How To Score High On The ACT Test
Whether you’re just beginning your ACT prep or are looking to improve your score, there are a few things you need to know in order to get the best score possible. ACT tutoring experts will all tell you that it’s just as important to understand how to approach this test as it is to know the material. That’s why we’ve collected to most effective test-taking tips to help you get a high score on the ACT. Here’s what you need to know:
Don’t Be Afraid To Skip Hard Questions
When it comes to tests like the ACT, timing can be the most difficult part. If you had unlimited time, you could probably figure out the answer, but with that clock ticking you have to be careful not to get too caught up on any one question. Most ACT tutoring experts will tell you that you shouldn’t spend more than:
- 30 seconds per English question
- 45 seconds per Reading question
- 60 seconds per Math question
- 45 seconds per Science question
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If a question is taking too long and you’re not sure if you can figure it out, it’s best to skip it and come back to it later if you have time. Just make sure to circle the ones you’re skipping so you can easily find them after you finish the easy questions. Remember, you don’t want to waste time on a hard question at the expense of the points you can get from easier questions. That being said…
Don’t Leave Blank Answers
It’s fine to skip a difficult question, but make sure you do go back to it. On the ACT, there is no penalty for wrong answers, and a guess is better than nothing. Even if you have no clue how to figure out the answer, just pick a bubble to fill and move on. You might just get lucky and guess the right answer!
Pre-Plan For Your Essay Prompts
The ACT essay prompts don’t usually deviate too much from year to year, meaning you can probably get a good idea of what you’ll have to write about on test day. During your ACT test prep, try looking over some of the prompts used in the past, and plan how you would respond to them. You can even take it a step further and practice writing out your essay with a time limit.
Save The Conflicting Viewpoints Science Section For Last
The conflicting viewpoints section of the science portion tends to be the most time consuming for students as it requires you to read passages before answering questions. The reading can cost students quite a bit of time, especially if they did not practice this portion during their test prep. By saving this section for last, you ensure that you don’t miss out on easier/faster questions in other parts of the science section.
Don’t Ignore The Diagrams
In the math section of the ACT, they will often give you diagrams that correspond to certain questions. These diagrams can sometimes offer you a quick way to eliminate certain answers, making it easier to narrow down your choices on difficult questions. For example, if you have to judge an angle and two of your options are acute while the other two are obtuse, you can probably eliminate two answers just from the diagram. This will help save you time and boost your chances of getting difficult questions correct.
