Many colleges no longer require test scores, but a strong ACT score can still help your application, and plenty of merit and institutional scholarships still use it to decide eligibility. So a high score is worth chasing.
A perfect score is hard, but it doesn’t take a genius, and it doesn’t take expensive coaching or a stack of prep books. Here are a few strategies for scoring high on the ACT, whether you have months or just days to prepare.
One thing to know first: the ACT was overhauled in 2025 (the “Enhanced ACT”). The core test is now English, Math, and Reading, and it’s shorter, around two hours. Science is now optional and doesn’t count toward your composite score, so check whether the colleges you’re applying to want it before you prep for it. The tips below reflect the new format.
Studying last minute? Check out our last-minute tips to ace the ACT or SAT.
Manage your time
Know the question count and time limit for each section. On the Enhanced ACT, Math gives you 50 minutes for 45 questions, Reading gives you 40 minutes for 36 questions, and English gives you 35 minutes for 50 questions. (If you opt into Science, that’s 40 more minutes for 40 questions.)
For Reading, start with the passage type you find easiest and save your weakest for last. For Math, do the easy questions first and work up to the hard ones. That’s the best use of your time, and you might finish with a few minutes to check your work.
On paper, don’t bubble after every question. Circle your answers in the booklet and transfer them all to the bubble sheet when about five minutes are left. It’s faster than flipping back and forth, and it keeps you focused on one thing at a time.
Never leave a blank
There’s no penalty for a wrong answer on the ACT, so never leave a question blank. If time’s running out, fill in every remaining bubble. (On the Enhanced ACT, every section now has four answer choices.)
If you’re truly guessing, pick one letter and stick with it across all your guesses. A consistent guess letter is slightly better than guessing randomly, but it’s a last resort: always eliminate what you can first and make an educated guess.
Know your calculator
You can use a calculator on the Math section, but not every model is allowed. Calculators with a computer algebra system (CAS), like the TI-89, are banned. Check the official ACT calculator policy before test day so yours doesn’t get flagged.
Some useful tricks need no programs at all. For example, you can convert a decimal to a fraction with the “math-to-frac” function. And don’t go hunting for a fancier calculator at the last minute. The calculator you already know well will serve you best.
If you take Science, read the graphs
Science is optional now, but if you take it, don’t be put off by the dense paragraphs. Most of that text just supports the graphs and tables, and that’s where the answers are.
Focus on the graphs and tables. Most questions ask you to read a specific data point or spot a trend. If Science is your weakest area, practice this more than anything else.
On English, keep it concise
Read the full passage in the English section so you don’t fall for answers that are grammatically correct but unnecessarily wordy.
The ACT rewards concise writing. When options are otherwise equal, the shorter, clearer one is usually right. Not every correct answer is the shortest, so read carefully and pick the choice that says exactly what’s needed and no more.
Save your money
If you’re reading this, you might be tempted to buy a coaching course or a pile of prep books. Don’t.
It’s not worth paying thousands to nudge your score up a little when there are free practice tests and free advice videos online. Practice tests in particular beat prep books. Build good study habits and lean on free materials, and you’ll get the best score for the least money.
The final push
The night before, don’t cram all night. That just sets you up to underperform.
As dull as it sounds, get plenty of rest. You can’t do your best on no sleep. A cold shower in the morning helps wake you up too, but the sleep is what matters most.
Want more resources?
Take a look at Rishab’s free ACT resources, full of practical tips and strategies. If you want to go further, Rishab’s ACT masterclass is just $15, with cheat sheets and detailed advice, a fraction of the cost of a typical prep course.
Here’s what one student had to say:
“The practice tests have truly helped my reading and English scores! I went from a 18 to a 25 in reading and a 26 to 30 in English.”
– nadiyawhittle
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