ACT Test Preparation

ACT test preparation is made easier for the diligent student who does well in high school courses. Since the ACT is primarily based on your knowledge from high school courses there's much less test taking strategies then on the SAT.

This makes the ACT more of an achievement test. The SAT exam is more about critical thinking and reasoning skills. SAT tests your ability to analyze and solve problems.

However, the prepared student can still improve their ACT scores.

ACT-test-preparation - girl studying

ACT Test Scores
Influence on Scholarships

How well you score on your ACT exam does play a significant role in finding free money for college. Grant money for college is largely controlled by the colleges themselves. Most importantly these merit scholarships for college are not based on family income.

To learn more how to use your standardized test scores as part of a winning strategy to find additional scholarships and grants visit my webinar.

ACT Test Summary

Section Time Scoring
English 45 minutes 1-36
Math 60 minutes 1-36
Reading 35 minutes 1-36
Science 35 minutes 1-36
Totals 2 hr. 55 min. 1-36

There are a total of 215 multiple choice questions. All sections are weighted equally to reach a composite score. There is also an ACT Plus Writing Exam that is presently not included in the final score.

ACT Test Preparation Strategies

  • Since the ACT is more knowledge and information based consider taking the ACT later in your high school career. You'll have more courses under your belt.
  • Be sure to plan enough time in before your senior year (early Dec. is usually the last exam date of the calendar year) to take the ACT at least twice. Why? Students simply improve their scores by taking it twice.
  • Don't cram. Just like it's wise not to cram for a final, it's impossible to effectively cover all your high school course knowledge by procrastinating.
  • Plan it out. Start several weeks ahead of your scheduled ACT exam and really focus solely on one subject per week. Block your time. It's your new part -time job that can land you serious free scholarship money for college.
  • Use your study time wisely. Passive reading about past courses won't be effective. Instead equip yourself with good ACT test preparation tools. See recommended links below.

Recommended Resources

Knowing your preferred learning style will help you match up the resource that is best for you.

ACT Test Preparation Help from ACT
Multiple Options from Princeton Review
Popular and Free from Sparknotes


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