Reaching the ACT Maximum

Hey, I'm just curious. Is it even humanly possible to reach the maximum score on the ACT? If anyone's achieved this or knows someone who did, what's the secret?

It's absolutely possible to achieve a perfect score of 36 on the ACT! Each year, a small percentage of students managed to get a 36—it's not easy, of course, but it is definitely achievable.

It generally requires a lot of preparation. Here're some general strategies used by high-scoring students:

1. Understand the Test: The ACT tests particular concepts and rewards certain skills, like analytical thinking and speed. By taking a lot of practice tests, you can familiarize yourself with the style of the questions as well as the content.

2. Targeted Study: Identify your weak areas and focus on them. Use resources tailored to those parts of the test.

3. Time Management: The ACT is a timed test, and time management can be a challenge. You need to practice under timed conditions so your pacing becomes second nature.

4. Understand Mistakes: When you get a question wrong in your prep, make sure you fully understand your mistake and why the correct answer is right.

5. Stamina Building: The ACT is also a long test. Building mental endurance is crucial—back-to-back practice tests can be a good way to do this.

Just remember, these strategies worked for some high scoring students. Each person is different, so it's crucial to figure out what works best for you. However, getting a perfect score isn’t necessary for admission to even the most elite universities. A score well within the range accepted by a university, combined with a strong application overall (think GPA, extracurriculars, essays), is often just as effective.