Top Score Secrets: What You Need to Know About the ACT

Understanding the ACT and Why It Matters

Introduction to the ACT

The ACT is a college entrance exam that plays a critical role in the admissions process for many colleges and universities across the United States. Its purpose is to assess high school students’ academic readiness for college by evaluating their knowledge and problem-solving skills in core academic areas. The ACT is used alongside other application components such as GPA, extracurricular involvement, personal essays, and recommendation letters to build a comprehensive picture of each student.

The test is developed to reflect the skills taught in high school and necessary for success in college-level coursework. It provides colleges with a standardized measure of what students have learned, how well they can apply that knowledge, and whether they are prepared to thrive in a university setting.

Although many colleges are moving toward test-optional policies, ACT scores can still strengthen your application, especially at competitive schools. A high ACT score can enhance your chances of admission and even qualify you for merit-based scholarships.

The Structure of the ACT

The ACT is divided into four required sections—English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science—and one optional section—Writing. Each section is designed to test a specific skill set. The exam is multiple-choice, except for the optional essay, and is timed. Here’s a closer look at each section:

English

• Number of Questions: 75

• Time Allotted: 45 minutes

• Purpose: This section measures your understanding of English grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills.

• What to Expect: You’ll read short passages and answer questions about how to revise or improve parts of those texts. Questions may ask about word usage, clarity, tone, and style.

Mathematics

• Number of Questions: 60

• Time Allotted: 60 minutes

• Purpose: This section assesses your mathematical skills typically acquired by the beginning of your senior year in high school.

• What to Expect: Topics include algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and elementary statistics. Calculators are allowed, but not all problems require them.

Reading

• Number of Questions: 40

• Time Allotted: 35 minutes

• Purpose: This section tests your reading comprehension skills.

• What to Expect: You’ll read four long passages from different subjects, such as fiction, social studies, humanities, and natural sciences. Then, you’ll answer questions about main ideas, inferences, vocabulary in context, and logical flow.

Science

• Number of Questions: 40

• Time Allotted: 35 minutes

• Purpose: This section evaluates your ability to interpret, analyze, and evaluate scientific information.

• What to Expect: Although called a “science” test, this section doesn’t require deep knowledge of biology or chemistry. Instead, it focuses on reading charts, analyzing data, and understanding experimental procedures.

Writing (Optional)

• Number of Tasks: 1 essay

• Time Allotted: 40 minutes

• Purpose: This optional section measures your writing skills and your ability to form a coherent argument on a given topic.

• What to Expect: You’ll be given a prompt describing an issue and three different perspectives on it. Your task is to develop your perspective, relate it to the provided ones, and defend your position with evidence and reasoning.

Students are encouraged to check the requirements of their prospective colleges to determine whether the Writing section is necessary. If it is required or recommended, it must be taken at the same time as the other sections.

Test Duration and Breaks

The full ACT, without the optional Writing section, takes approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes. If you add the Writing test, the total time becomes around 3 hours and 35 minutes.

During the test, students receive:

• One 10-minute break after the Math section

• An additional 10-minute break before the Writing section (if applicable)

These breaks are crucial for maintaining focus and energy. Students are advised to use these short pauses to hydrate, stretch, or have a small snack, which can significantly improve mental performance during the second half of the exam.

How Often Can You Take the ACT?

The ACT can be taken up to 12 times in total. This limit includes any testing attempts, even those that were canceled by the student or invalidated due to issues at the test center. The majority of students take the ACT two to three times to improve their scores.

It’s common for students to first take the test in the spring of their junior year. This timing allows them to:

• Have already studied most of the relevant material in school

• Use the summer to prepare further if needed.

• Retake the test in the fall of their senior year for a better score.

Taking the ACT more than once gives students a chance to become familiar with the test format and reduce anxiety through experience.

ACT Fees and What’s Included

As of 2024, the cost of the ACT is:

• ACT without Writing: $68

• ACT with Writing: $93

These fees cover several services:

• One printed score report was sent to the student

• One score report is sent to the student’s high school.

• Score reports are sent to up to four colleges or universities.

If a student wants to send scores to more than four institutions, additional fees apply. There may also be charges for rescheduling, late registration, or changing test dates and locations.

Fee waivers are available for students who demonstrate financial need, which can cover the test fee and some related costs. Interested students should speak with their school counselors to see if they qualify.

Why the ACT Matters for College Admissions

ACT scores can be a decisive factor in the admissions process. Here’s how colleges use these scores:

• To compare students from different schools and backgrounds on a standardized scale

• As part of holistic admissions, alongside essays, grades, and extracurriculars

• To award academic-based scholarships

• To place students in appropriate first-year college courses

While not every college requires ACT scores, many highly selective schools still value them. In some cases, a strong ACT score can offset a lower GPA or lack of honors classes. For test-optional schools, submitting good ACT scores can still help your application stand out from other candidates who chose not to submit scores.

ACT vs. SAT: Key Differences

Although both the ACT and SAT serve similar purposes, they differ slightly in structure and content. Here are some of the main differences:

• Science Section: Only the ACT includes a dedicated science section, although the SAT does test data interpretation in other sections.

• Math Calculator Policy: The ACT allows a calculator for all math questions. The SAT includes both calculator and non-calculator math sections.

• Scoring: The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36. The SAT is scored from 400 to 1600.

• Reading Style: The ACT has more straightforward questions but gives less time per question compared to the SAT.

• Time Pressure: The ACT is considered more time-pressured, making pacing a crucial skill.

Students are encouraged to try both practice tests early in their high school careers to determine which test aligns better with their strengths.

Understanding the ACT is the first step in mastering it. The test evaluates essential academic skills, provides a snapshot of your college readiness, and can play a significant role in your admissions strategy. Whether or not a school requires standardized tests, a strong ACT score can support your application and open up new opportunities for scholarships and advanced placement.

The ACT is more than just a test—it’s a tool that helps bridge the gap between high school and higher education. With proper planning, preparation, and practice, you can approach the ACT with confidence and work toward achieving your college goals.

ACT Scoring and What It Means for College Admissions

How ACT Scores Are Calculated

Understanding how your ACT score is calculated helps you focus your test prep more effectively. The scoring process involves converting your raw scores into scaled scores and averaging them into a final composite score. Let’s break this process down step by step.

Raw Scores

Your raw score on the ACT is the total number of questions you answer correctly in each of the four main sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. You do not lose points for incorrect answers or questions left blank. For this reason, it is always in your best interest to answer every question, even if you are unsure of the answer.

For example, if you correctly answer 52 out of 75 questions in the English section, your raw score is 52 for that section. Each section has a different number of total questions:

• English: 75 questions

• Math: 60 questions

• Reading: 40 questions

• Science: 40 questions

These raw scores are not directly reported. Instead, they are converted into scaled scores.

Scaled Scores

Each raw score is converted into a scaled score between 1 and 36. This process uses a formula that accounts for slight differences in difficulty between different test versions given throughout the year. So, a raw score of 52 in English on one test might convert to a scaled score of 31, but the same raw score on another test version might convert to 32. These small variations ensure fairness for all test-takers, regardless of when they take the ACT.

You receive a scaled score for each of the four sections. These scaled scores are then averaged together to create your composite ACT score.

Composite Score

The composite score is the average of your four section scores, rounded to the nearest whole number. For example:

• English: 30

• Math: 28

• Reading: 31

• Science: 29

Composite score = (30 + 28 + 31 + 29) ÷ 4 = 29.5 → Rounded to 30

This is the number that most colleges focus on during the admissions process. However, some schools may also consider individual section scores, especially for competitive programs in math-heavy or writing-heavy fields.

Optional Writing Score

If you take the optional Writing section, your essay is scored separately by two graders. Each one assigns a score from 1 to 6 in four areas: Ideas and Analysis, Development and Support, Organization, and Language Use. The scores from both graders are added together for each domain, giving a final range of 2 to 12.

The Writing score is not included in your composite score. However, some colleges may still use it as an additional indicator of your readiness, especially if they value strong writing skills in their programs.

What Is the Highest ACT Score?

The highest possible composite score on the ACT is 36. This is achieved when a student averages a perfect score (36) across all four required sections. It is not necessary to answer every single question correctly to earn a 36, but it is close.

The scoring is slightly more forgiving in some sections. For instance, you may be able to miss one or two questions in the English or Math sections and still get a 36. However, because the Reading and Science sections have fewer questions, a single wrong answer there could drop your score more significantly.

Achieving a 36 requires strong performance across all test sections. But even if you fall short of a perfect score, a 34 or 35 still places you among the top percentile of test-takers.

What Is an Average ACT Score?

The national average ACT composite score typically hovers around 21. This means that a score of 21 places you in roughly the 50th percentile, meaning you scored higher than about half of all students who took the test.

Here’s how average scores typically break down across sections:

• English: 20–21

• Math: 20–21

• Reading: 21

• Science: 21

Scoring at or slightly above the national average is sufficient for admission to many colleges and universities. However, more competitive schools tend to expect significantly higher scores.

ACT Score Ranges and What They Mean

Understanding where your score falls on the ACT scale can help you target the right colleges or identify areas that need improvement.

Scores from 1 to 15

Scores in this range are considered very low. They place you in the bottom 25% of test-takers and are unlikely to meet the minimum requirements for admission to most four-year colleges. However, some community colleges or open-enrollment institutions may still accept these scores.

If you are in this range, significant preparation is needed before retaking the ACT. Focus on the basics, and consider additional support such as tutoring or study groups.

Scores from 16 to 20

This is still considered a below-average score range. While some public universities and less selective schools may accept scores in this range, you will likely need a strong GPA and extracurricular profile to compensate.

Scores from 21 to 24

This range is considered average or slightly above average. Many regional public universities accept students with these scores, especially if combined with good grades and solid involvement outside the classroom.

Scores from 25 to 29

These scores are above average and will make you competitive at a broad range of public and private colleges. They demonstrate a strong understanding of academic content and the ability to perform well under pressure.

Scores from 30 to 35

This is an excellent score range and places you among the top 10% of test-takers nationwide. These scores can help gain admission to highly selective schools, including top-tier liberal arts colleges and major public universities.

Score of 36

A perfect score. Fewer than 1% of students achieve this, and it places you in the highest possible tier for college admissions. While it doesn’t guarantee admission to Ivy League schools, it certainly enhances your chances when combined with a strong overall application.

How Colleges Use ACT Scores

Colleges use ACT scores in several ways beyond just admissions. Here are some of the common uses:

Admissions Decisions

A high ACT score can help set you apart from other applicants. It demonstrates academic ability and readiness for college-level work. For students applying to test-optional schools, submitting a strong ACT score can still be a valuable way to boost an application.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Many institutions use ACT scores to award merit-based scholarships. A higher score can lead to significant financial assistance, even full-tuition awards at some schools. These scholarships often have score thresholds, such as a minimum of 28 or 30.

Placement in College Courses

Some colleges use ACT scores to place students in introductory or advanced courses. For example, a high score in Math might allow you to skip remedial math and go straight into college algebra or calculus.

ACT Scores and Ivy League Admissions

Students aiming for Ivy League schools or other highly selective institutions should be aware of the competitive landscape. Here’s what ACT scores typically look like for the top 25% of admitted students at Ivy League schools:

• Harvard: 33–36

• Princeton: 32–35

• Yale: 33–35

• Columbia: 33–35

• University of Pennsylvania: 32–35

• Brown: 32–35

• Dartmouth: 32–35

• Cornell: 32–34

While a perfect score is not required, scoring 34 or above will position you strongly. Other elements—like a high GPA, impressive extracurriculars, compelling essays, and teacher recommendations—are also critical for admission to these schools.

Superscoring and Score Choice

Some colleges offer superscoring, which means they take the highest section scores from multiple ACT dates to create your best possible composite score. For example, if you scored higher in English on your second attempt and higher in Math on your first, the school will use the best of both.

Others follow score choice, where students choose which test dates to send to colleges. This gives you more control over how your scores are presented and can allow you to highlight your best performance.

Before registering for multiple ACTs, check the score policy of each college you’re applying to. Some schools require all test scores to be sent, while others allow flexibility.

Should You Retake the ACT?

If your first ACT score falls below your target college’s average, or you believe you can improve with additional preparation, retaking the test can be a wise decision. Students often improve their scores the second time, especially if they use their first experience to adjust their test-taking strategy.

Here are some scenarios where a retake might help:

• You were unprepared the first time, or did not finish all sections

• You took the test without fully understanding the format.

• You scored inconsistently across sections.

• Your score just misses the cutoff for a scholarship or honors program.

On the other hand, if your current score is already within or above the average range for your target schools, a retake might not significantly improve your chances.

Your ACT score plays a significant role in shaping your college opportunities. From admissions to scholarships to course placement, this single number can influence the trajectory of your academic journey.

The key to success lies in preparation, understanding how the test is scored, and aligning your efforts with your specific college goals. With realistic expectations and a solid study plan, you can achieve a score that not only reflects your potential but also opens the door to the college experience you’ve been working toward.

Effective Strategies to Score High on the ACT

The Importance of Strategy in ACT Preparation

Achieving a high score on the ACT is not just about how much you know—it’s about how you apply that knowledge under pressure. The ACT is a timed, high-stakes test, and succeeding on it requires more than academic skill. You need a smart study strategy, strong test-taking habits, and the ability to perform well under time constraints. The students who earn top scores often aren’t the ones who study the longest, but those who study the smartest.

Practice for Speed and Accuracy

The ACT is designed to challenge your ability to think quickly and accurately. Managing time effectively is essential to avoid getting stuck on a few difficult questions at the expense of finishing the section.

Each section comes with its time pressure:

• 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 (52 seconds per question)

• Science: 40 questions in 35 minutes (52 seconds per question)

To improve your timing:

• Take full-length, timed practice tests.

• Use a watch or timer to track how long you spend on each question.

• Learn to skip and return to questions that are taking too long.

• Avoid rereading passages unless necessary.

Speed without accuracy won’t help. It’s important to practice answering quickly but also correctly. Accuracy builds with repetition, review, and familiarity with question types.

Avoid Common Mistakes

Many students lose points not because they don’t know the material, but because they make avoidable mistakes during the test. Understanding these common pitfalls can help you avoid them on test day.

Misreading Questions

ACT questions are sometimes deliberately worded in a way that can be confusing. You might miss a keyword like “not” or misinterpret a passage’s tone.

Solution: Read questions carefully, underline or mentally note keywords, and avoid rushing through reading sections.

Bubbling Errors

Filling in the wrong bubble on the answer sheet is surprisingly common, especially under pressure. Misalignment can throw off an entire section.

Solution: Double-check the number of the question and the bubble before marking. Use consistent eye-tracking or pointing techniques to stay aligned.

Spending Too Long on One Question

Some students obsess over a question they don’t know and lose valuable time that could be spent answering easier ones.

Solution: Move on from tough questions and return if time allows. Every question is worth the same number of points.

Leaving Questions Blank

There is no penalty for wrong answers on the ACT, so it is always better to guess than to leave a question unanswered.

Solution: Make educated guesses using the process of elimination, and if you’re running out of time, guess on the remaining questions before time is up.

Take Effective Breaks While Studying

Your brain needs rest to absorb and process information. Long, uninterrupted study sessions can lead to fatigue and reduced productivity. That’s why regular breaks are critical.

Use structured study intervals like the Pomodoro Technique:

• Study for 25 minutes

• Take a 5-minute break.

• After four sessions, take a 15–30-minute break.

During breaks, do something that relaxes or energizes you: take a short walk, stretch, eat a healthy snack, or listen to music. Avoid screen time, especially social media, as it can make it harder to return to focused studying.

Identify Your Weaknesses and Focus on Them

A key part of improving your ACT score is knowing your weak areas and giving them extra attention. Many students prefer to review topics they’re already good at because it feels more comfortable. But to grow your score, you must target what you struggle with.

Here’s how to identify and address your weaknesses:

• Take a diagnostic test to see your baseline scores in each section.

• Review your incorrect answers to spot patterns.

• If you consistently miss questions on a specific math topic or reading passage type, that’s a weakness to work on.

• Use focused study sessions to drill into those areas.

• Track progress by retaking sections periodically to measure improvement.

For example, if you’re consistently missing trigonometry questions in the Math section, spend dedicated time reviewing concepts like sine, cosine, and tangent. If Science passages confuse you, practice interpreting charts, understanding experiment design, and analyzing data.

Don’t ignore areas that feel too hard. Break difficult topics into smaller parts, use step-by-step explanations, and practice similar problems until you gain confidence.

Choose Study Strategies That Fit Your Learning Style

Everyone has a unique learning style. Identifying how you learn best can help you make more efficient use of your study time. Here are the most common learning styles and matching strategies:

Visual Learners

You learn best through images, charts, graphs, and written notes.

• Use flashcards with diagrams or bolded keywords.

• Color-code your notes.

• Create mind maps or flowcharts for difficult concepts.

• Watch educational videos or animations to reinforce ideas.

Auditory Learners

You learn best by hearing information.

• Read your notes out loud.

• Study with a partner and explain concepts to each other.

• Use mnemonic devices and songs to memorize formulas or vocabulary.

• Listen to audio recordings or podcasts related to the ACT subjects.

Kinesthetic Learners

You learn best through movement, touch, and doing.

• Use hands-on tools like manipulatives or physical flashcards.

• Study while walking or using a standing desk.

• Incorporate movement into review games or mnemonic actions.

• Rewrite notes multiple times to reinforce memory.

Adjust your study environment and tools to align with your natural strengths. When studying feels easier, you’re more likely to stay engaged and retain information longer.

Build Endurance and Test Stamina

The ACT is nearly three hours long, which can be mentally and physically exhausting. Without proper stamina, your focus and performance may decline in the second half of the test.

To build test endurance:

• Take full-length practice tests without breaks beyond what the ACT allows.

• Simulate the testing environment: quiet room, hard chair, printed test materials.

• Eliminate distractions like phones or background noise.

• Stay seated and focused through the entire practice session to mimic real conditions.

After several such sessions, your brain will adjust to the rhythm and length of the test, and you’ll feel more prepared on exam day.

Simulate Real Testing Conditions

Studying with flashcards and review books is helpful, but it’s also important to simulate the test experience as closely as possible.

• Take at least one full practice test under strict timing.

• Use a printed version of the test, not digital.

• Use only the permitted tools: calculator, pencils, and scratch paper.

• Time each section accurately and do not give yourself extra time.

• Follow the same break schedule as the real test.

Doing this not only builds familiarity but also reduces anxiety. You’ll walk into the real test day knowing exactly what to expect in terms of pacing, format, and energy management.

Set Goals and Track Your Progress

To stay motivated and measure your improvement, set specific goals throughout your test prep journey.

Set both short-term and long-term goals:

• Short-term: Improve your Reading section score by 2 points in one month.

• Long-term: Reach an overall composite score of 30 before your final test date.

Track your progress weekly. Use spreadsheets, notebooks, or apps to record practice test scores, time spent studying, and sections covered. Seeing your improvement can boost your confidence and highlight what’s working.

Build a Personalized Study Plan

A good study plan breaks down the ACT into manageable parts and creates a clear schedule for preparation.

Here’s how to build one:

• Choose a target test date and count how many weeks you have until then.

• Allocate study time each week based on your availability.

• Divide each week into focus areas—e.g., Monday: Math, Tuesday: English, Wednesday: Reading, Thursday: Science.

• Include practice tests every 2–3 weeks.

• Adjust your plan based on progress. Spend more time on weak areas.

The key is consistency. Even 30–60 minutes of daily study over several months is more effective than cramming everything into a few long weekend sessions.

Getting a high score on the ACT is possible with smart, strategic preparation. Focusing on speed and accuracy, avoiding common mistakes, building stamina, and tailoring your study approach to your learning style are essential steps toward success.

Don’t wait until the last minute. Start now by creating a study schedule, gathering your materials, and identifying the areas that need the most attention. With discipline and determination, you can significantly improve your ACT score and move one step closer to your college goals.

Preparing for Test Day and Long-Term Success

The Final Phase of ACT Preparation

In the last stretch of your ACT prep, your focus should shift from learning new content to reinforcing what you already know, sharpening your test-taking strategies, and making sure you’re physically and mentally prepared for test day. Your goal is not to cram in last-minute facts, but to optimize your performance by entering the exam room calm, rested, and confident.

The final week is your opportunity to fine-tune your schedule, organize your materials, and mentally rehearse the test-day experience. You’ve done the academic work—now it’s time to prepare yourself for peak performance.

The Importance of Sleep and Rest

One of the most overlooked but vital parts of test prep is sleep. Without adequate rest, even the best-prepared students can see their performance suffer due to fatigue, lack of concentration, and increased anxiety.

In the week leading up to the ACT:

• Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, preferably aligning with the schedule you’ll follow on test day.

• Aim for at least 7–9 hours of sleep each night.

• Avoid using screens late at night to ensure better sleep quality.

• If you’re feeling anxious, try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, journaling, or guided meditation before bed.

Sleep helps your brain consolidate memory and boosts cognitive functions such as focus, decision-making, and information recall—all of which are essential for a timed standardized test.

Nutrition and Hydration

What you eat before and during test day can significantly affect your mental performance. A healthy diet can improve concentration, energy levels, and stress management.

Tips for optimal nutrition:

• Eat a balanced breakfast on test day that includes complex carbohydrates and protein. Good options include oatmeal with fruit, eggs and toast, yogurt with granola, or a smoothie with nut butter.

• Avoid sugary foods or drinks that might cause a quick energy crash during the test.

• Stay hydrated. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and decreased mental clarity, so drink water throughout the week and bring a water bottle on test day.

• Bring a light snack (such as a granola bar or trail mix) for the break. This can help you refuel and maintain energy.

Fueling your body well ensures that your brain is ready to perform at its best for nearly three hours of focused mental activity.

The Day Before the ACT

The day before the test is not the time for intense studying or trying to master difficult concepts. It’s a time for review, relaxation, and preparation.

Here’s how to use the day before wisely:

• Skim over your notes or flashcards to review key formulas, grammar rules, and strategies.

• Avoid taking a full-length practice test. Instead, do a few practice questions or light review exercises.

• Prepare everything you’ll need for the next day:
  • Your printed admission ticket

  • A valid photo ID

  • Approved calculator with fresh batteries

  • Multiple sharpened #2 pencils

  • An eraser

  • A watch (without alarms)

  • Snacks and water

• Check the test center location and drive there if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

• Decide on comfortable clothes to wear in layers, in case the room is too hot or cold.

• Set your alarm early enough to allow for a calm morning routine.

By taking care of logistics the day before, you remove unnecessary stress and give yourself the best chance to focus on the test itself.

What to Expect on Test Day

Knowing what to expect helps reduce anxiety and allows you to mentally prepare. Test centers open early, and punctuality is important.

Here’s a rough timeline of what your test day will look like:

• Arrive at the test center between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m.

• Doors typically close at 8:00 a.m., and late arrivals may not be admitted.

• Once inside, you’ll be assigned a seat and given instructions by the proctor.

• The English section is first, followed by Math, then a break. After the break comes Reading and Science. If you’ve opted for the Writing section, you’ll receive a second short break before it begins.

You’re not allowed to use electronic devices at any time during testing or breaks. Violating this rule may result in your scores being canceled.

Managing Stress on Test Day

Even with thorough preparation, feeling nervous before the ACT is normal. The key is managing that anxiety so it doesn’t interfere with your performance.

Strategies to stay calm and focused:

• Take slow, deep breaths to reduce physical symptoms of stress.

• Use positive self-talk to build confidence: remind yourself that you’ve studied hard and are ready.

• Stay present. Don’t worry about your final score or the outcome of any one question—focus only on what’s in front of you.

• Don’t dwell on difficult questions. If something stumps you, mark it and move on. You can return later if there’s time.

A clear and calm mind allows you to perform closer to your full potential.

Develop a Long-Term Study Plan for Retakes

If this is your first time taking the ACT, it’s wise to plan as if you may take it again. Many students improve their scores on a second or even third attempt after gaining experience with the test format and identifying areas for improvement.

Use these strategies between test dates:

• Analyze your score report in detail. Look at section subscores to pinpoint weak areas.

• Study strategically by focusing on the questions you missed and learning from your mistakes.

• Adjust your prep methods. If reading books hasn’t helped much, try watching concept videos or working with a tutor.

• Incorporate timed practice to improve pacing and endurance.

Retaking the ACT is common and often leads to higher scores, especially with thoughtful adjustments to your approach.

Understand How to Use Superscoring (If Applicable)

Some colleges practice superscoring, which means they consider the highest score from each section across multiple test dates to create a new composite score. This can work to your advantage.

Example:

• First attempt: English 28, Math 30, Reading 26, Science 31

• Second attempt: English 32, Math 28, Reading 30, Science 29

Superscore: English 32, Math 30, Reading 30, Science 31 → Composite = 30.75 → Rounded to 31

If you plan to take the ACT more than once, keep track of your highest section scores and check whether your target colleges use superscoring.

After the ACT: Next Steps

Once the test is over, give yourself a break. You’ve invested time, energy, and effort, and you deserve a chance to recharge.

After the test:

• Don’t immediately overanalyze how you did. Most students are uncertain afterward, and that doesn’t reflect their real score.

• Your official scores will be available online, usually within 2–3 weeks.

• When your scores arrive, decide whether to send them to colleges or retake the test.

If your scores meet or exceed your college targets, you can move on to the next steps of the application process. If not, use what you’ve learned and prepare for a retake.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for the ACT is a journey that combines content knowledge, test strategy, time management, and personal discipline. While mastering academic material is essential, the habits and mindset you build along the way are just as important.

By the time test day arrives, your goal is to be well-rested, confident, and focused. With proper preparation and a clear understanding of the test structure, you’ll be equipped to do your best. Whether your goal is admission to a selective college, a scholarship opportunity, or simply personal achievement, your ACT score can be a powerful step forward.

Success on the ACT is not just about natural ability—it’s about preparation, persistence, and planning. Now that you completely understand the test and how to master it, you’re ready to take on the challenge and move closer to your college goals.