I’ve never taken the ACT before, but I have one chance to take it in the fall. I’m willing to put in as much time as possible to get as close to a perfect score as possible, but I’m curious about how most people study. I’ve spent the past few days doing practice tests on VarsityTutors, but the website has a few bugs and I’m a little concerned about the legitimacy of it. I guess my “dream practice website” would be one that offers full-length practice tests as well as shorter quizzes in case I can’t make a commitment for a whole afternoon but still want to be productive.
The best way to study for the ACT is to practice with REAL ACT tests. There are 5 tests in the Red ACT Book, 3rd Edition. They are old, but you will be able to get a good foundation of the concepts tested.
ACT released several tests in booklet form. Use them next.
TIME each practice session to simulate the real test.
English 75 questions in 45 min.
Math 60 questions in 60 min.
Reading 40 questions in 35 min.
Science 40 questions in 35 min
Score your test, and then review only what you got wrong after each practice session.
I suggest the following schedule:
Take 1 section each week night/with review for 4 nights/week.
Twice per month on a Saturday or Sunday take a full ACT test/with review.
