From Average to Outstanding: 10 Tips to Improve Your ACT Score

Laying the Foundation for ACT Success

Setting a Goal and Making a Plan

Before you begin studying for the ACT, it’s important to set a clear goal. A target score gives you something concrete to work toward and helps guide your preparation. Start by identifying what score you need for admission to your preferred colleges. Look up the average ACT scores of accepted students for those schools. This will help you set a realistic and ambitious target.

For example, if your top-choice university has an average ACT score of 28, and your current score is 22, you now have a six-point improvement goal. Keep in mind that a few points can make a big difference in college admissions and scholarship opportunities.

Once you’ve set a target score, create a detailed study plan. This should include:

• A test date that gives you enough time to prepare (ideally two to three months out).

• A weekly schedule that includes how many hours you’ll study.

• Specific topics or sections you’ll focus on each week.

• Resources you’ll use, including books, websites, and practice tests.

Break your study schedule into manageable chunks. For instance, you could study math on Mondays and Thursdays, English on Tuesdays, reading on Wednesdays, and science on Fridays. Keep weekends open for practice tests and review.

Sticking to a routine will help you build momentum, reinforce your learning, and reduce stress as test day approaches.

Analyzing Your Score Report and Targeting Weaknesses

If you’ve taken the ACT before, your official score report is a powerful tool. It not only tells you your composite score but also breaks down your performance by section and even by question type.

Look at where your lowest scores are. Did you struggle more with math or reading? Were there specific areas in science or English that gave you trouble? Pay attention to question categories like “data representation” in science or “grammar and usage” in English. This will tell you where to focus your time.

If this is your first time taking the ACT, start with a diagnostic practice test. Time yourself and simulate actual testing conditions as closely as possible. Once you’re done, review your answers and identify patterns in your mistakes.

Common reasons for incorrect answers include:

• Misreading the question.

• Running out of time.

• Not knowing the content.

• Careless mistakes.

Knowing why you got a question wrong is more important than just knowing that you got it wrong. This allows you to fix the root of the problem. If you frequently misread questions, work on your reading skills and attention to detail. If timing is an issue, practice pacing strategies.

Focusing on your weakest areas doesn’t mean ignoring your strengths. You should still review the sections where you did well to maintain your performance. The goal is balanced improvement, not just boosting your lowest scores.

Practicing Time Management for Every Section

Time is one of the biggest challenges on the ACT. Each section is tightly timed:

• English: 45 minutes for 75 questions

• Math: 60 minutes for 60 questions

• Reading: 35 minutes for 40 questions

• Science: 35 minutes for 40 questions

To succeed, you must manage your time effectively in each section. The best way to build this skill is through practice under realistic test conditions.

Start by doing timed drills. For example, try answering 15 math questions in 15 minutes. As you improve, increase the length of the sections until you’re doing full-length tests. Always use a timer so you know exactly how much time you have left.

One effective strategy is to answer the easier questions first. Don’t waste time on a difficult question early in the section. Mark it, move on, and come back to it if time permits. You’ll pick up more points this way.

In the reading section, divide your time strategically. You have four passages and only 35 minutes. That’s just under 9 minutes per passage—including reading and answering all the questions. Practice reading quickly but efficiently. Get used to identifying the main idea and key details on the first pass so you don’t need to reread the entire passage.

In the science section, learn how to scan charts, graphs, and data tables. Many questions can be answered without reading every word of the passage. Develop a method for finding information quickly and accurately.

Overcoming Test Anxiety Through Realistic Practice

Test anxiety can have a serious impact on your score, even if you’re well-prepared. Many students report scoring significantly lower on the actual ACT than they did on their practice tests. This is often due to nerves, lack of sleep, or unfamiliarity with the testing environment.

One way to reduce anxiety is through repeated exposure to test conditions. Take full-length practice tests in a quiet space with no interruptions. Use a bubble sheet, a timer, and only the materials allowed on the real test. This makes the experience more predictable and less stressful.

Another strategy is to practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques. Breathing exercises, stretching, and short meditations before and during the test can help calm your nerves. Learn to recognize the signs of anxiety—such as racing thoughts or a pounding heart—and develop ways to manage them.

Remember, the ACT is just one part of your college application. Putting too much pressure on yourself can backfire. Focus on doing your best, not being perfect. Every student has strengths and weaknesses, and the ACT is simply a tool to measure certain academic skills, not your worth as a person.

Improving Reading Speed and Comprehension

The reading and English sections of the ACT require not only understanding but speed. Many students struggle to finish all the questions in the allotted time. To succeed, you must develop strong reading habits and effective strategies.

Start by practicing with shorter passages and gradually increase the length. Time yourself to see how quickly and accurately you can read and answer questions. Keep a journal where you record your average reading time, your accuracy, and what types of passages you struggle with.

Learn how to skim effectively. Skimming doesn’t mean skipping important information—it means learning to identify the main idea, tone, and structure of a passage quickly. Focus on the topic sentences, transitions, and keywords. Mark these points mentally or with brief notes if you’re practicing on paper.

Use active reading techniques. These include:

• Asking questions as you read: What is the author’s purpose? What’s the argument?

• Making predictions: What will come next in the passage?

• Summarizing paragraphs: What’s the main idea here?

When answering questions, avoid relying on memory alone. Go back to the passage to find evidence. For inference questions, eliminate wrong answers first to narrow down your choices.

Reading widely outside of ACT prep can also help. Spend time reading articles from newspapers, science journals, and literary texts. This will expose you to different styles and vocabularies, preparing you for the variety of passages on the ACT.

Mastering ACT Strategy and Time Management

Practicing Under Timed Conditions

One of the most common challenges ACT test-takers face is running out of time. The test is structured with strict time limits for each section, and it’s not uncommon for students to leave questions unanswered simply because they didn’t have enough time to finish. Developing the skill of working under pressure is essential.

Start by familiarizing yourself with the timing of each section:

• English: 75 questions in 45 minutes (about 36 seconds per question)

• Math: 60 questions in 60 minutes (1 minute per question)

• Reading: 40 questions in 35 minutes (less than 9 minutes per passage and set of questions)

• Science: 40 questions in 35 minutes (less than a minute per question)

Use a stopwatch or a digital timer when doing practice sections. Train yourself to work at the pace needed to complete the test in time. Begin with untimed practice to understand the question types, and once you’re confident, move to timed practice. This shift will help condition your mind to perform under time constraints.

Divide your time wisely in each section. For example, in the reading and science sections, you may want to allocate 3–4 minutes to read the passage or examine the graphs and 4–5 minutes to answer the related questions. Practicing these pacing strategies will help reduce the chances of running out of time.

Developing Pacing Techniques

Pacing isn’t just about moving quickly; it’s about moving efficiently. Identify the types of questions that take you the longest. Are you spending too much time decoding charts in the science section? Are you rereading entire passages in the reading section? Becoming aware of these habits is the first step to overcoming them.

Use strategies like “mark and return.” If you encounter a tough question, mark it, make an educated guess, and return to it if time allows. This prevents you from spending too long on a single problem and potentially missing out on easier questions later in the section.

Also, practice scanning for keywords. In the reading and science sections, questions often refer to specific details. Instead of rereading everything, scan for words that match the question. In English, train yourself to recognize grammar patterns and rules at a glance to reduce how much time you spend analyzing each sentence.

Pacing also involves mental awareness. Know when to speed up or slow down depending on the section and question difficulty. Developing this rhythm takes time and practice, so take several full-length tests and review your pacing data afterward.

Building Endurance for Long Testing Sessions

The ACT lasts about three hours (longer with the optional writing section). That’s a long time to stay mentally focused. Building mental endurance is just as important as mastering the content. If you’re not used to focusing for extended periods, your performance can decline in the later sections due to fatigue.

Start with shorter practice sessions and work up to taking full-length tests in one sitting. Mimic the test environment as closely as possible: sit at a desk, eliminate distractions, and only take breaks at the scheduled times. This helps your brain get used to the stamina required on test day.

During practice, notice when your focus starts to drop. Is it after the first hour? During the reading section? Use this information to build endurance and plan your strategy. You might decide to practice harder sections when you’re most alert and save easier ones for when you typically feel more fatigued.

Take care of your physical health during prep as well. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and good sleep habits play a role in cognitive performance and endurance. A healthy body supports a focused mind.

Enhancing Reading Speed and Comprehension

The reading section on the ACT often causes anxiety because it requires you to process a large amount of information in a short time. The key to success here is not only reading quickly but also understanding and retaining what you read.

Start by tracking your current reading speed. Read passages and time yourself, noting how many words you can read in a minute. Then, try to improve this number without losing comprehension. One way to do this is by reducing subvocalization—the habit of pronouncing words in your head as you read. Instead, try reading in phrases or chunks to increase speed.

Focus on identifying the main idea of each paragraph and how the passage is structured. Often, questions will ask about the overall tone, the author’s purpose, or the flow of ideas. Knowing where each point is made will help you locate answers more quickly.

Practice summarizing paragraphs in a few words as you read. For instance, after reading a paragraph, jot down “background info” or “author’s opinion on technology.” These summaries keep you engaged and help you locate information later.

If you’re struggling with specific passage types (such as fiction, humanities, or natural science), read more articles from those genres. Science articles from reputable websites, opinion essays, and literature excerpts are all excellent practice. The more comfortable you become with these styles, the faster and more accurately you’ll be able to answer related questions.

Memorizing Key Math Skills and Formulas

The ACT math section covers a wide range of topics from algebra to trigonometry. To perform well, you’ll need to have certain formulas and math rules memorized. The ACT does not provide a formula sheet, so you’ll be expected to know everything by heart.

Common formulas you should know include:

• Area and perimeter of rectangles, triangles, and circles

• Volume of rectangular solids, cylinders, and spheres

• The Pythagorean theorem

• Distance, rate, and time formula (d = rt)

• Slope formula (m = (y2 – y1) / (x2 – x1))

• Midpoint formula

• Quadratic formula

• SOHCAHTOA for trigonometry

Write these formulas on flashcards and quiz yourself daily. Keep a small notebook of formulas and review it often. As you practice problems, be aware of when and how these formulas are used.

In addition to memorization, develop problem-solving strategies. Learn how to plug in answer choices (also known as back-solving) and use estimation to eliminate wrong answers. If a question seems too complex, try substituting small numbers to simplify the problem.

Also, familiarize yourself with your calculator. Know which functions are allowed and how to use them efficiently. Don’t waste valuable time on test day figuring out how to use it. Practice with the same calculator you plan to use during the actual test.

Managing Stress During Preparation

Studying for the ACT can be stressful, especially when you’re juggling school, extracurriculars, and other responsibilities. Managing stress is important not only for your mental health but also for your ability to retain and recall information.

Start by setting realistic expectations. You’re not expected to become perfect at every subject overnight. Improvement takes time, and progress may come in small steps. Celebrate those small wins, whether it’s a higher score on a practice test or mastering a difficult concept.

Use a journal or log to track your study progress. Writing down your goals, daily achievements, and areas that need work helps keep things in perspective. It also helps you reflect on what’s working and what’s not, so you can adjust your approach.

Build stress-relief into your routine. Take breaks during study sessions to go for a walk, stretch, or do a quick mindfulness exercise. Find a balance that works for you—studying intensely every day without rest can lead to burnout and reduced performance.

Talk to others about your preparation. Whether it’s a teacher, tutor, or peer who’s also preparing, having a support system can reduce stress. You’re not alone in this journey, and sharing experiences can be encouraging and helpful.

Maintaining Motivation and Study Efficiency

Creating a Consistent and Focused Study Environment

The place where you study can have a huge impact on how well you absorb and retain information. Studying in a cluttered or noisy environment makes it harder to concentrate and reduces productivity. Choose a quiet, organized space that is free from distractions like television, social media, or excessive background noise.

Ideally, this space should be used only for studying. This creates a mental association between the environment and focused work. Keep your study materials—books, notebooks, flashcards, calculator—within reach. Make sure the space has good lighting and is comfortable enough for long study sessions without being so comfortable that it makes you sleepy.

Consider the time of day when you study best. Some students are more focused in the morning, while others prefer the evening. Try different times to see when you’re most productive, and then stick to a regular schedule. Consistency builds habits, and habits reduce the effort needed to get started each day.

Use tools that support focus. Apps that block social media, timers to manage study sessions, or productivity techniques like the Pomodoro method can be very effective. In the Pomodoro method, you study for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. After four cycles, you take a longer break. This keeps your brain fresh and prevents fatigue.

Incorporating Breaks to Prevent Burnout

Burnout is a major risk for students who are preparing for the ACT while also managing school, jobs, or extracurriculars. Cramming or studying for hours on end without rest leads to mental exhaustion, reduced retention, and frustration. Regular breaks are not a sign of laziness—they are a smart strategy for long-term success.

Plan short breaks every hour during your study sessions. A five to ten-minute break gives your mind a chance to reset. During breaks, avoid screens and instead do something physical or relaxing, like walking, stretching, or grabbing a snack. For longer study days, take a longer break after a few hours to rest and reset your focus.

Also, allow yourself full days off from studying now and then. Use these days to relax and recharge. Taking breaks ensures that you come back to your study sessions refreshed and ready to learn. Listen to your body and recognize signs of fatigue or frustration. These are signals that it’s time to pause and regroup.

Creating Effective Review Sessions

Reviewing is not the same as re-reading or passively going over notes. Effective review sessions are active and focused on reinforcing what you’ve already learned. Use active recall, which means trying to retrieve information from memory without looking at your notes. This strengthens your memory and highlights gaps in your knowledge.

For example, after studying math formulas, close your book and try writing them out from memory. For reading strategies, practice summarizing passages or recalling key points after reading. In English, try correcting grammatically incorrect sentences from memory rather than reviewing the rules passively.

Spaced repetition is another powerful review strategy. Rather than reviewing everything at once, spread your review of each topic over days or weeks. The more you struggle to remember something (and then succeed), the more deeply it becomes embedded in your memory. Use flashcards, whether digital or physical, to practice this method. Review easier material less frequently and harder material more often.

Don’t forget to review your mistakes. Every time you take a practice test or complete a set of practice questions, spend time analyzing what you got wrong. Identify the question type, why you chose the wrong answer, and what the correct approach should have been. Write down a brief explanation or correction in a dedicated notebook so you can revisit these concepts regularly.

Using Practice Tests as Learning Tools

Taking full-length practice tests is essential for ACT prep, but how you use those tests matters just as much as taking them. Many students make the mistake of taking a test, checking their score, and moving on. To get the most benefit, treat each test as a detailed learning opportunity.

After completing a test, take a break and then return to it for a thorough review. Go through each question, especially the ones you got wrong or guessed on. For every mistake, ask yourself:

• What was this question asking?

• What strategy or skill did I miss?

• How can I get this type of question right next time?

Also, look at your timing. Did you rush through any sections? Did you run out of time? Use this data to adjust your pacing strategies. Keep a log of your scores for each section so you can track improvement over time and pinpoint where you need to focus more attention.

Take at least two full-length, timed practice tests before your official ACT. The first should be early in your study process to establish a baseline. The second should be closer to test day to gauge your readiness. Both should be done in a quiet setting with the same timing rules as the real test.

Managing Study Around School and Other Responsibilities

Balancing ACT preparation with school, extracurricular activities, and personal life can be difficult. That’s why planning and time management are essential. Start by identifying how many hours per week you can realistically commit to ACT prep without sacrificing your grades or health.

If you’re very busy, shorter study sessions more frequently can be more effective than trying to find long chunks of time. Even 30 minutes of focused study each day can add up significantly over several weeks. Use a calendar to block out study time alongside your other responsibilities. Color-code your activities so you can see at a glance what each day looks like.

Be flexible. If something unexpected comes up and you have to skip a session, adjust your plan rather than giving up. The goal is consistent progress, not perfection. Learn to prioritize: if you have a light school workload one week, use that opportunity to ramp up your ACT prep. On heavy school weeks, reduce your ACT study load slightly and focus on maintenance rather than progress.

Also, communicate with your family or roommates about your study schedule. Letting them know when you need quiet time helps reduce interruptions and makes it easier to focus.

Tracking Progress to Stay Motivated

Studying without seeing progress can be discouraging. That’s why tracking your improvement is crucial. Keep a study journal or digital tracker where you record what you studied, how long you studied, and how you performed. Include practice test scores, individual section results, and even confidence levels for different question types.

When you look back at this log after a few weeks, you’ll see how much you’ve improved. This visual evidence of progress boosts motivation and helps you stay committed to your plan. Celebrate small wins, like completing your first full-length test, improving your pacing, or mastering a tough concept.

Set mini-goals along the way to keep your momentum. Examples include finishing a practice book, memorizing all key formulas, or improving your reading speed. Reward yourself when you hit these milestones. This gives you something to look forward to and reinforces the habit of consistent effort.

You might also consider joining a study group or working with a tutor. Having someone else hold you accountable can increase your motivation and provide valuable feedback. Just be sure your study group is productive and focused—social distractions can slow down your progress if you’re not careful.

Test Day Success and Beyond

Getting Ready the Night Before the Test

The night before the ACT is not the time to cram. Any new material you try to absorb is unlikely to stick and may only add to your stress. Instead, focus on relaxing and preparing everything you need for the next day. This sets the stage for a calm and focused test experience.

Gather everything you’ll need for the test:

• Your printed ACT admission ticket

• A valid photo ID

• At least two sharpened No. 2 pencils (non-mechanical)

• An approved calculator with fresh batteries

• A watch (without alarms or smart features)

• Snacks and water for the break

Lay out your clothes ahead of time—something comfortable and layered in case the room is cold. Set multiple alarms if you’re worried about oversleeping. Avoid screens for at least an hour before bed and do something calming like reading or listening to music.

Aim for at least 7–8 hours of quality sleep. A well-rested mind is better at processing information, staying calm, and recalling knowledge—three things that are critical during the ACT.

Starting the Test Day Right

Wake up early enough to give yourself plenty of time. Rushing in the morning adds unnecessary anxiety and could lead to forgetting important items. Eat a nutritious breakfast with a mix of protein and complex carbohydrates. Good options include eggs and whole-grain toast, oatmeal with fruit, or yogurt and granola. Avoid too much sugar or caffeine, which can lead to a crash later.

Leave for your test center early. It’s better to arrive early and wait than to be late and risk not being allowed in. Once you arrive, stay relaxed. Don’t let the nervous energy of other students distract you. Avoid last-minute studying or comparing notes with others—it won’t help and may shake your confidence.

As you wait to begin the test, take a few deep breaths. Remind yourself that you’ve prepared well and that all you can do is your best. A calm mindset helps you think more clearly and stay composed.

Strategic Test-Taking During the Exam

Once the test begins, focus entirely on the section in front of you. Don’t think about what’s coming next or dwell on questions you’ve already answered. Take the test one section at a time, one question at a time.

Use the pacing strategies you’ve practiced. In each section, try to answer the questions you find easiest first. Mark harder questions and return to them if time allows. This helps you secure as many points as possible and keeps your confidence high throughout the test.

If you get stuck on a question, don’t panic. Make your best guess and move on. You can always come back if there’s time. Use your scratch paper to jot down notes, especially in math or science sections where you might need to perform calculations or track information.

During the break, eat a snack and drink water to refuel. Don’t spend the time going over questions in your head or worrying about earlier sections. Use this time to recharge so you’re fresh for the second half of the test.

Maintain good posture and take deep breaths if you feel tension or anxiety creeping in. Staying physically relaxed helps your brain stay alert and focused.

Making Educated Guesses and Avoiding Blank Answers

The ACT does not penalize for wrong answers. That means leaving a question blank is never in your best interest. Always choose an answer, even if it’s a guess. If you can eliminate even one option, your odds of guessing correctly improve.

If you’re truly out of time at the end of a section, fill in the remaining bubbles quickly. Use a consistent guessing pattern—like always choosing option “C” or “B”—to save time and increase your chances of picking up a few extra points.

Educated guessing can also be a strategic tool, even when you have time. Eliminate wrong answers and compare the remaining choices. Often, you can rule out options based on logic, grammar rules, or how well they match the question stem. Over time, practicing this technique can significantly raise your score.

Staying Focused Through the Final Sections

Many students lose focus during the final sections of the ACT. Whether it’s the reading, science, or optional writing test, fatigue can lead to careless errors and lost points. To fight this, keep your energy levels steady with good nutrition, hydration, and mental stamina built through practice.

Remind yourself that every section counts equally. The last ten questions on the science section are worth the same as the first ten in math. Don’t give up mentally just because you feel tired or frustrated. Push through with the mindset that your efforts now can have a major payoff in your final score.

If you’re taking the optional writing section, use the planning time wisely. Quickly sketch out a thesis and the main points you want to cover. Use clear examples and stay organized. You don’t need to write a masterpiece—just a focused, structured essay that addresses the prompt.

Conducting a Post-Test Review: The Brain Dump

As soon as you leave the testing center and are no longer under test rules, take some time to write down everything you remember from the test. This process—often called a “brain dump”—can be incredibly useful if you plan to take the ACT again.

Write down:

• The types of questions you found most difficult

• Any topics you hadn’t studied or didn’t recognize

• Question formats or wording that confused you

• Sections where you ran out of time or felt rushed

This information is fresh immediately after the test, but will fade quickly. Recording it helps you identify exactly what to focus on in future study sessions. It also gives you an objective look at how your prep matched up with the real test, allowing you to adjust your strategies accordingly.

Reflecting on Results and Planning Next Steps

After the test, give yourself a break. You’ve put in a lot of work, and regardless of how you feel it went, you deserve to relax and recharge. Once your scores are released, take the time to review them carefully.

Look beyond the composite score. How did you do in each section? Did you meet your goal? If not, how close did you come? Were there one or two sections that brought your score down? Identifying trends can help you decide whether a retake makes sense.

If you plan to take the test again, use your score report to refine your study plan. Focus on your lowest-scoring sections, but don’t ignore areas where you did well—there’s always room for improvement. Even a two- or three-point boost can make a significant difference in college admissions or scholarships.

Decide when your next test date will be, and start preparing again with a fresh perspective. Use the tools and insights you’ve gained to streamline your efforts and improve more efficiently. Remember, many students take the ACT more than once, and score improvements are very common.

Continuing to Learn from the ACT Process

Even if you’re finished with the ACT, the strategies you’ve developed—goal setting, time management, stress control, and critical thinking—will serve you well in college and beyond. The ACT is more than just a test; it’s an opportunity to learn how to perform under pressure, organize your learning, and measure your academic progress.

Take time to reflect on the process. What worked well? What would you change next time? Write down your answers to these questions. Whether or not you take the test again, this reflection helps you grow as a learner.

Consider helping others who are preparing for the ACT. Sharing your experience with classmates or younger students not only reinforces what you’ve learned but also gives others the benefit of your insights.

That concludes the full four-part guide on improving your ACT score. If you’d like a downloadable PDF version, a summarized checklist, or a study calendar based on this guide, just let me know and I’ll prepare it for you.

Final Thoughts 

Raising your ACT score is achievable with the right mindset, strategy, and consistency. While the process may feel overwhelming at first, breaking it down into clear, manageable steps makes it much more attainable. Whether you’re aiming for a small boost or a major jump in your score, the foundation lies in knowing where you are, where you want to go, and how to close that gap with smart preparation.

Remember that improvement doesn’t happen overnight. It takes focused effort, regular practice, and the willingness to learn from mistakes. But every small step—each practice session, each test review, each question analyzed—adds up. And with time, these habits will not only raise your ACT score but also make you a more disciplined and confident student overall.

Here are a few final points to keep in mind:

• Consistency is more effective than cramming. Spread your study out over weeks or months instead of trying to do it all at once.

• Practice like it’s the real test. Simulating testing conditions helps you build confidence and reduces anxiety.

• Focus on your weakest areas. Targeted improvement yields faster results than reviewing everything equally.

• Be kind to yourself. ACT prep is a marathon, not a sprint. Take breaks, stay positive, and trust the process.

• Your score doesn’t define you. It’s a tool to help open doors, but it’s only one part of your academic journey.

Whether you’re preparing for your first ACT or planning a retake, know that improvement is possible. With a clear goal, an organized plan, and a determined attitude, you can increase your score—and maybe even enjoy the process along the way.