The ACT can feel like a big deal. And it kind of is. But that doesn’t mean it has to be overwhelming.

Maybe you want to achieve the highest ACT score possible. Or maybe, you’re just trying to get into your dream college. If you care about your results, you’re going to have to be well-prepared.

The good news? With the right strategies, you can walk into test day feeling prepped and confident.

Here are our 9 ACT tips and tricks to help you crush it.

What Is on the ACT? (And What to Expect)

Before we give you our 9 study tips, you should know what the test will look like:

• English: Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills.
• Math: Algebra, geometry, and some trigonometry (but no calculus, don’t worry).
• Reading: Four passages with multiple-choice questions.
• Science: Data interpretation, graphs, and a little bit of reasoning.
• Optional Writing: One essay, if your college requires it.

The test is timed, so speed matters! Knowing what to expect and practicing in advance can help you avoid surprises on test day.

If you follow these 9 ACT tips and tricks, it should be smooth sailing for you:

Make a Study Plan (and Actually Stick to It)

It’s easy to say, “I’ll start studying tomorrow,” but if we’re honest with ourselves, tomorrow turns into next week, and then that turns into next month…before you know it, test day is here.

To avoid this cycle of procrastination, do this:

• Set aside specific days and times for ACT prep (even 20 minutes can be a good start).
• Focus on one section at a time.
• Increase study time as the test gets closer.

It’s better to invest a few minutes every day than end up stressed and scrambling at the last minute. And the earlier you start, the less stressed you’ll be. Future You will thank you.

Also, think about it like this: a solid ACT score can impact college acceptance rates, so you shouldn’t go into it without a solid game plan.

If you’re wondering how test scores play into admissions, check out this Q&A about acceptance rates to see what colleges really look for.

Practice ACT Prep Questions Like It’s Game Day

The ACT is predictable. How so? Well, similar question types appear every year. You obviously won’t be able to know which exact questions you’ll be asked, but by practicing similar questions you can get your brain primed to take on the real test. That’s why ACT prep questions are your best friend.

Here’s what you can practice with ACT prep question:

1. Start with untimed practice questions to build confidence.
2. Then, take full timed practice tests to simulate the real deal.
3. Review every mistake to learn from it (don’t just guess and move on).

You can think of it like training for a sport. Practice the way you’ll play on game day.

 ACT Tips and Tricks for Test Day: Don’t Panic, Just Prioritize

Not to stress you out but really, the ACT is a race against time. That’s why pacing is everything. Here’s how you can turn time from your enemy into an ally:

• Skip hard questions and come back later. Don’t let one question slow you down.
• Use the process of elimination. If an answer looks wrong, it probably is.
• Fill in every answer. There’s no penalty for guessing!

If you get stuck, take a deep breath, move on, and come back with fresh eyes. Here are some tips for maintaining mental health and staying sane.

 ACT English Tips: Grammar, But Make It Easy

The ACT English section is basically a giant grammar check. Here’s what to focus on:

• Comma rules (they LOVE testing these)
• Subject-verb agreement.
• Sentence clarity (always choose the simplest, clearest option).

What do you do if two answer choices seem equally right? Here’s our tip: pick the shorter one, it’s usually correct. Of course, this is not the case with every question, so make sure to read carefully before applying this.

 ACT Reading Tips: Speed Without Skipping

If you’ve ever zoned out halfway through a reading passage and then had to read the whole paragraph again, you’re not alone. Here’s how to speed up without losing comprehension:

• Skim first, then get into the questions. Don’t get lost in the details.
• Find and underline important info (like names, dates, and bold claims).
• Answer questions in order. They generally follow the passage’s structure.

Reading faster isn’t necessarily the answer. That might only get you to space out and not retain any important information. It’s all about reading smart and focusing on the right parts of the text.

 ACT Math Tips: Know Your Formulas

The ACT Math section gives you no formula sheet, so you’ll need to know key formulas by heart. Focus on:

• The Pythagorean theorem (a² + b² = c²).
• Slope-intercept form (y = mx + b).
• Area and volume formulas (especially for circles and triangles).

And don’t waste time solving problems the long way. If plugging in answer choices works faster, do it!

 The ACT Science Section: It’s Actually Not About Science

Surprise! The ACT Science section isn’t really about science. It’s actually about reading graphs and interpreting data. The good news is that you don’t need to memorize facts.

Instead:

• Focus on reading charts and tables quickly.
• Ignore extra info. Just stick to what the question asks.
• Look for trends and patterns (most answers are in the visuals).

If you can read a graph, you’re already halfway there.

 Take Care of Yourself Before the Test

A tired brain = slower thinking. The night before the ACT:

• Get 7–9 hours of sleep (yes, it matters).
• Eat a good breakfast (protein + carbs for energy).
• Bring water and snacks for breaks.

And, of course: double-check that you have your admission ticket, ID, calculator, and pencils before heading out.

 Review Your Mistakes & Keep Improving

The best way to get better is to learn from your mistakes.

After every practice test:

• Review wrong answers and figure out why they were wrong.
• Track common mistakes (so you don’t repeat them).
• Adjust your study plan based on weak areas.

It’s all about progress, not perfection. Even a few extra points can make a difference!

Practice Makes Perfect (ACT Scores)

Knowing how to take the ACT is actually just as important as having a lot of knowledge on the study subjects. That’s why you shouldn’t believe those who tell you preparing for the ACT isn’t important.

All you have to do is:

• Start studying early.
• Use smart test strategies.
• Practice, practice, practice.

And most importantly? Stay confident. You’ve got this.

If you’re looking for more ways to boost your study game, check out Powerful Tips for Effective Study, How to Romanticize Learning, How to Outwit the Mid-Semester Slump, How to Improve Memory for Students, How to Study with ADHD, and 8 Tips on How to Stay Focused During Finals. These guides can help you sharpen your skills and make studying more effective (and maybe even enjoyable!).