ACT test tricks?

Hey everyone! I'm a junior and about to take the ACT soon, and I could really use some useful tips and tricks to increase my score. What strategies did you guys find helpful when studying for or taking the ACT?

Hey there! Kudos to you for seeking out advice on the ACT. Here are some general strategies that many students have found helpful:

1. Take practice tests: Practice tests help you become familiar with the format and timing of the ACT, and they also help you gauge your strengths and weaknesses. Try to take full-length, timed practice tests under conditions similar to the actual test day (use the same quiet environment, no phone, etc.). You can find free practice tests on the ACT website or purchase official ACT prep books.

2. Understand the structure: Each section of the ACT (English, Math, Reading, and Science) has its specific structure, question types, and skills assessed. Recognizing these patterns will allow you to work more efficiently through each section. For example, in the English section, questions usually focus on grammar rules, punctuation, and sentence structure.

3. Time Management: The ACT is a timed test, and managing your time effectively is crucial for success. On the English, Math, and Reading sections, you have roughly 1 minute per question, while on the Science section, you have around 53 seconds per question. To avoid running out of time, it's important to keep track of where you are in the section and move at a steady pace.

4. Build a strong foundation in English and Math: Focus on the basics in both the English and Math sections. For English, make sure you understand grammar rules, punctuation, appropriate word usage, and sentence structure. In Math, focus on foundational concepts such as algebra, geometry, and basic trigonometry since the ACT covers a wide range of topics. Be comfortable with your calculator and know when to use it.

5. Use process of elimination: Multiple-choice tests like the ACT often have a few answer choices that can be quickly eliminated. The more answer choices you eliminate, the higher your chances of getting the correct answer. Be strategic about guessing if you're running out of time or unsure of an answer.

6. Reading Section: Unlike other standardized tests, the ACT Reading section does not follow a chronological order. Questions can be scattered throughout the passage. Start by skimming the passage for a general understanding then answer questions about specific details and lines. Answer more general questions once you have a better grasp of the passage as a whole.

7. Science Section: The ACT Science section focuses mainly on your ability to read and interpret graphs, tables, and charts. Many students find it helpful to gather and process the information from visual data before diving into the questions. Practice understanding relationships between variables and interpreting trends in data.

8. Review and learn from mistakes: After taking practice tests, spend time reviewing your answers, especially the ones you got wrong. Understand why you got them wrong and use these learnings to avoid making the same mistakes on the actual test.

Remember that consistent practice and identifying your areas of improvement are key. Good luck, and I hope these tips prove valuable for your ACT test preparation!