How to Improve ACT Test Scores: The Ultimate Guide

How to Improve ACT Test Scores: A Detailed Guide To Advanced Level

The ACT is a cornerstone of college admissions, and mastering it can unlock scholarships, top-tier universities, and academic confidence. This comprehensive guide combines actionable strategies, expert insights, and free resources to help you maximize your ACT score. Let’s dive in!

Why ACT Scores Matter

ACT scores are a critical factor in college admissions, scholarship eligibility, and course placement. Here’s why they’re essential:

Key Benefits of a High ACT Score

College Admissions: Competitive schools like Harvard and Stanford often expect scores of 32+.

Scholarships: A score of 30+ can qualify you for $20,000+ in merit-based aid (e.g., University of Alabama’s Presidential Scholarship).

Course Placement: Skip remedial classes in math or English, saving time and tuition.

Did You Know?

The average ACT composite score in 2023 was 19.5, but STEM-focused schools like MIT look for 34+ in math and science.

Over 1.3 million students take the ACT annually.

Understanding the ACT Structure

The ACT has four mandatory sections and an optional essay. Here’s a breakdown:

Composite Score: The average of your four section scores (1–36).

15 Science-Backed Strategies to Boost Your Score

Strategy 1: Take a Diagnostic Test

Why It Works: Identifies strengths and weaknesses.

Use official ACT practice tests (free on ACT.org).

Mimic test-day conditions: no phone, timed sections, and a quiet room.

Strategy 2: Create a Custom Study Plan

Sample 8-Week Plan:

Weeks 1–2: Focus on the weakest sections (e.g., math formulas).

Weeks 3–4: Practice timed sections daily.

Weeks 5–6: Take full-length practice tests weekly.

Weeks 7–8: Review mistakes and refine strategies.

Pro Tip: Use Google Sheets to track progress (e.g., “Math score improved from 22 to 28”).

Strategy 3: Master Time Management

Section-Specific Pacing:

English: 30 seconds per question.

Math: 1 minute per question. Skip complex problems and return later.

Reading/Science: 8 minutes per passage.

Strategy 4: Learn the ACT’s Question Patterns

English: 40% grammar, 60% rhetoric (e.g., transition words).

Math: 57% algebra, 20% geometry, 15% trigonometry.

Reading: 25% inference questions.

Strategy 5: Use High-Quality Prep Materials

Top Resources:

Books: The Official ACT Prep Guide, Barron’s ACT 36.

Online Tools: Khan Academy, UWorld.

Apps: Magoosh Flashcards.

Strategy 6: Focus on Weak Areas

Example: If you miss geometry questions:

Review formulas (e.g., area of a circle).

Complete 10 practice problems daily.

Watch Khan Academy’s geometry tutorials.

Strategy 7: Review Mistakes Thoroughly

Template for a Wrong-Answer Journal:

Question Type: Science data interpretation.

Mistake: Misread the y-axis on a graph.

Solution: Practice 5 graph questions daily.

Strategy 8: Take 3–5 Full-Length Practice Tests

Why It Works: Builds stamina and reduces anxiety.

Score each test and track trends.

Strategy 9: Memorize Key Formulas and Rules

ACT Math Cheat Sheet:

Slope formula: m = (y2−y1)/(x2−x1) = (x2−x1)/(y2−y1).

Volume of a cylinder: V=πr²h.

ACT English Rules:

Commas: Use after introductory clauses (e.g., “However, I disagree”).

Subject-Verb Agreement: “The team wins” (not “win”).

Strategy 10: Guess Strategically

Why It Works: No penalty for wrong answers.

Eliminate 2–3 choices first.

Guess the same letter consistently (e.g., always “B”).

Strategy 11: Optimize the Science Section

Data Interpretation Tips:

Skip lengthy text; focus on charts.

Identify conflicting viewpoints in experiments.

Strategy 12: Ace the Optional Essay

Structure Template:

Introduction: Clearly state your position.

Body Paragraphs: Use real-world examples (e.g., climate change policies).

Conclusion: Address counterarguments.

Grading Criteria: Ideas, development, organization, language.

Strategy 13: Stay Healthy

Sleep: 7–9 hours nightly improves memory retention.

Diet: Omega-3s (salmon, walnuts) boost brain function.

Exercise: 20-minute walks reduce stress.

Strategy 14: Leverage Free Resources

YouTube: SupertutorTV for quick tips.

Reddit: Join r/ACT for peer advice.

Strategy 15: Consider Professional Help

Tutoring: Platforms like PrepScholar offer 1:1 coaching.

Courses: Princeton Review’s ACT 30+ guarantees score improvements.

Section-Specific Mastery Guides

ACT English: Grammar & Rhetoric

Top 5 Grammar Rules:

Commas: Separate clauses (e.g., “After school, I studied”).

Apostrophes: Show possession (e.g., “the student’s book”).

Subject-Verb Agreement: “The list of items is long.”

Pronouns: “Each student must bring their notebook” (singular “they” is acceptable).

Parallelism: “She likes hiking, swimming, and biking.”

Common Rhetoric Questions:

Transition Words: “However,” “Furthermore,” “Consequently.”

Concision: Replace “due to the fact that” with “because.”

Practice Drill: Complete 10 punctuation questions daily.

ACT Math: Algebra & Geometry

Must-Know Formulas:

Quadratic Formula: x = −b ± b2 − 4ac2ax = 2a − b ± b2 − 4ac.

Area of a Trapezoid: A = (b1 + b2)2 × hA = 2(b1 + b2) × h.

Calculator Tips:

Use the TI-84 for complex equations but practice mental math for speed.

Example Problem:
Solve for x: 2x + 5 = 172x + 5 = 17.
Solution:

Subtract 5: 2x = 122x = 12.

Divide by 2: x = 6x = 6.

ACT Reading: Speed & Comprehension

Passage Types:

Prose Fiction: Focus on character emotions.

Social Science: Identify main arguments.

Strategy:

Read questions first, then skim for keywords.

Underline topic sentences.

Practice Drill: Time yourself reading a passage in 3 minutes.

ACT Science: Data Analysis

3 Question Types:

Data Representation: Interpret graphs.

Research Summaries: Compare experiments.

Conflicting Viewpoints: Analyze scientist arguments.

Pro Tip: Ignore complex terminology—focus on trends.

Example Graph Question:
Which plant grew fastest at 25°C?

Solution: Locate the 25°C line and compare slopes.

Advanced Techniques for High Scorers

Analyze ACT Scoring Charts

Example: Missing 5 math questions might still yield a 34. Check ACT’s scoring charts for your test version.

Exploit Answer Choices

Math Example:
If x2=49, what is xx?
A) 7
B) -7
C) 0
D) 7 and -7

Solution: ACT often includes both positive and negative roots (Answer D).

Write a Standout Essay

Graded Example:

Score 6 Essay: Uses historical examples (e.g., Civil Rights Movement).

Score 3 Essay: Lacks specific evidence.

Resource: ACT Writing Sample Essays.

Test-Day Preparation Checklist

1 Week Before:

Confirm test center location.

Practice with the same calculator you’ll use.

Night Before:

Pack: Admission ticket, ID, pencils, calculator.

Avoid cramming—review notes lightly.

Morning Of:

Eat a protein-rich breakfast (e.g., eggs, oatmeal).

Arrive 30 minutes early.

Overcoming Test Anxiety

Proven Techniques:

Breathing Exercises: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8.

Positive Visualization: Imagine receiving your dream score.

Study: Students who meditate 10 minutes daily score 5% higher on average.

Case Studies

Case Study 1: John’s 27 to 34 Jump

Weakness: Time management in reading.

Strategy: Practiced skimming and annotating.

Result: Improved reading score from 24 to 32.

Case Study 2: Maria’s Perfect Math Score

Weakness: Trigonometry.

Strategy: Completed 200+ practice problems.

Result: Achieved a 36 in Math.

FAQs

How long should I study for the ACT?

6–12 weeks for 5–10 point improvements.

Can I superscore the ACT?

Yes! Many colleges combine your best section scores.

What’s the best ACT prep book?

The Official ACT Prep Guide (real past tests).

Free Resources and Tools

Khan Academy: Free math and science drills.

ACT Academy: Official practice questions.

Conclusion

Improving your ACT score requires strategy, consistency, and resilience. Use this guide to create a personalized plan, leverage free resources, and stay motivated.

Next Steps:

Take a diagnostic test today.

Share this guide with a study buddy.

Explore More:

How to Improve ACT Reading in 30 Days

Top 10 Scholarships for High ACT Scores

With dedication, your target score is within reach. Good luck! 🚀