Preparing for the ACT in three months may feel overwhelming, but it’s entirely possible with the right approach.
This timeline gives you enough time to master the material, improve your test-taking strategies, and build the stamina needed to perform well on test day.
By following this detailed plan, you’ll stay on track and maximize your score.
Month 1: Establish a strong foundation
The first month is all about understanding the ACT and building the groundwork for a structured study routine. This phase ensures you know what to expect and what areas need the most focus.
1. Learn the ACT structure and format
Familiarize yourself with the ACT structure:
- The ACT includes English, Math, Reading, and Science sections, with an optional Writing section.
- Each section is timed, requiring you to balance speed and accuracy.
Learn the scoring system:
- Each section is scored on a scale of 1–36, and the composite score is the average of these four.
- Colleges often publish the ACT scores of their admitted students, so research your target schools to set a realistic score goal.
Example: If your dream college’s middle 50% ACT score range is 28–32, aim for a composite score of at least 30.
2. Take a diagnostic test
- Take a full-length practice test under timed conditions to mimic the actual test environment.
- Use official materials from the ACT website or reputable prep books to ensure accuracy.
- Analyze your results to identify strengths and weaknesses in specific sections.
Breakdown of your analysis:
| Section | Score | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 25 | Punctuation, sentence flow | Parallel structure, idioms |
| Math | 21 | Algebra, basic geometry | Trigonometry, statistics |
| Reading | 24 | Main idea, tone identification | Inference questions |
| Science | 22 | Graph interpretation | Conflicting viewpoints |
3. Begin building fundamentals
Once you’ve identified your weak areas, focus on building core skills in each section:
English:
- Master grammar rules like subject-verb agreement, comma usage, and modifiers.
- Practice editing sentences to improve clarity and conciseness.
Math:
- Review algebra, geometry, and number operations.
- Use online tools like Khan Academy for targeted practice in weak areas.
Reading:
- Learn to skim passages efficiently for main ideas.
- Practice identifying key details and summarizing paragraphs in your own words.
Science:
- Familiarize yourself with interpreting charts, graphs, and data.
- Focus on understanding experimental setups and results.
Tip: Dedicate 1–2 hours a day to focused study, and take one day off each week to recharge.
Month 2: Strengthen weaknesses and practice strategies
The second month shifts focus to targeted improvement in weaker areas and developing effective test-taking strategies.
4. Focus on weaker sections
Dedicate extra time to the sections where you scored lowest in your diagnostic test:
English:
- Work on advanced grammar concepts, such as redundancy and misplaced modifiers.
- Practice improving sentence structure for better flow and coherence.
Math:
- Solve problems involving complex equations, matrices, and trigonometric identities.
- Learn to recognize patterns in word problems to solve them faster.
Reading:
- Practice reading passages under timed conditions.
- Focus on improving speed without sacrificing comprehension.
Science:
- Analyze experiments with multiple variables and conflicting viewpoints.
- Practice answering questions based on graphs or diagrams without reading the full text.
5. Practice test-taking strategies
- Elimination method: Cross out clearly incorrect answers to narrow your options.
- Pacing yourself: Aim to spend a specific amount of time per question (e.g., 36 seconds per English question).
- Strategic guessing: Since there’s no penalty for incorrect answers, never leave a question blank. If you’re unsure, take an educated guess.
6. Work on timing with practice sections
Begin practicing individual sections under timed conditions. This will help you get used to the pace required for the ACT.
Table: Timing per section
| Section | Total time | Number of questions | Time per question |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 45 minutes | 75 | ~36 seconds |
| Math | 60 minutes | 60 | 1 minute |
| Reading | 35 minutes | 40 | ~52 seconds |
| Science | 35 minutes | 40 | ~52 seconds |
By the end of Month 2, you should feel more comfortable with both the content and the pace of the test.
Month 3: Polish, simulate, and finalize
The final month focuses on refining your skills, simulating the actual test, and preparing mentally and logistically for test day.
7. Take full-length practice tests
- Simulate test-day conditions: Take at least two full-length practice tests in a quiet environment with no interruptions.
- Review mistakes thoroughly: Don’t just note what you got wrong—analyze why you got it wrong and how to avoid similar errors in the future.
- Track progress: Compare your new scores with your diagnostic test to measure improvement.
8. Build stamina and maintain focus
The ACT is over three hours long, so mental endurance is essential. Train yourself to focus for extended periods:
- Extend study sessions gradually: Start with 30–60 minutes and increase weekly to 2–3 hours by the final month. Include 5–10 minute breaks to practice resetting your focus.
- Simulate test conditions: Take full-length practice tests with timed sections and breaks. Avoid distractions like phones or unnecessary pauses to replicate the real environment.
- Practice transitions: Train your brain to shift between English, Math, Reading, and Science by alternating topics during study sessions.
- Maintain focus: When your mind wanders, pause briefly, take a deep breath, and refocus to build sustained concentration.
Why stamina matters:
- Prevents burnout: By training your endurance, you’re less likely to feel mentally drained midway through the test.
- Enhances focus: Practice builds the ability to stay present and engaged, even during challenging sections.
- Boosts confidence: Knowing you can sustain focus for the entire test gives you an edge on test day.
9. Review and reinforce
| Focus area | What to review | Tips for practice |
|---|---|---|
| Math formulas | Memorize key formulas like the quadratic formula, Pythagorean theorem, area of circles, and trigonometric ratios (sine, cosine, tangent). | Use flashcards or formula sheets during practice. Quiz yourself to recall formulas without prompts. |
| Grammar rules | Review subject-verb agreement, parallel structure, punctuation (commas, colons), and commonly tested idioms. | Practice sentence corrections using ACT English practice tests. Review error explanations for patterns. |
| Reading strategies | Practice answering inference-based and tone-related questions. Focus on summarizing main ideas and identifying supporting details. | Time yourself reading passages and answering questions. Annotate passages to highlight key information. |
10. Prepare for test day logistics
The night before:
Pack your bag:
- Admission ticket (printed).
- Photo ID.
- Calculator with extra batteries.
- No. 2 pencils (at least three).
- Snacks and water.
Relax: Avoid heavy study sessions. Instead, review key strategies and concepts lightly.
On test day:
Morning routine:
- Eat a balanced breakfast with protein and carbs (e.g., eggs and whole-grain toast).
- Arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes early.
During the test:
- Use your breaks wisely to stretch, hydrate, and refocus.
- If you encounter a tough question, skip it and move on to avoid wasting time.
Weekly study plan overview
| Week | Focus area | Key activities |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Understand the test structure | Learn format, set score goals, take diagnostic test. |
| Week 2 | Build core skills | Focus on grammar, math basics, reading comprehension, and charts. |
| Weeks 3–4 | Strengthen weak areas | Dive into targeted sections based on diagnostic results. |
| Weeks 5–6 | Practice with time constraints | Timed sections, pacing strategies, and elimination techniques. |
| Weeks 7–8 | Full-length practice | Simulate test-day conditions, review mistakes, and refine timing. |
| Week 9 | Build endurance | Take full tests without breaks to improve focus. |
| Week 10 | Final review and polish | Reinforce key concepts, pacing, and transitions. |
| Weeks 11–12 | Test-day preparation | Relax, pack essentials, and review lightly. |
Additional tips for success
- Use official resources: Download free practice tests from the ACT website and supplement with reputable prep books like Princeton Review.
- Join a study group: Sharing strategies with peers can make studying more engaging and productive.
- Incorporate breaks: Study in intervals, such as 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break.
- Practice mindfulness: Techniques like deep breathing or meditation can help reduce test anxiety.
Conclusion
Preparing for the ACT in three months requires focus, organization, and dedication, but it’s completely achievable with the right plan.
By starting with a strong foundation, targeting weak areas, and simulating test conditions, you’ll build the skills and confidence needed to excel.
Stick to your schedule, use your resources wisely, and remember that consistent effort leads to success.
You’re ready to conquer the ACT!