Remember the last time you knew you should’ve done something and didn’t, then suffered the consequences? Or perhaps, remember the last time you wished you had known something before going into a situation, and were met with consequences from a lack of knowledge? When it comes to the ACT test, we’re here to help you avoid any “I wish I had known” or “I should’ve” situations. After all, the ACT test isn’t just about what you know. It’s also about how you perform under pressure, and that sort of reflex takes time to hone. This guide highlights the top 11 mistakes to avoid to ensure you get the highest score ACT test possible and avoid regret. Think of this as your initial and final piece of ACT test advice for studying for ACT test.
The 11 Most Common ACT Test Mistakes
1. Ignoring the Final Countdown: Cramming the night before.
Solution: Sleep is crucial to memory retrieval, so it’s imperative that you get plenty of it leading up to the test AND on the night before the test. Find the best way to study for ACT test months in advance so that you can consistently drill concepts and not cram, leading to even better memory on test day. Studying for ACT test should be a muscle you exercise often, not just the night before.
2. Underestimating Logistics: Not knowing where you’re going or what you need for ACT test day.
Solution: When deciding how to prepare for ACT test, we often don’t think of test day logistics, and instead focus all our attention on ACT test prep. Do a dry run to the test center with your choice of transport a few days before (making sure that timing is reliable), pack your ID, admission ticket, and approved calculator the night before, so that you are prepared to walk out the door the day of the test.
3. Forgetting Your Fuel: Skipping breakfast or eating a sugary meal.
Solution: One of the simple yet often overlooked ACT test tips is proper fueling. You don’t want your stomach to be battling for your attention (or anyone else’s… hello tummy growls) throughout the test. Eat a balanced, protein-rich breakfast. Stay hydrated. Feed to speed through the test.
4. The Time Trap: Spending too much time on a difficult ACT test question.
Solution: Learn to recognize when you’re stuck and move on. When you dwell on questions you are uncertain about, you reduce the amount of time for questions you know. An online ACT practice test will help you with timing and prioritization of this skill.
5. The Blank Bubble Mistake: Leaving questions unanswered.
Solution: There is no penalty for guessing. Always fill in an answer, even if you’re guessing. Your ACT test score could unexpectedly benefit from this one if you get the answer right!
6. Not Taking ACT Practice Tests: These are your reps before liftoff.
Solution: This is your chance to see what your ACT test score might be, and it’s an opportunity to zero in on concepts that you might need support with. ACT online practice tests will help you identify areas where you need specific ACT test help. You can master these concepts with a tutor in our 3- and 6-month subscriptions or review your answers with our detailed answer explanations in your ACT online practice tests. ACT practice tests are your secret weapon to better and better scores on your ACT tests.
7. Mismanaging the Answer Sheet: Getting off by one and bubbling in the wrong answers.
Solution: Periodically check that your question number matches the number on your answer sheet. This is a tedious process, but very necessary!
8. Ignoring Your Pencils and Calculator: Bringing the wrong ACT supplies.
Solution: Bring at least two sharpened No. 2 pencils (with a hearty eraser) and an approved calculator with fresh batteries or a full charge.
9. Not taking the test more than once if you get a low score: You can take the ACT as many times as you need to get the score you desire.
Solution: Don’t be scared to take the test again and again! Since the ACT is a significant portion of time, you’d be better served taking an ACT practice test with answers and explanations over and over, so that you can save time and money on the ACT test. Ensuring you know how to prepare for ACT test with practice tests will pay off big time – that’s our best ACT test advice.
10. Letting Anxiety Win: Allowing nerves to take over.
Solution: Remember that your ACT test scores are a few test scores out of many in your life. Keep studying for ACT test to battle the nerves and build confidence. On test day, take a deep breath. Trust in your preparation and the strategies you’ve developed.
11. Not aiming for a high score: Not believing you are capable of such ACT Test mastery.
Solution: LISTEN UP. You can do anything you put your mind to. Aim high for your ACT test score, challenge yourself as you study, form a study group, build a community around the ACT test test, and encourage other students (as well as yourself!). You’ve got this.
Wrap-Up
By taking this ACT test advice to heart, you’ll avoid these 11 common ACT test pitfalls and walk into the ACT test center with confidence. Your hard work in taking ACT practice tests and your commitment to studying for ACT test will pay off! Good luck (although we have a feeling you won’t need it)!
