ACT Prep: 

As the ACT approaches, here are some strategies that will help you ace the test: 

Don’t stress and get enough rest! 

To do well on the exam, it is important to relax before test day comes. Try to watch a movie or hang out with your friends instead of cramming the night before. Prepare all your materials, so you don’t stress on test day. Getting enough sleep will increase your performance level because you’ll be more focused when test day comes. 

Reading Section: 

There is limited time when completing the reading section, so try to read quickly. When reading, it is most important to find the main idea rather than focusing on the details. Scanning the passages will make you more aware of how you are going to tackle each question. You can also skip around by reading the science passage first rather than the history passage because this will allow you to move quickly.  

English Section: 

This section focuses mainly on grammar and structure of the passage or sentence. A quick tip is to choose the shortest answer when the question asks for a better way to rearrange the sentence. These shorter answers are more concise making them the better choice. Take multiple practice tests on this section and review your answers. Understand the type of grammar you are struggling with because it will allow you to isolate the problem. Practicing a specific problem will make your study time more efficient.  

Math Section: 

Similar to the grammar section, do many practice tests. Work on certain topics that you keep making mistakes on. If you have any questions on how to answer a problem, ask your math teacher.  

“You can find questions that are easy. And if you meet a hard question or just don’t have a clue on it, just skip it. After you have finished all your questions, go back if you have time,” said Xixi Chen, junior that scored a 33 on her ACT. Doing this will allow you to complete more problems within the time limit. 

Science Section: 

In the science section, there will be passages and graphs that you would have to analyze. Underline key words in passages and in questions to help you easily identify data from the prompt. Draw pictures of what the paragraph is trying to explain, so you don’t spend too much time rereading. As you continue within this section, the questions become harder. Pay more attention to details. Double check the last few questions. 

Hopefully these strategies have prepared you to receive your desired score on the ACT. Good luck!