Top 10 ACT Tips and Tricks for a Higher Score

With the Undergrad admissions process for the 2024/25 Fall intake on, the students would like to take the ubiquitous SAT or ACT to secure a seat in prestigious institutions. ACT is yet another competitive exam and to perform well in it, the student should know the structure and content of the test.

The ACT exam is an online exam for international students, while the US students have access to both the paper-pencil and the computer-based ones (CBT).  The ACT exam dates in 2024- 25 are

Both the paper- pencil and the CBT have the same sections, number of questions, time limits, and scoring system. In the online format, the overall passage or the problem will be on the left side and the question on the right side. One has to click the circle beside the answer to select it.

To make the test-taking experience better, ACT has included a timer and five online tools: a magnifier, highlighter, answer masking, answer marking, and a line reader. Let us now look at the sections on the test.

To do well in the exam, the first and foremost thing is to understand the ACT exam syllabus. The different sections on the ACT test different skills and knowledge. Hence, you have to use different strategies for different ACT subjects or sections. Students must get acquainted with the different question patterns of each test.

English – The ACT English section tests two major areas –  Usage and Mechanics (including punctuation, grammar, usage, and sentence structure) and Rhetorical Skills (including strategy, organization, and style). There are five passages and 15 questions for each passage.

Math– This section tests high school mathematics which includes – Algebra,  Arithmetic, Geometry, and Data Analysis. Students are allowed to use one of the permitted calculators in this section. Unlike the SAT, ACT does not provide reference sheets with formulae.

Reading – The students have to read the passages and answer the questions accordingly. Prior knowledge is not required to answer in this section. There are four subject topics – Humanities, Social, Literature, and natural science. Each passage has 10 questions.

Science – The science section is similar to the reading section. Seven passages may contain charts, graphs, experimental summaries, or clashing viewpoints of scientists. Each passage will be followed by 4 to 7 questions.

Writing – This section is optional and tests the analytical writing skills of the students.

The ACT is scored on a range of 1-36. The scores in each section are measured on a scale of 1-36 and the final score is the average of the four section scores rounded off to the nearest whole number. The Writing section is scored on a range of 2-12, which is an average of four domain scores.

Now let us look at a few ACT tips on preparing for the exam:

1. Plan for the test – One can register for the ACT using an ACT account. The test can be booked on the ACT website. Decide on the test date. There is an option of directly sending the ACT scores to 4 colleges which you select during the registration. The scores will reach the colleges as early as two days from the test date. But it may get delayed by a few weeks. So it is advisable to take the ACT at least two months before the college deadlines. The additional score reports can be sent at a later date if you want to change the colleges. For more ACT information, visit the ACT.org website.
2. Know the structure and content of the test – The first step to prepare for a test like ACT is to know the structure and the content of the test. As you prepare for the ACT by taking up the ACT practice tests, learn about the timing you have per question., the different online tools and how they work, and the different question types you may come across on the ACT practice tests.
3. Set your target score – Visit university websites and collect information about their score requirements for the different courses.
4. Start looking for how to prepare – To begin with, take a sample ACT practice test. There are six official ACT practice tests available, five ACT practice test pdf and one online. The score on this test should help you decide if you want to do self-prep or take up ACT classes.
5. How to choose the prep course – The ACT Test Prep that you choose should provide you with the right strategies and ACT-like practice test materials for preparation. You may choose to have an online or an offline batch based on your availability and accessibility.
6. What books should you use – Look for the best ACT books for your preparation. These books should not just deliver the content but also teach you strategies that could help save time. The questions and the tests in the book should be closely aligned with the actual test.
7. Make a study schedule – Remember that you cannot cram everything in a week. Plan to spend a consistent number of hours every week for the ACT prep. Break down your preparation into bite-sized pieces. Avoid distractions. Have an exam-like environment. Say a big bye to social media and mobile phones during practice time.
8. Learn the content and strategies – There is no replacement for hard work. Learn the content relevant to the ACT test. And knowledge alone may not be enough to take us to the finish line. You need to learn and use strategies to eliminate wrong answers and guess on certain questions that are time-consuming or when you’re running out of time.
9. Regular practice and Tests– Your ACT practice materials need to simulate the actual test. The ACT practice materials are meant to sharpen your skills. Solve a few act practice sample papers before you take the actual test. Learn from your mistakes. Learn where you are making mistakes: in the concepts, in the application, lack of concentration, or lack of time. Focus on these areas of weakness and practice more to avoid mistakes. Schedule the tests during the same time as the actual ACT.
10. Seek professional help if need be – The tests you take need to be reviewed and remedial measures should be taken accordingly. Don’t hesitate to get professional help.

Test day tips:

1. Don’t cram things the previous day. Hang out with your friends or watch a movie instead.
2. Have dinner and get good sleep.
3. Keep the confirmation letter, acceptable ID, and calculators ready.
4. Have a light breakfast.
5. The test begins at 8.30. So make it a point to reach the center at 7.30 am.
6. Don’t panic. If you have prepared well, there should be no test-taking pressure. Enjoy the test-taking experience.
7. Remember to bring some snacks for the break time.

Frequently asked questions:

1. When should I test for the ACT?

You have to choose a test date at least 2 months ahead of the application deadlines to universities or colleges and also consider based on the scholarship options that you may want to consider. The ACT scores will be reported within 2 business days after the test date, but there are times when the ACT scores may take about 8 weeks. If you have taken the ACT with the writing section, then the scores will be available only after the writing section has been scored.

2. Can I make changes after registering for the ACT?

You are permitted to make changes to the registration through the MyACT account that you have created. You are allowed to make changes to the following

• Update or remove the writing section
• Reschedule the test date
• Modify the test location
• Update or change personal information
• Updating college choices
• Order for additional score reports
• Correction to the high school code

After the registration deadline, if you decide not to take the ACT test, then the basic registration fee and service charges applicable are non-refundable.

3. Will I be getting a refund if I have missed taking the test?

In case you miss taking the test due to unavoidable reasons, ill health, or injury, or if you were not permitted to enter the test center due to non-compliance regarding your identification or you arrived late at the center, then the basic registration fee and service charges are non-refundable.

4. Do I get breaks during the test and what are the restrictions during the break?

Short breaks are permitted after the second test. Use of any electronic devices or mobile phones is strictly prohibited during the scheduled break. Catching up on a snack or an energy drink is permitted outside the testing room during the break. If you have chosen to take the ACT test with writing, you will have time to relax and get your stationery ready for the writing section.