34 And Up: How To Score High on the ACT

The ACT is growing in popularity; last year, about 1.4 million high school students took the test, and more are taking it each year. While the SAT is still more popular (with about 1.97 million students taking it), more and more students are turning to the ACT due to the differences in format and question priorities. And many students take both the ACT and the SAT to boost their chances at a higher score. Regardless of which one you take, you want a high score! But what does that mean for the ACT, and how do you get those top marks? Let’s talk strategy! 

Understand The Test

One of the most famous precepts from the most classic strategy guide of all time, Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, is “know your enemy.” Before you even start thinking about taking the test, you need to know its structure inside and out. Many students start with practice questions but overlook the importance of test familiarity. Think of it like golf! If you want to win a tournament, chipping and putting practice isn’t enough. You need to play the course. So what’s the lay of the land for the ACT?

Well, that depends on which version of the test you have. The ACT is currently rolling out enhancements, and everybody will have the same version by 2026. But right now, in 2025, some students will get a version of the test where Science is optional, and others will still have it as a required section. The version is appropriately noted on the report, but this is a great opportunity for students who aren’t as comfortable with science to take the test without that section. But STEM experts need not worry; Science is still an option, and will not be taken away entirely. That’s step one: know which version of the test you’ll get.

Step two? Get familiar with the sections and what they’re testing. The ACT includes three mandatory sections: English, Math, Reading. Science may be optional, and Writing is always optional. Each section has a different pacing and question style, and learning how to move through them efficiently can make a significant difference in your score.

For example, the Reading and Science sections are less about memorizing facts and more about interpreting information quickly. Math is about knowing how to do equations, but also how to solve problems quickly with limited information. Recognizing patterns in how questions are asked will help you approach them with more confidence. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions will help you learn the rhythm of the exam and what to expect on test day.

Don’t Let Time Management Throw You Off

One of the biggest challenges students face on the ACT is the clock. Unlike school tests where you may have extra time to work through each question, the ACT is fast-paced. Many students know the material but struggle to finish in time, which can lower their scores. Practicing under realistic timing conditions is the best way to train yourself to move efficiently.

Rather than lingering on one tough question, it’s more effective to keep moving and come back later if time allows. Learning how long you can afford to spend on each question helps prevent panic during the real test. You might find that bubbling in all your answers at once saves precious seconds, or that reading the questions before reading a passage improves your speed. Small adjustments in timing can lead to noticeable score improvements over time.

What does this timing look like? Here’s the breakdown.

Section	Number of Questions	Time per Section	Time Per Question
English	50	35 minutes	42 seconds
Math	45	50 minutes	67 seconds
Reading	36	40 minutes	67 seconds
Science	40	40 minutes	60 seconds

As you can see, most sections give you about a minute– but English only gives you 42 seconds per question. If you’re a slower reader, this is an important place to practice. But more on that shortly!

Can the Cramming: Steady Studying Wins the Race

Last-minute cramming rarely leads to a top score. The ACT rewards those who study gradually, building their skills over several months. Creating a study schedule with weekly goals is one of the best ways to stay on track. The more consistent your practice, the more comfortable the test becomes.

Rather than trying to master every topic at once, focus on one section at a time. Start by reviewing your weakest areas, then shift your attention to refining your strengths. As your test date approaches, return to mixed practice so you can keep every section fresh. Treat studying like a regular part of your routine, and try to keep distractions at a minimum during your sessions. The more routine it becomes, the better your progress will feel.

Learn How To Read The Questions

I know. You’re in high school. You’re getting ready for college. You know how to read– but reading standardized test questions is a skill unto itself! That’s what turns your base knowledge into points. The ACT is designed to test more than facts; it tests how well you can interpret what’s being asked under pressure. Questions often include unnecessary details or unfamiliar wording to throw students off. The better you get at identifying the real task in each question, the more confident and efficient you’ll become.

One of the most effective habits to build is paying attention to key words. Words like except, least, main, or best can completely change what a question is asking. For example, in Reading and Science, a question might ask for the main purpose of a passage, while another asks for a specific detail. Skimming too quickly or misreading a single word can send you down the wrong path, even if you understand the material. Underline or mentally note these keywords before you look at the answer choices. This can be extremely helpful in the fast-paced English section!

Another important strategy is to recognize when a question is asking for inference rather than fact. In Reading and Science, you’ll often be asked to suggest, imply, or predict. These questions require you to go a step beyond the information given. Don’t let these words intimidate you! Use the passage or data to build a logical conclusion instead of guessing.

Know Your Weaknesses and Adjust

Self-awareness is one of the most underrated aspects of ACT prep. Some students score well in Math but struggle with Reading. Others are strong writers but find the Science section confusing. Being honest about your weaknesses lets you spend your time where it matters most. You may need to rethink how you approach certain sections. If the Science portion seems difficult, consider practicing data interpretation with charts and graphs outside of test prep. If Reading feels slow, work on skimming techniques or try reading more nonfiction in your spare time. 

Prep Courses Provide Structure 

Some students thrive with independent study, but others do better with a structured program. If you’ve found yourself unsure where to start, a prep course can be the extra support that pushes your score higher. An experienced instructor can show you which strategies actually work and where your time is best spent. 

ACT success rarely happens overnight. It’s the result of repeated practice, smart adjustments, and a commitment to the process. What matters most is that you’re putting in the effort consistently. Stay focused, stay positive, and remember why you’re working toward this goal to begin with. 

If you’re ready to take the next step in your ACT prep journey, check out the ACT course offerings at Prep Expert. Our experienced instructors and proven strategies can help you improve your score and approach test day with confidence.