General Test Tips

Description: This course is designed to give students general tips on taking the ACT Test.

Objective: Become familiar with what's on the ACT.

A number of tips will improve your score on the ACT and help you make it through the test unscathed.

• Pace yourself. You have a limited amount of time for each test section. In the English, reading, and science sections, don’t spend too much time reading the passages before moving to the questions. Don’t dwell for too long on the more difficult questions. Come back to them at the end if time allows.

• Answer the questions you’re sure of first. Don’t spend too much time on the hard questions. Mark the ones you skip, and then return to them at the end if you have time. You’re not penalized for questions you don’t answer.

• Familiarize yourself with the directions for each test portion beforehand, but still take the time to read all the directions carefully during the test. The English, reading, and science sections ask for the best answer, while the math test asks for the correct answer. Look at all the multiple-choice options before selecting one.

• On more difficult questions, use logic to eliminate incorrect answers. Then make an educated guess on the remaining choices.

• Answer every question. Unlike the SAT, the ACT doesn’t penalize you for incorrect answers. You’re better off guessing at an answer than skipping a question.

• If you have time left over at the end of a section, go back and review your answers.

• Bring your admission ticket and ID to the test. Also bring pencils, erasers, a calculator, and a watch.

• Make sure to follow the supervisor’s directions carefully so that your answer document matches your registration record.

Be sure to avoid several no-nos when taking the ACT. Any of these can invalidate your test and force you to leave the test center: looking back or looking ahead in the test booklet; continuing to work after time has expired; cheating; using unauthorized aids such as dictionaries or highlighters; exchanging information during test breaks; taking materials from the test room; using a calculator for anything other than the math section; not following instructions; and being unruly or causing a disturbance.