ACT Test Day Hacks and Tips for a Higher Score

ACT test day can be really nerve-wracking and stressful, especially with what's at stake. Let's say you did your best; you studied all day and all night. But studying may not be enough. But no worries, we got you; here are some ACT test taking tips that can help you build a clever plan to help you conquer every test section. So whether you're worried about English,  Reading, Mathematics, or Science, here are some ACT test tips that can be your guide in boosting your confidence on test day.

General ACT Test Day 

So before the section-specific tips and tricks, it is first necessary to start by setting yourself up for success with these ACT test day tips and tricks:

1. Get Enough Sleep

It is essential to be well rested the day before test day. So stay off social media the night before, so stay off TikTok or Netflix. After all that studying, your brain needs to rest to function at its best on test day, so your goal is to sleep for 7 to 8 hours. 

2. Eat Breakfast 

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. So, before you go and take your test, make sure to eat a full breakfast, which can help you stay energized and focused. 

3. Double-Check and Pack Everything you Need

Always remember that you need to double-check for the requirements of your ACT. Aside from ensuring you have extra pencils and erasers and your ACT-approved calculator, have your ACT admission ticket and photo ID. Make a mental note to pack it the night before and recheck it in the morning.  

4. Stay Calm

Feeling nervous and stressed before the test is standard, but it's up to you if you will let them take over or not. So take deep breaths, focus on what you've prepared for, and trust yourself!

ACT English Tips

The ACT English section is divided into grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure categories. So here are the ACT English test tips that you need to know: 

• Know the Rules

Some students may find grammar boring, but keeping it in mind is essential to getting a high score. So, brush up on your subject-verb agreement, commas, pronouns, and sentence fragments. 

• Keep it Simple

The ACTs love simple and straightforward answers. If one of the options says the same thing in fewer words, it is likely correct. 

• Read the Entire Sentence

Don't just focus on the underlined part. Remember that there are times when the errors could be in the surrounding text. For this reason, make sure to read everything to see if everything fits together. 

• Practice, Practice, Practice

Doing more practice tests can help you identify common errors. So, using online resources or ACT tutoring will make it easier to sharpen your skills.

ACT Reading Test Tips 

The reading section of the act may seem fast-paced, but keep calm and don't panic! Here are the ACT reading test tips that will help you ace the test: 

• Do Skimming Right

You don't have to read every single word in the reading section. To get the main idea, you can focus on reading each paragraph's first and last sentences. 

• Answer the Questions as you Go

Instead of reading the entire passage, you can read a chunk of the text and answer the questions for that part right away.

• Look for Keywords

Questions in this section typically have keywords like "main idea" or "tone." You can find these passages to help you answer faster. 

• Avoid Getting Stuck

Don't be afraid to skip a question when it gets too hard; you can return to it later. Don't waste time on just one question. 

ACT Math Tips 

Math can be intimidating, but with enough studying and these ACT Math test tips, you'll feel more confident: 

• Memorize the Formulas

The ACT doesn't have a formula sheet, so to get by, you need to memorize essential formulas like the Pythagorean theorem, the area of a circle, and the slope-intercept form. 

• Start Easy

Go for the easy questions first and save the difficult ones for later so you can spend more time answering the difficult questions. 

• Use your Calculator Efficiently

Calculators are allowed during the ACT, but don't rely on them for everything. Sometimes, solving problems manually is faster. 

• Double-Check your Answers

If you have time, go back and check your answers for mistakes that you have made. 

ACT Science Tips

The science section can be tricky since it is less about facts and more about interpreting data. These ACT science tips can help you ace this section of the test: 

• Focus on Charts and Graphs

The majority of the questions in these sections are based on charts like graphs and tables. So, please make time to analyze them first before answering.

• Stick to the Passage

Memorizing won't be necessary in this section; typically, the answers are in the passage, and you can rely on the information provided. 

• Look for Patterns

Most questions are about trends, like increases, decreases, or relationships between variables. Keep these details in mind and pay attention to them. 

• Take a Guess

Don't know the answer? Take a guess. There's no penalty for taking a guess; you might even get it right. Make sure not to leave anything blank. 

Extra Tips for the ACT

• Practice Test

Practice tests can be your secret weapon. You can get comfortable answering the test format and pacing repeatedly, so make them part of your routine. 

• Use the Process of Elimination

Some questions can get you stuck; in this scenario, you can eliminate the wrong answers first. This method can boost your chances of guessing correctly.

• Don't Overthink

Sometimes, the most straightforward answer is correct. So trust your gut, and don't second-guess yourself too much. 

• Keep a Positive Mindset

Feeling nervous or scared is okay, but don't let it get in your way. So focus on what you're doing, and always remember your score doesn't define you. 

Final thoughts

Preparing ahead of time is the best way to ace exams like the ACT. But it wouldn't hurt to do extra preparations like following these ACT tips and tricks. So, with these in mind, you'll be ready to conquer English, Reading, Math, and Science. Lastly, stay calm and keep a positive mindset; you'll be prepared to face test day. 

Good luck, and you've got this!