The ACT can feel overwhelming with its multiple sections, tight time limits, and the pressure to perform well. But the good news is that with the right study strategies, you can tackle the ACT with confidence and boost your score. It’s not just about studying harder—it’s about studying smarter. By applying a few proven study hacks, you can maximize your prep time, strengthen your weak areas, and walk into test day feeling more prepared.
Here are some study hacks that can help you unlock your full potential and achieve the ACT score you’re aiming for.
1. Focus on Your Weakest Sections First
One of the most common mistakes students make when studying for the ACT is spending too much time on subjects they’re already good at. While it’s tempting to focus on your strengths, it’s more important to zero in on your weaker areas first. Whether it’s math, reading, or science, dedicate extra time to the sections that challenge you the most.
Start by taking a practice test and reviewing your score to identify your weakest sections. From there, you can create a study plan that allocates more time to these areas. Strengthening your weaknesses will give you the biggest score boost and improve your overall performance on the test.
2. Learn to Manage Your Time Like a Pro
The ACT is as much a test of time management as it is of knowledge. With strict time limits for each section, knowing how to pace yourself is crucial. A great way to improve your time management is to take practice tests under timed conditions. This will help you get used to the pressure of working within the ACT’s time constraints and give you a realistic sense of how long you can spend on each question.
During your prep, use a stopwatch or timer to simulate real testing conditions. Practice moving quickly through easier questions and learn when to skip tougher questions and return to them later. This strategy will help you maximize your score by ensuring that you don’t get stuck on one difficult question and run out of time for the rest of the section.
3. Master the Art of Process of Elimination
The ACT is a multiple-choice test, which means the correct answer is always in front of you—you just have to find it. One of the best ways to increase your chances of picking the right answer is by mastering the process of elimination. For questions where you’re unsure of the answer, start by eliminating the obviously incorrect options. This will improve your odds of guessing correctly if you have to.
Even if you don’t know the answer right away, eliminating wrong choices can help guide you toward the correct one. On difficult questions, this technique can make a significant difference and boost your overall score, especially if you’re able to narrow it down to two options.
4. Use High-Quality Practice Tests
Not all practice tests are created equal, and using high-quality materials can make a big difference in your prep. Make sure you’re using official ACT practice tests or reputable prep materials that closely mimic the format and difficulty of the actual exam. This ensures that you’re preparing for the real thing and not wasting time on questions that don’t align with what you’ll see on test day.
Official ACT practice tests are available online for free, and they’re one of the best resources for gauging your progress and identifying areas that need improvement. Treat these practice tests as real exams, and use them to track your scores over time. This will help you measure your growth and fine-tune your study plan as test day approaches.
5. Prioritize Sleep and Breaks
You might think that cramming for hours on end will lead to better results, but in reality, your brain needs regular breaks to stay sharp. Studying for the ACT is a marathon, not a sprint, and prioritizing rest is key to avoiding burnout. Make sure to schedule breaks during your study sessions and avoid studying for too long without giving your brain a chance to reset.
Additionally, getting a good night’s sleep before the test is crucial for performing your best. Studies show that well-rested students have better memory retention and focus, which are both essential for the ACT. Don’t underestimate the power of sleep—it’s one of the simplest but most effective ways to boost your score.
6. Practice Smart Guessing
Since there’s no penalty for guessing on the ACT, it’s important to make educated guesses on questions you’re unsure about rather than leaving them blank. By using the process of elimination and narrowing down your options, you can make smarter guesses that give you a better chance of getting the question right.
If you’re completely stumped, take an educated guess and move on. Spending too much time on one difficult question can hurt your overall score, especially if it means you don’t have time to answer easier questions later in the section. Remember, every question counts—so always give yourself a chance by answering every single one.
7. Create a Study Schedule and Stick to It
Cramming the night before the test is not an effective strategy. Instead, create a study schedule that spreads your prep out over several weeks or months. This will give you enough time to thoroughly review each section and avoid the stress of last-minute cramming.
Break your study sessions into manageable chunks, focusing on one section or skill at a time. For example, you could dedicate Mondays to math, Tuesdays to reading, and so on. Consistency is key, so stick to your schedule and make sure you’re getting regular practice in the weeks leading up to the test.
8. Take Care of Yourself Before Test Day
Beyond the actual studying, it’s important to take care of your physical and mental well-being in the days leading up to the test. Eat healthy, exercise, and make sure you’re getting enough rest. Stress and anxiety can affect your performance, so try to stay relaxed and confident.
The night before the test, pack everything you need (ID, admission ticket, calculator, snacks) so you’re not scrambling in the morning. On test day, fuel up with a healthy breakfast and arrive at the testing center early to give yourself time to settle in and relax.
With these proven study hacks, you can make your ACT prep more efficient and effective, boosting your confidence and your score. The key is to approach the test strategically—focusing on your weaknesses, managing your time, and using smart techniques like process of elimination. Combine that with regular practice and self-care, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving the ACT score you’ve been aiming for. Good luck!
