Life doesn’t just stop to prepare for the ACT. As a busy student, you face balancing school, extracurriculars, and life while studying for the ACT test. Time is often limited for your study efforts, which is why efficient, short study sessions are the key to success. Believe it or not, you don’t need hours each day to get a high score on the ACT. In this blog, we’ll discuss: efficient techniques, a 3-month evolving study plan, and how to maximize every minute of your ACT practice test. You’ll spend less time asking “how to study for ACT test?” and more time actually studying for ACT test.
The Power of 25-Minute Sessions: Why Short Study Bursts Work
Brain Science. Researchers have proven that shorter, focused sessions are more effective for retention than long, drawn-out ones, as they prevent burnout and improve focus. “Our results support the idea that wakeful rest plays just as important a role as practice in learning a new skill. It appears to be the period when our brains compress and consolidate memories of what we just practiced,” said Leonardo G. Cohen, M.D., senior investigator at the NIH’s National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. You might be thinking, “okay, that’s great and all, but where do I find 25 minutes to spare?” Here are a few ideas:
- Early in the morning
- During commutes (think of public transit or if you’re parents are your chauffeur). Please, for the love of life, put your phone down while you drive
- Lunch breaks
- Before bed (highly effective for memory retention)
When it comes to how to prepare for ACT test, think quality of time over quantity of time. If you want to extend your quantity of time to find a good balance, start preparing for your test sooner. Ideally, you want to have six to three months of consistent, weekly study time before your test to get the most out of your prep.
Initial Step for Maximum Efficiency: ACT Diagnostic Test
A test, right off the bat? YES. Hear us out. Taking an ACT diagnostic test will show you the content that you need to focus on and the material you are most familiar with. Knowing these things in advance is key for maximum efficiency in your study efforts, so you can spend time on strengthening the areas that will influence your score the most. Think of this diagnostic test as a guide for your initial study efforts, showing you how to prepare for ACT test in a manner that is most suited to you! Lucky for you, Peterson’s ACT Prep Course, has a diagnostic test for you!
Study Techniques for Maximum Impact
Now that you’ve taken the ACT diagnostic test, let’s discuss how to use the results of the ACT diagnostic test to prioritize subjects/topics:
- If your diagnostic results indicate that you scored low on questions involving geometry in the math section, it would be a good idea to focus your study efforts on the geometry sections within the test prep course.
- If your diagnostic results indicate that you are strong in conventions of standard English for the English portion of the exam, consider brushing up on this subject once or twice a month to maintain your skill in this area.
Other methods to consider:
- Practice Active Recall & Spaced Repetition: Recall information through flashcards and quizzing (like the ones available to you with a Peterson’s Subscription)
- Utilize ACT Practice Test Answers Explanations: Review every question, right or wrong, to extract maximum learning from ACT practice test answers and explanations in those short bursts (Peterson’s has your back with detailed answer explanations for every question of our ACT practice tests)
- ACT Prep & ACT Test Practice Online: Digital tools make quick, targeted practice accessible. You can take an ACT practice test as many times as you need
- Simulating Test Conditions (Even in Short Bursts): Integrate timed practice, even if it’s just a single section, to get familiar with ACT test prep questions
Your 3-Month Evolving Study Plan and ACT Practice Test Plan for Busy Students
Overall Philosophy: Start broad, then narrow focus based on performance. Adaptability is key.
Month 1: Foundation & Diagnostic
- Week 1-2: Take a full-length ACT diagnostic test. Don’t worry about the score; focus on identifying strengths and weaknesses. Review ACT practice test answers explanations meticulously, and form areas to focus on based on your results.
- Week 3-4: Dedicate 25-minute sessions to reviewing foundational concepts in your weakest areas. Use Peterson’s Test Prep to guide how to study for ACT test. Focus on understanding the format of ACT test prep questions.
Month 2: Targeted Practice & Strategy
- Weeks 5-6: Focus 25-minute sessions on specific question types within your weakest sections. Utilize ACT test practice online for drills.
- Weeks 7-8: Introduce timed practice of individual sections. Prioritize reviewing ACT practice test answers explanations for every question. Begin integrating strategies for pacing and time management.
Month 3: Full-Length Tests & Refinement
- Weeks 9-10: Take at least one full-length ACT practice test per week. Treat it like the real thing. Spend time reviewing ACT practice test answers explanations from these tests.
- Week 11: Refine strategies, review notes and course lessons, and focus on any lingering weak areas. Short, focused review sessions.
- Week 12 (Final Week): Light review, stress management, ensure you know how to prepare for ACT test logistics. Avoid burnout.
Flexibility Note: This is a template; adjust this timeline based on your individual progress and life demands.
Maximizing Your 25-Minute Sessions: Practical Tips
- Create a Dedicated Study Space (Even a Small One): Minimize distractions.
- Set Clear Goals for Each Session: “In this 25 minutes, I will review 10 math problems.”
- Eliminate Distractions: Turn off notifications.
- Use a Timer: Stick to your 25-minute time limit.
- Track Progress: Log what you’ve studied and your scores on ACT practice test sections.
- Reward Yourself: Positive reinforcement for consistent effort.
To recap, you may be a busy high school student, but we assure you that it’s possible to manage your obligations while studying for the ACT and raising your score. The key is strategizing with short, consistent study sessions. Remember to start your ACT studying well in advance of the test, ideally at six to three months before your test date. Streamline your efforts with a Peterson’s subscription today, which will also give you access to SAT, CLT, and even more test prep, all for one price.
