If your test day is approaching, look at these quick ACT tips to make sure you’re prepared for your exam!  

Day Before

• Pick out an outfit. Wear something comfortable with removable layers. You don’t want to be too hot or cold during your exam. 

• Find the route to your testing location. You don’t want to get lost and be late.  

• Review your practice exams one last time. 

• Pack your bag. Save yourself from scrambling to find a No. 2 pencil the morning of the test. Here’s a list of what to bring for the ACT: a photo ID, your admission ticket, several No. 2 pencils, an eraser, a calculator for the math portion (check that your calculator is allowed), a snack for breaks, a water bottle, and a watch (it cannot have an alarm). 

  • photo ID 

  • admission ticket 

  • several No. 2 pencils 

  • eraser  

  • calculator for the math portion. (check that your calculator is allowed) 

  • snack for breaks   

  • water bottle 

  • watch (it cannot have an alarm) 

Night before 

• Set your alarm for tomorrow morning. 

• Rest! Don’t study - instead do something mindless like watching a TV show. 

• Go to bed at a reasonable time.  

Morning of 

• Eat breakfast. You need to supply your brain with energy. 

• Wake up your mind. Read something, stretch, sing along to the radio, etc.  

• Stick to something like your morning routine. Don’t try an energy drink for the first time on your ACT test day. 

During the test  

• This test is timed. Don’t waste too much of it on one question. Make an educated guess and move on. 

• Pay attention to the proctor. What they’re saying is important. 

• Relax and be confident in your abilities! 

• You will be given two hours and forty-five minutes to complete the 171 questions on the ACT. 

• If you take the optional writing section, you’ll have forty minutes to complete the ACT essay.  

• Go to the bathroom and eat your snack during your break.  

• Know how much time you can safely spend on a question.  

English – 36 seconds per question 

Math – 60 seconds per question 

Reading – 52 seconds per question 

Science – 52 seconds per question 

Waiting For Scores

• If something catastrophic happened during the test, the score can be canceled by the Wednesday following the test date. 

• If you plan on re-taking the test, write down what you struggled to prepare for next time. 

• While you're waiting, start touring colleges.  

 Trying your hardest is the best tip for the ACT.  Good luck with your test!  

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