ACT Prep Tips

Besides the studying and exam prep activities most students do before taking the ACT, there are several basic steps students can take to help maximize their test results:

• Every test booklet has instructions on the front cover; read them carefully. Failure to do so can result in incorrect results or dismissal for not abiding by them.
• In addition to the test booklet instructions, each test has a separate set of instructions. Read these instructions carefully as well.
• Read every question carefully. The ACT test does not use "trick" questions, but some of the questions will depend on a nuanced interpretation of the material, so it is important to be clear on what is being asked.
• Be sure to take the test at a measured pace. There are hundreds of questions to go through, so spending too much time on one question or passage can affect your overall progress.
• An announcement is made at five minutes before the end of each test. Pay attention to these announcements, so you can finish before time is called.
• Only no. 2 pencils with good erasers should be used. Mechanical pencils, pens and correction fluid are not acceptable.
• In interest of time, answer the easy questions first, then go back through and answer the harder ones. This gives more time to consider the options.
• The ACT does not penalize students for guesses, so if you encounter a difficult question, it is best to eliminate the obviously incorrect answers and make an educated guess from the options left.
• Answer every question on the exam; scores are based on the number answered correctly, so as mentioned before, there is no penalty for guessing.
• If you finish a test before time is called, go back through and review the exam. Check your work and, as long as there is still time, make corrections if necessary.
• Score sheets are read by computer, so it is vital that you make marks neatly and minimize smudging. If a mark needs erasing, be sure that the mark is erased completely and neatly.
• Once time is called on an exam, you should put down your pencil and make no further marks on the sheet. Failure to do this will result in being dismissed from the exam and the score sheet being discarded.