Understand the Exam Pattern & Prepare Yourself

Understand the Exam Structure and Content

Familiarize yourself with the sections (English, Math, Reading, Science), question types, and time constraints by researching past papers and official ACT resources.

Create a Study Plan and Schedule

Allocate dedicated time daily to review all sections, ensuring a balanced focus. Incorporate regular practice tests to track progress.

Take a Diagnostic Test to Assess Your Skills

Attempt a Diagnostic/Mock Test

Begin your preparation by taking a test to understand the exam pattern and identify the topics and formats.

Analyze Performance and Utilize Tools

Identify your strong and weak areas. Use performance analysis tools, like those from EduRev, to get feedback on your strategies and refine your study plan.

Section-Wise Preparation

ACT English Preparation

Focus on Usage/Mechanics (grammar, punctuation) and Rhetorical Skills (strategy, organization, style). Review common grammar rules and practice extensively, using answer choices as clues.

ACT Mathematics Preparation

Cover pre-algebra, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, coordinate geometry, plane geometry, and trigonometry. Master number properties and use the "picking numbers" strategy to simplify problems (avoid 0 and 1).

ACT Reading Preparation

Practice with the four passage types: prose fiction, social science, humanities, natural science. Always read the passage first before answering the questions.

ACT Science Preparation

Prepare for data representation, conflicting viewpoints, and research summaries passages. Most questions are passage-based, but 3-4 require outside knowledge. Revise basic concepts in biology, chemistry, and physics.

ACT Writing Preparation

Practice planning and writing essays that evaluate multiple perspectives and present your own. Form opinions on current events by engaging in debates.

Set a Target Score

Assess Your Starting Point

Use your diagnostic test score as a baseline.

Set a Realistic and Aligned Goal

Consider your preparation time and aim for a score within the middle 50% range of your target schools.

Create a Study Schedule

Prioritize Consistency

Establish a consistent weekly study schedule instead of cramming.

Calculate Time and Share for Accountability

Calculate weekly study hours needed. Designate specific study times and share your schedule with someone to stay on track.

Practice, Practice, & Practice

Diversify Your Practice

Engage with a wide variety of question formats to adapt to the exam's challenges.

Sharpen Skills and Identify Weaknesses

Use practice to improve problem-solving, familiarize yourself with the test, and accurately target areas for improvement.

Master Test-Taking Strategies

General Strategies

Answer every question (no penalty for wrong answers), underline keywords, use the process of elimination, and save time to review answers.

Section-Specific Strategies

English: Know grammar rules; be cautious of "no change" answers.

Math: Memorize formulas; solve problems independently first.

Reading: Start with your strongest passage type; predict answers before looking at options.

Science: Save the "conflicting viewpoints" passage for last; rely heavily on the figures and charts.

ACT Exam Day Plan

Prepare the Day Before

Pack all essentials (pencils, approved calculator) to avoid last-minute stress.

On Exam Day

Prioritize a full night's sleep and a nutritious breakfast. Adhere to your practiced test-taking strategies during the exam.