As many of you Juniors know, the ACT is just around the corner. Testing can be very stressful, but if you prepare well and study hard, you have nothing to worry about. Even with this studying and preparation, the stress and anxiety is still evident while taking it. After all, this is one of the most important tests for colleges and universities. Here are some tips and tricks to help you be the best you can be on the ACT.

1. Do not go in order

All of us have our strengths and weaknesses when it comes to testing. But sometimes, we just can’t find the answer to some of the questions no matter how hard we try. Do not worry about it. There is no penalty for wrong answers on the ACT. If you can’t  answer the question, move on to the next question and come back to it at the end of the test. When doing this, it is important to make sure that you eventually answer ALL of the questions. Because there is no penalty, you are free to just guess if you do not understand the question.

2. Process of elimination

In those moments when you are unable to find the correct answer, try instead to find the wrong answer. By eliminating the answers that don’t make any sense, it is sometimes easier to spot the correct one when the options are narrowed. In my own experience, the ACT hides the correct answers behind the wrong ones. By eliminating the outlandish, the answer will reveal itself.

3. Bubble in your answers at the end

A great way to save time on the ACT is to bubble your answers in at the end. This allows you to focus on the questions instead of pausing between answers to add one bubble to your sheet. When you have answered all of the questions, just start at question one and bubble in from there. Make sure you double check to make sure that all of the answers that you bubbled match the answers that you circled on the actual test.

4. Time management is key

When taking the ACT, it is important that you keep track of the time. Don’t waste all of your time on one question. Each section of the test has a specified time limit and a specific number of questions that correspond to that time limit. You should not be taking more than 30 seconds per english question, 60 seconds per math question, 45 seconds per reading question, and 45 seconds per science question. This is not required, but it is strongly recommended so you do not get behind.

With everything COVID-19 has caused, the ACT might not even be required for college applications for the class of ‘22. But that has not yet been decided, so you should do the best you can to get as high of a score as possible. Hopefully some of these tips will help you do just that. Good luck to all taking the ACT.