Preparing for the ACT: Effective Prep Strategies

Preparing for the ACT can seem overwhelming, but with the right strategies, you can feel confident on test day. The ACT, an important part of many college admissions, measures skills across multiple areas. In addition to baseline academic knowledge, the ACT tests your ability to reason logically and solve problems– which means it requires a strong strategy, not just knowledge. Today, let’s talk about how you can improve your ACT scores by improving your test-taking ability.

Start With A Plan

Establishing a solid plan is the foundation for effective ACT preparation. The first step is to set a target score. This target should be based on the average ACT scores of the colleges you plan to apply to. Having a clear goal gives your study plan direction and helps you measure your progress. 

Once you have your target in mind, it’s time to take a diagnostic test. A full-length, timed practice test simulates real exam conditions and helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses. This allows you to create a targeted study plan that addresses the areas needing the most improvement.

To take your preparation to the next level, consider enrolling in a prep course. Prep courses offer structured guidance, practice materials, and expert advice that can provide a comprehensive overview of the ACT. These courses often include timed practice tests, interactive sessions, and personalized feedback, all of which can boost your confidence and test-taking skills.

A prep course can be particularly beneficial if you find it challenging to stick to a self-study plan or need additional resources to strengthen your weak areas. Combining a prep course with independent study sessions helps solidify your knowledge and prepares you for the variety of questions you’ll encounter on the ACT.

Creating a Study Schedule

Consistency plays a significant role in ACT preparation. Creating a study schedule that spans weeks or months before the exam helps divide study time effectively. Dedicating specific days to each subject and building in breaks can prevent burnout and help maintain focus. Emphasizing core content is essential, as the ACT tests specific academic skills that can be honed with practice. 

For the English section, reviewing grammar, punctuation, and rhetorical skills is important, while the Math section covers algebra, geometry, and some trigonometry. Reading demands strong comprehension skills, and if you take the Science section, it focuses on data analysis and interpretation.

Mastering Effective Test Strategies

A strong arsenal of test strategies is essential for optimizing your ACT performance. One effective strategy is to eliminate wrong answers when you’re unsure of the correct choice. By narrowing down your options, you improve your chances of guessing correctly, which can make a significant difference over the course of the exam. 

Pacing is another fundamental aspect of ACT success. Each section is strictly timed, so it’s important to maintain a steady pace. Tackle the easier questions first and come back to the harder ones if time permits. This approach helps ensure you don’t miss out on answering questions that you know well.

For sections like Reading and the optional Science section, skimming the questions before reading the passages can be an invaluable time-saver. This helps you know what to look for as you read and allows you to answer questions more quickly and accurately. The process of prediction is another useful tool, particularly for comprehension questions. By predicting the answer before reviewing the choices, you keep your focus sharp and avoid second-guessing, which can lead to unnecessary errors.

Another tip is to watch out for traps in the questions. The ACT sometimes includes answer choices that seem correct at first glance but are misleading. Being aware of these distractor answers and carefully reading each question helps you avoid simple mistakes.

Staying calm and collected during the test is another strategic advantage. If you encounter a challenging question, take a deep breath, make your best guess, and move on. Dwelling too long on one question can cost you time that could be better spent on others. Practicing mindfulness techniques in preparation for the test can help maintain focus and reduce anxiety. Remember, the ACT rewards accuracy and efficiency, so adopting these strategies can greatly enhance your performance.

Leveraging Resources for Practice

The ACT website provides lots of official materials that you should definitely be practicing with. Completing practice questions regularly helps you become accustomed to the types of questions asked. Digital platforms offering courses and interactive content provide flexibility and feedback to guide your study. For those who prefer a structured approach or need additional accountability, working with a tutor or joining a study group can be beneficial. Tutors tailor sessions to target specific areas, while study groups offer shared insights and strategies.

Section-Specific Tips

Each section of the ACT requires its own strategy for success. Here are some tips for tackling the three required sections and the optional Science section!

English Section

The English section, which focuses on grammar and writing effectiveness, often requires familiarity with grammar rules, such as subject-verb agreement and pronoun usage. Recognizing redundant or wordy phrases can help you choose the most concise answer. Regular practice editing short passages can strengthen your skills.

Math Section

The Math section, covering a range of topics from algebra to trigonometry, requires memorization of key formulas, as these won’t be provided on the test. Showing your work step-by-step minimizes errors and helps with answer review. If a question takes too long, it’s wise to skip and return to it later to maintain a steady pace.

Reading Section

The Reading section emphasizes quick comprehension of passages. Skimming for main ideas and scanning for key details is an effective way to save time. Using context for challenging vocabulary or questions can guide you toward educated guesses.

Science Section

In the optional Science section, which emphasizes data interpretation, understanding graphs and charts is key to mastery. Practice reading and interpreting data visualizations quickly and efficiently to identify trends or relationships.

Test Day Preparation

Being prepared on test day is just as important as studying. Pack your bag the night before with everything you need: ID, admission ticket, calculator, extra batteries, snacks, and water. A good night’s sleep helps with focus and concentration. Arrive early to avoid any last-minute stress, and consider bringing earplugs if noise is a concern. Managing your energy during the test by staying hydrated and taking advantage of breaks can make a difference in maintaining focus throughout the entire exam.

Building a Confident Mindset

Mindset is a significant part of performing well on the ACT. Staying positive and reminding yourself of the preparation you’ve put in can boost confidence. Regular practice tests taken under realistic conditions build comfort and familiarity with the test format. Treat practice tests as though they are the real thing to build test-taking endurance. Reviewing mistakes from practice tests helps you understand where you went wrong and prevents similar errors on the actual exam.

Be Prepared For The ACT

Preparing for the ACT strategically involves understanding your strengths, working consistently on areas that need improvement, and employing targeted test strategies. With a structured plan, effective use of resources, and a focus on consistent practice, you’ll be well-prepared to approach the ACT with confidence and achieve your target score.

It’s important to do a good job on the ACT– it’ll help you get into your dream schools, and you can earn guaranteed scholarship money. But  it’s also important to remember that you don’t have to do this by yourself! When you sign up for an ACT prep course with Prep Expert, you’re getting more than just expert instruction. You’re getting one-on-one time with a teacher who knows this test inside and out. Check out our ACT course offerings today to learn more about developing your ACT strategy.