ACT 2025 Preparation Tips: Top Tips to Take the ACT Test

ACT

Priya Garg
Updated on Sep 22, 2025 15:32 IST

By Priya Garg, Study Abroad Expert

The ACT exam syllabus and pattern differ for every section that is assessed. There are three major sections in the ACT exam, and students can devise their plan of action based on their strong and weak points. It is always recommended to go step-by-step to get done with the final preparation. The best way would be to pick one section of the ACT exam and get done with it, starting from scratch till the student gets expertise in it. Once a section is complete, the next step would be to move on to another section and so on.

The official sources of the ACT exam suggest the best way to prepare for this exam is to attend all the difficult classes in your high school. Apart from that, ACT.org also suggests some exam day tips and strategies that can prove to be helpful tools before and while taking the ACT exam. 

act prep tips

Students should be able to divide their time for ACT exam preparation in such a manner that they have ample time to revise and sit for ACT mock tests. A regular check on vocabulary, plus reading a newspaper, is always helpful in the long run, not just for ACT exam preparation, but in general as well. Once you start to feel confident in your ACT test preparation, only then should you decide when to take the ACT exam. In this article, we have prepared a section-wise approach with ACT preparation tips covering the entire syllabus of the exam.

Q:   Which is the best way to prepare for ACT reading and writing section?
A: 

The best way to prepare for ACT reading and writing section is to read as much as possible and be able to discuss with others. A regular reading habit can prove beneficial in cracking the reading and writing section of ACT exam. Applicants can pick up some literature novels or read a newspaper regularly, this will help in increasing the reading speed of the applicant and the applicant will be able to learn new vocabulary which will be useful in using them in the ACT exam, and overall will help in preparation too. Plus regularity in reading is must so that there is consistency in habit and thought. 

For those who enjoy reading newspapers can enhance their vocabulary by attempting the crossword and other games on the newspaper, this will further help applicants in honing their skills for the reading and writing section of the ACT exam. 

Q:   How can I prepare for the ACT exam?
A: 

Here is how you should preparing for the ACT test:

  1. Go through the ACT exam pattern and understand it thoroughly.
  2. Check out the topics tested in each section of the ACT exam. Prepare for them and then take a mock test to get to know your strengths and weaknesses. 
  3. Focus on your weaknesses - create a study timetable.
  4. Use official preparation materials provided by ACT.  
Q:   How much time is needed to prepare for ACT if I am weak in Maths?
A: 

Maths is all about practice and ACT Math syllabus tests all major topics tested in high school. Thus, there is only one solution, begin preparing for ACT Maths section well before time, as soon as you leave school and look for some good resources to brush up your basics. Once your basics are clear you will not face issues in cracking the ACT Math section questions. Maths for weaker students may be laborious but preparing for it before hand with ample practice can prove beneficial. One should begin Maths section preparation atleast three months prior to ACT exam date. 

Table of content
  • ACT Exam Preparation Tips and Strategies 2025
  • ACT 2025 Prep Tips: English Section
  • ACT Prep Tips 2025: Mathematics Section
  • ACT Prep Tips 2025: Reading Section
  • ACT 2025 Prep Tips: Science Section
  • ACT Preparation 2025: Writing Tips for Essays
  • ACT Prep Tips 2025 FAQs
View More
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ACT Exam Preparation Tips and Strategies 2025

Students who are keen on studying abroad and wish to take the ACT test to prove their college/university readiness must prepare for the exam as per the below-given preparation tips and strategies. 

  1. Know the syllabus and check which topic has the maximum weightage and the ones with the least weightage. Prepare the topics that have high weightage first.
  2. Get back to the basics for conceptual clarity and start from the lowest level to work your way up in preparing for the ACT. Plus, check concepts where you have least or no clarity about and then get to those where your knowledge is apt.
  3. While attempting the MCQs in the ACT exam, be careful about - your speed, read the instructions in questions asked carefully, mark each answer and use logic in difficult questions.
  4. Reviewing your answers in the ACT exam is equally crucial, hence, time yourself in such a manner that there is sufficient time to come back to the questions attempted and review them.

The following preparation tips to crack ACT in a well-thought-out plan would help students more in their preparation phase.

There are four sections that are tested in the ACT exam - English, Mathematics, Science and Reading sections. These sections comprise a total of 215 questions in the MCQ format. The first step towards preparation is to be thorough with the ACT exam syllabus and then section-wise chalk out which sections would take the maximum time to prepare and which ones would take lesser time to prepare. Check out the ACT prep tips below, step-wise in order to crack the exam:

act prep tips

Those topics which the applicant feels would take more time to prepare should be taken up first and those with lesser time can be picked up later. Making a schedule and sticking to it is important. Regular revision of already completed topics can be beneficial, students will gain confidence with each revision. The mock tests are necessary for the students to understand their overall performance. Hence, if these tips are followed, the student will be able to crack the ACT exam with good scores. 

Follow the following ACT prep tips for each section in detail below.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Are 2 months enough to prepare for the ACT exam?
A: 

Yes, a two-month preparation period for the ACT may be sufficient. You need to:

  • Possess a strong understanding of the subjects being tested (English, Math, Reading, Science).
  • Are prepared to commit considerable time and effort to consistent study.
  • Employ effective study techniques and utilize high-quality resources.
  • Concentrate on your areas of weakness and engage in regular practice with official materials.
  • Complete several practice tests under timed conditions to enhance stamina and become accustomed to the test format.
Q:   Is ACT exam difficult for Indian students?
A: 

Yes, ACT exam is generally considered difficult. Here are the reasons for the same:

  • English Section: ACT test's American English usage and conventions differ from the British English commonly taught in India. Hence, it becomes really difficult for students to follow the same pronunciation and colloquial terms as in the USA. 
  • Reading section: The passages in the Reading section of the ACT test contain references to the US culture, which might not be familiar to Indian students.
  • Science section: The Science section in the ACT test focuses on data interpretation and graph analysis, rather than pure scientific concepts. This contradicts with the Indian system in where the stress is more on learning scientific concepts rather than data interpretation and graph analysis.
  • Time limitation: The ACT test offers very little time to perform on each section, which can be challenging for Indian students, especially if English isn't their first language. 
Q:   How to strategise to prepare for ACT exam in a month?
A: 

If the applicant has chosen to appear for ACT exam, then he/she needs to first devise their strategy of preparation. ACT preparation may seem difficult for some while the others may be easy for others. Applicants need to first check how much are they prepared to give the exam. In case the applicants have some confidence in any one or maybe two sections of the ACT, they can easily prepare for the third section of ACT and prepare easily in a month's time. 

This should be the ideal strategy of ACT exam preparation if aiming for a month:

  • Attempt mocks and check how much preparation you need and then identify the green and red areas. 
  • Identify the topics or areas which need maximum help in terms of prep.
  • After the applicants have identified the areas that need maximum preparation, they should devote time to it and work on it. 
  • Keep revising the strong sections or topics at regular time period or on alternate days so that they keep in touch.
  • Finally, attempt mocks so that they help the applicant in understanding their progress overall, plus they are able to target those areas of lapse also.

Following these tips, applicants can prepare for ACT exam in a month's time. 

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ACT 2025 Prep Tips: English Section

As per the ACT exam syllabus, the English section comprises 75 questions. The time allotted for this section is only 45 minutes, hence you need to be really quick.

Always remember the key to Promptness: Speed comes with practice!

  • Observe the writing style in every passage you have to attempt.
  • You need to carefully observe the elements of writing such as tone and emphasis that the text conveys.
  • Be mindful of inquiries with no underlined divides—that implies you will be gotten some information about a segment of the entry or about the section all in all.
  • Examine each answer decision and decide how it contrasts with the others. A considerable lot of inquiries in the test will include more than one part of writing.
  • Select the best answer. Peruse and consider the entirety of the appropriate response decisions before you pick the one that best reacts to the inquiry.
  • Reread the sentence, using the answer you have selected.

Also Read: How to Calculate SAT and ACT Superscore?

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How to prepare for the English section of the ACT exam?
A: 

The best way to prepare for the English section of the ACT exam includes focusing on grammar, practicing with the official ACT study materials, writing conventions, and developing effective time-managing strategies that can save you a lot of time for the tricky questions on the exam.  

Q:   Which is the best way to prepare for ACT reading and writing section?
A: 

The best way to prepare for ACT reading and writing section is to read as much as possible and be able to discuss with others. A regular reading habit can prove beneficial in cracking the reading and writing section of ACT exam. Applicants can pick up some literature novels or read a newspaper regularly, this will help in increasing the reading speed of the applicant and the applicant will be able to learn new vocabulary which will be useful in using them in the ACT exam, and overall will help in preparation too. Plus regularity in reading is must so that there is consistency in habit and thought. 

For those who enjoy reading newspapers can enhance their vocabulary by attempting the crossword and other games on the newspaper, this will further help applicants in honing their skills for the reading and writing section of the ACT exam. 

Q:   What are the tips to prepare for ACT exam?
A: 

There are just a couple of tips that one must keep in mind before preparing for ACT exam:

  • Check the ACT exam syllabus first, mark the topics where the students are confident enough and mark those where they lack confidence.
  • See how much time will you take to prepare for ACT and then begin preparing for the exam based on the timeline keeping the above point in mind.
  • Setting up a schedule and making a timetable and following it is must to crack plus prepare for ACT.
  • A separate time must be kept for attempting mock exams.
  • Those who still need mocks should keep a week or two for extra preparation. 
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ACT Prep Tips 2025: Mathematics Section

The Mathematics section, which has 60 questions, is granted a time slot of 60 minutes. It means that on average, we need to answer 1 question in 1 minute. It seems exhausting, doesn’t it? Luckily Mathematics is a subject, which can be practised as much as possible to increase our speed. Phew!

Calculation Tips: Practice makes a man perfect!

  • The questions are generally twisted, which we often call trick questions. It is suggested that you carefully read the questions in order to understand the kind of answer applicable.
  • Do not rely on a calculator unless you are not sure that it is permitted in the exam and exam centre. Bigger problems can be solved using calculators, which are allowed in such exams.
  • Keep updated with the latest information on types of calculators that are allowed to avoid taking with you a forbidden calculator. Nevertheless, the exam consists of basic level Mathematical problems that can be solved over the fingertips.
  • Increase the basic skills of mathematics by daily practising it daily life. Get thorough with the basics: Addition and Subtraction of large numbers as well as Multiplication and Division in 2-3 digit numbers.
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How can I prepare for the Maths section of my ACT exam?
A: 

To prepare well for the Maths section of the ACT exam, one must work on building strong foundation of the mathematical concepts. For that purpose, you must focus on mastering the fundamental mathematical concepts, practice with different types of mathematical problems, understand the format of the Maths section and work to improve your time management strategy effectively.  

Q:   How hard is the Maths section of the ACT exam?
A: 

The difficulty of the Maths section of the ACT exam can be perceived differently by students as it is subject and is based on the personal strengths and weaknesses of students in particular sections and topics. The most difficult questions of the Maths section of the ACT test are found towards the end of the section. Hence, it can be said that the difficulty and level of questions asked on the ACT exam increase gradually as the test progresses. 

Q:   What are the topics on the Maths section of the ACT exam?
A: 

The ACT exam covers topics that are taught to students right from the start of class 11 studies. These topics include elementary algebra, plane geometry, pre and intermediate algebra, coordinate geometry, and trigonometry.  

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ACT Prep Tips 2025: Reading Section

The ACT Reading Test comprises 40 inquiries that need to be answered in 35 minutes.

  • Read all the passage(s) cautiously.
  • Read and consider the entirety of the appropriate responses before picking the one that is suitable to react to the inquiry.
  • Refer to the passage(s) while solving the questions.
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How can I prepare for the Reading section of the ACT test?
A: 

Since questions on the Reading section of the ACT exam are based on reading and comprehension, you must majorly focus on actively reading multiple passages, access the official PTE study materials and practice tests and understanding the type of questions asked from the given passages, enhance your vocabulary and practice time management. 

Q:   What is the best way to prepare for the reading section of the ACT test?
A: 

To excel on the Reading section of the ACT test, you must begin your practice with reading the real ACT passages, sourced from the official practice tests. The key is to identify the main idea and structure of each passage provided to you.  

Q:   How can I perform the Reading section of the ACT test quickly if I'm left with less time?
A: 

When you're short on time for the reading section of your ACT exam, you can go by the following strategies to perform well, yet in short time on the ACT exam:

  • Try skimming: Instead of close-reading each line of the given passage, scan quickly for certain topics from the asked questions, main ideas and highlighted information. 
  • Focus on key words: Before proceeding on to attempt the questions, just skim through the given passage and highlight any important key words and phrases.
  • Answer to questions with line references first: Just look through the set of questions asked and identify the ones that refer to a line in the passage. These questions can be answered directly by referring to the line in question. 
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ACT 2025 Prep Tips: Science Section

A genuine ACT Science Test comprises 40 questions that need to be replied in 35 minutes only.

  • Read the entire passage cautiously.
  • Refer to the logical data given in the passage while addressing the question.
  • Read and consider all the choices given before picking the one that best reacts to the question.
  • Note viewpoints that are conflicting in certain passages.
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the best way to prepare for the ACT exam?
A: 

The best way to prepare for the ACT exam is to start by taking a diagnostic test to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Then, focus your study on the areas where you need the most improvement, utilising official ACT practice materials and guides. Regular practice with timed practice tests will help you build strategy and improve your pacing for exam day.

Q:   Is 17.5 a good ACT score?
A: 

An ACT score of 17.5 is below the national average. While it might meet the minimum requirements for some colleges, it generally won't be good enough for the top-tier universities. Aiming for an ACT score above 20s would significantly improve your college options.

Q:   Are two months enough to prepare for the ACT exam?
A: 

Yes, with a focused and consistent plan, two months can be enough to prepare well for the ACT exam. This time is enough to identify any weaknesses that you may have in a subject, review the content you are using for preparation, practice with full-length tests, and refine test-taking strategies.

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ACT Preparation 2025: Writing Tips for Essays

Those applicants who choose to go for the additional writing section will have to prepare along the lines of writing an essay. Check out the following tips for essay tasks for the preparation of the ACT writing section:

  • Write a unified, coherent essay about the increasing presence of intelligent machines.
  • Clearly express your own viewpoint on the issue and analyse the connection between your point of view and at least one other point of view.
  • Give reasoning and examples to develop and support your thoughts.
  • Your ideas should be clear and logical.
  • Communicate your ideas in an effective standard written English

Your viewpoint might be the same as the given or it may match partially or it can be completely different.

About the ACT Writing Test

The ACT writing test is a 40-minute essay test designed to measure the writing skills of the applicant. This is a paper-and-pencil test. This test comprises one writing prompt that will describe a complex issue and present three different perspectives on that issue. Candidates have to write an essay with a pencil on the lined pages of an answer folder that is provided to them.

The ACT writing test is meant to complement the English and reading tests. The results derived from these tests help undergraduate colleges with students’ understanding of the conventions of standard written English and their skills to produce a direct sample of writing. Further, the writing test can only be taken after taking all four multiple-choice tests in the same session.

Candidates are asked to read the prompt given and write an essay in which they can develop their own perspectives on the issue. The essay written by you should analyse the relationship between your perspective as well as one or more other perspectives. Candidates are allowed to adopt a perspective from the prompt, partially or fully. Apart from this, candidates are also allowed to generate their own perspectives. Your ACT score will not be affected by the point of view you select on the issue.

Few colleges ask for the ACT writing test score. So, candidates should decide whether they have to take the test or not based on the requirements of the colleges they are applying to.

Why is the ACT Writing Test Optional?

As undergraduate institutions have different requirements, we offer the ACT writing test as an option.

  • Undergraduate institutions decide whether they require ACT writing test scores for admissions or for course placement purposes. 
  • Aspirants themselves decide whether they have to take the writing test or not based on the requirements of the colleges they are trying to take admission to. 

Aspirants need not take the test they do not want to take and incur unnecessary expenses, and colleges also have the freedom to ask for tests that meet their information needs.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How can I prepare for the ACT essay writing?
A: 

To get ready for the ACT essay, you should read a lot, keep up with current events, and write regularly to sharpen your skills. When the test day arrives, make sure to grasp the prompt and the viewpoints given, then take some time to brainstorm and outline your argument before crafting a clear thesis and backing it up with specific examples in your body paragraphs.

Q:   How to get 100% on an ACT essay?
A: 

To achieve a top score on the ACT essay, you must:

  1. carefully analyse the prompt to understand the different perspectives and formulate your own nuanced argument.
  2. develop your position with strong reasoning and specific examples, clearly articulating your analysis of the given perspectives.
  3. organise your essay logically with a clear introduction, body paragraphs that develop your points, and a concluding summary, all while demonstrating proficient language use.
Q:   How to improve your ACT score by 10 points?
A: 

To improve your ACT test scores by 10 points, you need to identify the areas of your weakness and strengths abnd then work accordingly on your weaker areas. Using the official ACT study materials and strategies, consistent practising with timed sections, and reviewing incorrect answers can help you a lot in getting good marks on the ACT.

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ACT Prep Tips 2025 FAQs

Here are the commonly asked questions about the ACT test preparation:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is it okay to rely on online material for ACT prep?
A: 

Yes, it is okay to rely on online test prep material for ACT exam preparation. But the only condition is to check out only those resources that are either available on the official website of ACT or if they are available elsewhere but have a recognition of their courses offered. Applicants must beware of scams and avoid falling into their trap and losing out on money. Check ACT website regularly for updates and also for official ACT prep material available.

Q:   Does ACT prep material help cracking ACT exam?
A: 

Prep material for ACT exam is to aid students in their preparation for the exam. Thus, applicants should not keep any expectations like - if the questions they come across in ACT prep material will come as it is in the ACT exam or if the questions are the same as that of ACT prep material, maybe the options maybe shuffled in the main paper. The material will only help students in gaining momentum for their exam preparation and based on their preparation, they will be able to appear for the main exam confidently.

Q:   How can I prepare for the optional writing section for ACT exam?
A: 

In order to prepare for ACT optional writing section, applicants will have to prepare on various topics to test how they write and get them evaluated from their school teachers for a genuine and productive feedback. Check out if your writing practice is up to the mark by attempting these topics:

  • Human Intelligence vs Artificial Intelligence
  • Inflation and its Repurcussions
  • Benefits of Reading Literature
  • Technological Advancements: A Boon or Bane for Modern Society
Q:   Is ACT preparation difficult for high school students?
A: 

ACT preparation may be difficult for a few students, while it may not be for some other. There are four sections on ACT and its not mandatory that all students are pro in all sections. Some applicants may have a strong point in Math and Science while others may find Reading and Writing easier. Thus, it completely depends upon the candidate where he/she is comfortable, hence the ACT prep will be easier for stronger sections and difficult for not so confident areas.

Q:   Can I prepare for ACT from NCERTs?
A: 

If the syllabus of ACT is similar to the topics available in the NCERT, Indian applicants can readily prepare for ACT from there. This can prove to be another resource material for the applicants if preparing for ACT from NCERTs and there may be more questions available for practice as well. 

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Comments

(3)

36833359
Dheeraj Paliwal

a year ago

In there 4 section excluding writing part. Is optional like maths and Science section

Reply to Dheeraj Paliwal

36833359
Dheeraj Paliwal

a year ago

in ACT exam

T

TEJ Since 2004

4 years ago

na bro they removed it now. Hyderabad isn't listed due to covid

Reply to TEJ Since 2004

R

Rahul Singha

4 years ago

Thanks for the update Tej.

T

TEJ Since 2004

4 years ago

Why Hyderabad isn't there.

Reply to TEJ Since 2004

its there bruhh

R

Rahul Singha

4 years ago

Hello Tej. Hyderabad is listed as an ACT test centre. Kindly re-check the page.