticipate how ideas develop in a text. Even ten minutes of daily reading can sharpen these skills over time. 

Reading is especially helpful if you plan to write the optional essay. ACT essays require an argumentative approach. Students who read op-eds, articles, and essays throughout their prep naturally develop a sense of how arguments are built. This helps you craft a thesis, choose evidence, and organize your writing under time pressure.

Think Like A Test Maker

The ACT follows published standards, and the skills assessed in each section are available to every student. The essay rubric is public as well. Reviewing these materials helps you understand what the exam values and can help you identify what exactly you need to work on– and how to get there. The standards aren’t a set of questions; rather, they’re an explanation of the mastery and comfort you need with each particular section to achieve the score you want.

ACT Standards

ACT Section	Topic Overview	Full Standards/Rubric
English	Grammar, punctuation, organization, clarity	ACT English Standards
Math	Algebra, geometry, statistics, problem-solving	ACT Math Standards
Reading	Comprehension, reasoning, interpretation	ACT Reading Standards
Science	Data analysis, experimental design, scientific reasoning	ACT Science Standards
Writing/Essay	Argumentation, vocabulary use, written expression	ACT Essay Rubric

Know the Format

Students can choose either the paper or digital version of the ACT, and practicing in your chosen format matters. You should also practice in an environment similar to a testing center. If you usually study with music, begin practicing without it so the silence on test day feels familiar. And make sure you actually know how to use the calculator you plan to bring… and that you’re allowed to use it! 

Setting Yourself Up for Success

Studying for the ACT does not have to be frustrating! When you approach it strategically and make smart, steady moves, you can build the skills that matter. If you’re ready to earn a high score and approach the ACT fearlessly, Prep Expert® can help. Browse our ACT course catalog today to find the best option for your test date!