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Introduction

Nobody has time to grind through endless ACT prep materials, and the good news is that you don't need to exhaust yourself to achieve your target score!

I went through ACT prep in 2016/17, and my first ACT (a diagnostic test) resulted in a score in the 20s. I participated in a college prep program that offered ACT tutoring. This, along with personal study and additional practice tests, helped me improve significantly. When I took the real test, I scored a 34. Achieving a high score was crucial for me because it was the only way to gain admission to top US schools that offered full financial aid. This accomplishment played a significant role in my admission into MIT, Yale, and Columbia. I decided to go to MIT and graduated in 2021. Here's a bit about me.

Inspired by my siblings who are currently in high school, I've put together this guide to help them, and hopefully other high schoolers, navigate their ACT prep.

This guide provides a quick overview of essential tips for preparing for the ACT, along with links to more detailed resources.

How to prepare for the ACT:

  • Understand the structure and content of the ACT
  • Assess your starting point with a practice test
  • Create a personalized study plan based on your timeline
  • Use high-quality study materials and resources
  • Practice with real ACT tests under timed conditions
  • Review your mistakes and learn from them
  • Stay consistent and manage your time effectively
  • Prepare mentally and physically for test day

With this guide, you don't have to go through the tedious process alone. Follow these steps and maximize your chances of achieving a high score on the ACT.

Understand the structure and content of the ACT​

The ACT is a standardized test consisting of four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section. Each section is designed to measure skills essential for college readiness.

  • The English section tests grammar and usage
  • The Math section covers algebra, geometry, and trigonometry
  • The Reading section assesses reading comprehension
  • The Science section evaluates interpretation, analysis, and problem-solving skills in the natural sciences

The entire test takes about 3 hours and 35 minutes if you include the Writing section. Back when I took it, the ACT was paper-based but it's since transitioned to a digital format and is now performed online.

Assess your starting point with a practice test​

Taking a practice test early in your preparation is crucial for understanding where you currently stand. This diagnostic test helps calibrate your initial skill level and identifies your natural strengths and areas that need improvement. It's important to simulate realistic testing conditions, including timing and minimal interruptions, to get an accurate assessment. Don't be too concerned about your initial score; it's meant to familiarize you with the test format and timing, not to measure your final potential. When I took my first diagnostic test, I scored in the mid-20s. This experience helped me understand which areas required more focus and guided my subsequent study efforts.

Create a personal study plan based on your timeline​

After taking your initial practice test, set a target date for your real ACT test. Committing to a date, and even paying for it if possible, will help keep you motivated and focused. With your test date in mind, create a study plan tailored to the time you have left. A personal study plan will help you stay organized and ensure consistent progress. For more details on setting a study plan based on your remaining time, refer to the dedicated section I cover here.

Use high-quality study materials and resources​

When preparing for the ACT, it's essential to use high-quality study materials that closely resemble the actual test content. With so many prep resources available, choosing the best ones can make a significant difference in your preparation. Look for textbooks that thoroughly cover the concepts tested on the ACT, as well as full-length practice tests that simulate the real exam's format and difficulty. Using materials that accurately reflect the content and structure of the ACT will help you become more familiar with the test, improve your skills, and build your confidence. Selecting reliable resources ensures that your study time is effective and focused on what truly matters for your success.

Practice with real ACT tests under timed conditions​

Practicing with real ACT tests under timed conditions is crucial for building familiarity and stamina for the exam. Start by taking a diagnostic test to identify your weaknesses, then use targeted study materials to improve those areas. Once you feel ready, take another practice test, review your mistakes, and repeat this loop. This iterative process helps reinforce your knowledge and skills. Part of performing well on the ACT is feeling comfortable with the test format and developing the endurance to complete the entire exam. Personally, I took about 3-4 practice tests before my actual test day, which significantly boosted my confidence and performance.

Review your mistakes and learn from them​

After each practice test, take the time to carefully review your mistakes and understand why you got them wrong. Focusing on improving your weaknesses is essential for making meaningful progress. There's little benefit in retaking practice tests without addressing the areas where you struggled. By identifying and working on your mistakes, you'll strengthen your overall performance. I've built thirty-six.co, a site designed to help you practice with hundreds of questions for specific tested concepts, providing targeted practice to reinforce your skills and ensure you're fully prepared for test day.

Stay consistent and manage your time effectively​

Consistency is key to successful ACT preparation. Establish a regular study schedule and stick to it, ensuring you allocate sufficient time each week to focus on different sections of the test. Break down your study sessions into manageable chunks to avoid burnout and maintain steady progress. Effective time management also means balancing your study time with other commitments, ensuring you don't neglect your well-being or other responsibilities. By staying consistent and managing your time well, you'll build a strong foundation and be well-prepared by the time test day arrives.

Prepare mentally and physically for test day​

In the final days leading up to the ACT, it's important to prepare both your mind and body. Ensure you're getting plenty of rest, eating well, and staying hydrated to keep your energy levels up. If you're part of a sports team, consider pausing activities the week before the test to avoid any last-minute injuries that could impact your ability to take the test. At the very least, take extra precautions while playing. Practice relaxation techniques to manage stress and anxiety, and familiarize yourself with the test day logistics to minimize any surprises. By taking care of your mental and physical well-being, you'll be in the best possible shape to perform your best on test day.