The ACT can feel like a giant roadblock standing between you and your future. Maybe you’ve taken a practice test and felt totally lost. Maybe you’re dreading the math section or worried about running out of time. You’re not alone—lots of students feel the same way.

The good news? You can improve. With the right strategies, a little patience, and some smart study habits, you’ll see progress. It’s not about being a genius. It’s about knowing how to tackle the test. Let’s break it down and help you walk into test day feeling confident and ready!

1. Know the Test Format

Going into the ACT without knowing the format is like playing a game without knowing the rules. The test has four main sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science—plus an optional Writing section. Each section has its own types of questions and a strict time limit. For example, in the English section, you’ll answer grammar and sentence structure questions in just 45 minutes. The Math section gives you 60 minutes to solve 60 problems. Reading and Science move even faster—you only get 35 minutes for each.

Knowing these time limits helps you pace yourself so you don’t get stuck on one question for too long. The more familiar you are with the test format, the less stressful it will feel on test day. Think of it like a game plan—when you know what’s coming, you’re already one step ahead!

Career Prep High School is here to help students succeed! We can help you get prepared for the ACT and take it with confidence. Our staff takes the time to help students one-on-one so they understand material and do better on the test. Contact us to learn more about our school.

2. Focus on Time Management

Time management is one of the most important skills you can have when taking the ACT. With all the sections and time limits, it’s easy to feel rushed. But don’t worry! With a little planning, you can manage your time like a pro.

First, pace yourself. Keep an eye on the clock, but don’t obsess over it. Try to spend a set amount of time on each question. If you’re stuck, don’t waste too much time trying to figure it out. Skip it and come back later. It’s totally okay to leave a tough question and move on. You can always come back to it when you have more time, and you might find it easier to answer after you’ve worked through other questions.

This strategy helps you keep moving forward and makes sure you don’t run out of time before finishing the test. Remember, the goal is to answer as many questions as you can, and skipping a hard one doesn’t mean you’re giving up—it means you’re playing smart!

3. Practice Makes Perfect

You’ve probably heard it before—practice makes perfect, and it’s definitely true when it comes to the ACT. Taking practice tests is one of the best ways to prepare. Not only does it help you get familiar with the types of questions, but it also gives you a chance to practice working under time pressure.

When you take a timed practice test, you’re doing more than just answering questions—you’re learning how to manage your time and reduce stress. The more you practice, the better you get at pacing yourself, which means you’ll feel less rushed on the actual test. Plus, the more you see the types of questions that show up, the more comfortable you’ll be when you spot them again on test day.

And here’s the cool part: The more you practice, the less anxious you’ll feel. When you walk into the test knowing you’ve already done it a few times, you’ll feel way more confident. So, grab a practice test, set a timer, and start practicing today!

4. Use Process of Elimination

When you’re stuck on a question and don’t know the answer, don’t panic! There’s a trick that can increase your chances of guessing correctly—and it’s called the process of elimination. This technique involves getting rid of answers you know are wrong, so you’re left with fewer choices and a better shot at picking the right one.

Let’s say you’re tackling a Reading question. You read the passage and then look at the answer choices. If one answer doesn’t even make sense based on what you read, cross it out. Another answer might be too extreme or unrelated to the passage—eliminate that one too. By the time you’re down to just two answers, your guess is way more informed!

The same thing works in the Science section. You might come across a question with lots of numbers or complex info. If you can cross off answers that don’t match the data in the passage, you narrow it down to something that fits better. By using the process of elimination, you’re not just guessing randomly. You’re making smarter decisions and improving your chances of getting the right answer!

Career Prep is here to help you learn how to take tests with confidence! We’ll help you get better at test-taking strategies like using the process of elimination so  you do better on the ACT. Ready to learn and get your test score up? Contact us to get enrolled.

5. Take Care of Your Mind and Body

Taking care of your body and mind is just as important as studying for the ACT. Getting enough sleep (at least 8 hours) the night before helps your brain stay sharp. A healthy breakfast also gives you the energy you need to stay focused throughout the test. If you're feeling nervous, try relaxation techniques like deep breathing—inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, then exhale for 4. When you’re well-rested, well-fed, and calm, you'll be more confident and ready to tackle the test with your best effort!

6. Stay Positive and Confident

It’s easy to get caught up in negative thoughts, especially when facing something big like the ACT. You might think, “I’m not good at this,” or “I’ll never finish in time.” But staying positive is key to doing your best. When those thoughts pop up, remind yourself of all the hard work you’ve put in. You’ve practiced, you’ve learned, and you’re ready.

Building confidence starts with believing in your abilities. Instead of focusing on what could go wrong, focus on what you’ve already accomplished. Trust that your preparation will pay off. If stress starts to creep in, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you can handle this. You’ve got this! Stay calm, stay focused, and give it your best shot!

Keep Going—You Can Do This!

 It’s totally normal to struggle while preparing for the ACT. Remember, struggling doesn’t mean you’re failing—it just means you’re working hard and learning along the way. With effort and the right strategies, improvement is totally possible! If you find yourself feeling stuck, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are plenty of resources out there, like tutors or prep courses, that can give you the extra support you need.

The most important thing is to keep practicing, stay focused, and don’t give up. Every step you take gets you closer to your goal. You’ve got this—keep pushing forward!

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