Master the ACT: Your Complete Resource Guide

When I first started tutoring for the ACT, I was shocked by how many students were approaching it all wrong. They'd spend hours cramming random facts instead of understanding the test's underlying structure. The truth? The ACT isn't testing how smart you are—it's testing how well you take the ACT.

After helping hundreds of students boost their scores (including my brother, who jumped from a 24 to a 32!), I've compiled everything I've learned into this comprehensive guide. Whether you're aiming for that perfect 36 or just trying to hit your target score for your dream school, you'll find exactly what you need here.

"The ACT doesn't measure your intelligence—it measures your ability to crack the ACT's code. And I promise you, that code can be broken." — My opening line to every new student

ACT Score Calculator

Enter the number of questions you answered correctly in each section to estimate your ACT score

Understanding the ACT Structure

English

Time: 45 minutes

Questions: 75

Content: Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, rhetorical skills

Math

Time: 60 minutes

Questions: 60

Content: Pre-algebra, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, coordinate geometry, plane geometry, trigonometry

Reading

Time: 35 minutes

Questions: 40

Content: Reading comprehension of various passages (prose fiction, humanities, social studies, natural sciences)

Science

Time: 35 minutes

Questions: 40

Content: Interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving

Writing (Optional)

Time: 40 minutes

Task: 1 essay

Content: Analyze and evaluate multiple perspectives on a contemporary issue

Expert Guides to Each ACT Section

The English section tests your understanding of standard written English conventions and rhetorical skills. It's all about clarity, effectiveness, and correctness in writing.

Production of Writing – Topic Development

Learn how to ensure your writing stays focused, logical, and effectively communicates your intended message.

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Organization, Unity, and Cohesion

Master the skills of organizing your ideas logically and creating smooth transitions between thoughts.

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Knowledge of Language

Discover how to choose appropriate language and maintain consistent style and tone in your writing.

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Conventions – Usage

Learn the rules of grammar and usage that will help you ace the English section and improve your writing.

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Conventions – Punctuation

Master punctuation rules from commas and semicolons to apostrophes and quotation marks.

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Sentence Structure and Formation

Learn to construct clear, effective sentences and avoid common structural errors.

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Conventions of Standard English Overview

Get a comprehensive overview of all the conventions tested on the ACT English section.

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Ultimate ACT English Section Guide

Everything you need to know about the ACT English section in one comprehensive guide.

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My Top Strategies for ACT Success

1 Start with a Strategic Study Plan

I once worked with a student who improved from a 23 to a 31 simply by creating a structured plan instead of random practice. Begin by taking a full practice test to establish your baseline, then create a weekly schedule that targets your weakest areas first. Consistency is key—even 30 minutes daily is better than cramming for hours occasionally.

2 Master Time Management

The ACT is as much about speed as it is about knowledge. Practice with timed sections religiously. For English and Reading, I recommend skimming passages first, then tackling questions in order. For Math, do a quick first pass answering all the easy questions, then circle back for harder ones. For Science, go straight to the questions first, then refer to the graphs and passages as needed.

3 Process of Elimination is Your Friend

One of my students went from regularly missing 15 questions in Reading to missing only 5 by mastering this technique. On difficult questions, immediately eliminate answers you know are wrong. Even if you're stuck between two choices, you've increased your odds from 25% to 50%. Remember that wrong answers on the ACT often contain extreme language or scope (always, never, only, all, etc.).

4 Review Your Mistakes Properly

The most common mistake I see: students review wrong answers without understanding why they missed them. Create an "error log" where you categorize every mistake (e.g., "careless error," "content gap," "misunderstood question"). Then, for content gaps, create flashcards; for misunderstanding questions, practice similar questions with a focus on what the question is really asking.

5 Simulate Test Day Conditions

A student of mine scored 4 points lower on the actual ACT than on her practice tests. Why? She hadn't practiced in test-like conditions. Take full, timed practice tests with minimal breaks, preferably in the morning when your actual test will be. Wear a watch, use a real bubble sheet, and practice in a slightly distracting environment to build focus muscles.

6 Don't Neglect Your Mental Game

Test anxiety is real, and I've seen it tank scores for otherwise well-prepared students. Practice stress-management techniques like deep breathing and positive self-talk. The night before the test, avoid cramming—instead, do something relaxing and get a full night's sleep. And remember: you can always retake the ACT if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the ACT and the SAT?

The ACT includes a Science section while the SAT doesn't. The ACT Math section allows calculators throughout, while the SAT has a no-calculator portion. The ACT tends to be more straightforward but time-pressured, while the SAT questions can be more complex but with more time per question. Read our detailed comparison here.

How is the ACT scored?

Each section (English, Math, Reading, and Science) receives a score from 1-36. Your composite score is the average of these four scores, rounded to the nearest whole number. The optional Writing test is scored separately on a scale of 2-12 and doesn't affect your composite score.

How many times should I take the ACT?

Most students take the ACT 2-3 times. I typically recommend taking it first in spring of junior year, then again in fall of senior year if needed. Some students benefit from a third attempt, but beyond that, returns diminish unless you significantly change your preparation approach.

What's a good ACT score?

A "good" score depends on your target schools. The national average is around 21. Scores of 24+ put you in the top 75th percentile. For competitive colleges, aim for 28+, and for highly selective schools, 32+ is often expected. But remember, colleges look at your whole application, not just test scores.

Should I take the optional Writing test?

Check the requirements for each college you're applying to. Fewer schools require the Writing test now, but some still recommend or require it. If you're unsure about your college list, it's safer to take the Writing test. It's only 40 minutes more, and having the score gives you more options.

I created this guide after seeing too many students struggle with the ACT not because they weren't smart enough, but because they didn't understand how the test works. The ACT isn't just testing what you know—it's testing how you take tests. With the right approach, almost anyone can significantly improve their score. Have a specific question about your ACT prep? Drop it in the comments, and I'll do my best to help!

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