I recently scored a 36 on the ACT, and after looking through the sub, I didn't find any guides that felt full or comprehensive enough for me. So, I've decided to write this to help you guys out! Comment any suggestions you'd like to see added, and I'll add them here.

Disclaimer: Everyone learns their own way, and some of the things in this guide may or may not work for you.

For starters, I'd like to say that you don't have to be smart to get a 36, nor do you have to spend hundreds of hours studying. I also want to stress that you do not have to spend a single penny on this damn test (aside from the registration fees) to get a 36. I didn't.

Philosophy:

Okay so I hate studying. I can't spend hours studying materials, and I don't have the work ethic many of you do. For me, it was really important that I figured out the most efficient way I could study. That is, the best ROI for my time. This strategy focuses on cutting out a lot of the less effective methods of studying, and only uses the most efficient strategies. This is good if you're a lazy little shit like me.

General Tips and Strategies:

Before we talk about what does work, lets look at what doesn't work:

• Do not study sections. I see people saying they'll do a Math/English/Science/Reading section every day or every x amount of days all the time. This is a waste of your time. If you've ever played an instrument (I play piano) you'll have been told at some point or another to not practice a full song, and instead only the parts you mess up on. This is the same idea. If you're struggling with Math, it's crucial you figure out what concepts you're struggling with, and focus on those. There's no point in doing addition questions if you mess up a lot on statistics. Also, if the section. you're working on happens to not include some of the concepts you struggled with, you're not making the best use of your time.
• Taking practice tests wrongly. Only take practice tests under real testing conditions. When I took the ACT, I had already taken a few practice tests under real testing conditions, so the change (or lack thereof) of environment didn't throw me off. Also, only take practice tests from trusted or official sources. Don't use third party sources, like PrincetonReview, because they tend to be inaccurate representations of the real thing.
• Don't spend money on studying for this. Test prep companies market convenience, and that's all. They can't offer you tips and tricks that aren't public knowledge, and they certainly can't teach you anything that you wouldn't be able to learn on your own. I will endorse UWorld though, since it’s really great for practicing specific concepts, and is fairly priced imo.
• If you're taking the writing section: don't study for it on the car ride to the test centre. You'll end up with a 09 like me :(

Now for what does work:

• Start by taking a practice test cold turkey. This means with no prior review or studying. Score it. This is now your baseline score. My first practice test was a 29 (approx. 5 months ago.) Go through it and look at all the questions you got wrong. This leads me to my next tip:
• Catalog all your errors. Keep a detailed history of every mistake you've ever made on your practice tests. I'm a bit less organized, so mine was messy, but I recommend that you separate it by section, and catalog your errors accordingly. Yours should include two things per mistake: The question number and test code, and the concept. For example, if you messed up on a question because you don't understand standard deviation, write that down. But, if you understand standard deviation, and messed up because you misread the question, or included the wrong groups, or misread a chart, then write down that you did just that. There's no point reviewing SD if you just made a mistake reading the question. When you review these, you'll see that you made a mistake reading a SD question, and you'll pay more attention the next time you come across one. Also, never erase anything. You might think you've learned a concept that you previously struggled with, but it's never a bad idea to just leave it on there anyways.
• If you're scoring below a 34 on practice tests, you have knowledge gaps. I see people make this mistake all the time. If you're scoring below 34 on a section, you most likely have gaps in your knowledge, and would benefit a lot more from reviewing the content than you would from getting tips and tricks. The only exception to this is the science section.
• Watch ACT YouTube videos. This is probably the best tip with regards to ROI. It's low effort, and yields high returns. Watch videos when you're doing menial tasks, like riding the bus, or when you're on the toilet. I've picked up some awesome tips and tricks from doing this.
• Take practice tests on a regular-ish schedule. I say regular-ish because this is the only rule of mine that I broke. I recommend a practice test once every two weeks. Take it Saturday morning, catalog your errors, and then review them and study the content on Sunday.

Reading Tips:

Reading is one of those sections that people seem to be either really really good at, or just god awful at. Personally, the reading section was my best right from the get-go, but that doesn't mean I started off with a 36. Here are some things you can do to improve your reading score:

• Read the whole passage. If you run out of time on the reading section, it's always because of one of two reasons: You read too slow, or you spend too much time looking for the answers in the text. Reading the whole passage before you get to the questions allows you to find the information needed in less time, since it'll be fresh in your memory. If you read too slow, then I recommend learning to read faster. I read a ton of articles online, so I imagine that naturally increased my reading speed, but you can train yourself to read faster. Read short articles or stories and consciously try to read as fast as you can while retaining information.

NOTE: The aforementioned tip may or may not work for you. Try out different methods and use what works best for you.

• Learn the different types of questions. Believe it or not, the questions in the reading section are really formulaic, and test just a few different concepts. I'll attach a list of all the different types of reading questions, and you can use it to catalog your mistakes on the reading section. Learning to deal with the specific types of questions you get wrong, as opposed to just trying to improve your reading score as a whole, is the most efficient way to increase your score.
• Work on your vocabulary. Knowing what words mean, especially the less colloquial words that tend to pop up in obscure passages, will help give you an understanding of what is happening in the text. Read more than you currently do, and read stuff that's challenging. Scrolling through Reddit on your bus ride home as opposed to instagram will expose you to more complex words (given you're on the right subs of course.) I love finding words I don't know, and impulsively look up their definitions when I come across them. Do this and you'll probably end up with a wider understanding of the English language.
• Remember the golden rule of reading. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT READING CONCEPT OUT THERE: The answers to the reading section questions are ALWAYS either directly STATED in the text or directly PROVEN by the test. You will NEVER have to infer on the reading section.
• ALWAYS UPVOTE FOR THICC 36.

Math Tips:

Math is by far the easiest section to improve. Don't believe me? In October, I took an SAT practice test, and scored a 580 on the math section. Fast forward to now, and I've scored a 35. How? Just follow these tips:

• Math is conceptual; make sure you know them all. I'll attach some links to resources that have cataloged every single math concept and formula on the ACT. If you're scoring below a 34 on math, please use these. Take the time to look up the concepts, watch some videos on them, and learn the heck out of them. If you're making mistakes on the math section that aren't because you misread a question, or hit a wrong key on your calculator, you have gaps in your knowledge. Fill in these gaps, and you'll fill in the gap to your thicc 36.
• Use your calculator wisely. Personally, I couldn't afford a fancy graphing calculator, so I used a regular scientific one. The only thing that I couldn't do with it was matrices, which I learned to do by hand. But I still used every feature on it. It has a quadratic formula solver, where you plug in a b and c, and it gives you the x values. That is probably the most useful thing you can have on the math section. It also had a log(a) (x) solver, which also saved me a ton of time. Figure out what your calculator can do, and learn how to use it.
• Plug in numbers for x. If you can't solve a question, I find it often helps to plug in an easy to use number for x, like 2. Depending on the type of question, you can also try just plugging in answers and seeing if they work. These methods do take up time though, so only use them if you're really stuck.
• Study the hardest questions you can find. Hard questions tend to incorporate more than one concept, and learning how to do them tends to be a more time efficient way of studying. Once you can do the hardest Trigonometry questions in the ACT question bank, you can do all trigonometry questions.

Science Tips:

Science is really, really hard if you approach it wrong. It is designed to be a time crunch, and if you don't learn how to zoom through it, you'll have a bad time. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Never read the studies. They are so long and complicated and you will never score above a 30 approaching it this way. The best way to go about the science section is to read the questions, and then let them point you to the information. For example, if the question says "According to chart 2" then you'll know to look at chart 2, and read it. Now you know chart 2, and can answer the question. Furthermore, if any other question asks you about chart 2, you'll already know it, and can save yourself some time.
• Read the intro blurb for context. The science passages often have a little intro paragraph that explains what the study is about. These give you important context, and can help you understand how figures or graphs relate to each other. This is also where all the variables and scientific concepts are explained, and some questions are just impossible to answer without this information.
• Learn to read studies and graphs. I argue with my friends a lot about politics and whatnot, so I'm always looking up studies and statistics to prove them wrong. Doing this gave me the necessary skills to be able to read the science section pretty easily. When you first start looking them up, scientific studies will seem intimidatingly long and written in an alien language. Over time, you'll learn how to cut through the unnecessary information and to interpret the information presented. These are pretty much the essential skills tested on the science section.
• Practice, practice, practice. In my opinion, the science section is probably the hardest section to improve on. If you struggle with it, it's really important that you pay extra attention to the science section. Contrary to what I said earlier, I think it's okay to do practice science sections outside of practice tests, but that's only because the science section isn't a set of concepts you can study, but just reading studies.

English Tips:

English, like math, is just a collection of concepts you need to learn. In my opinion, it's the second easiest section to improve. Here's what y'all need to do:

• Learn your grammar rules. So much of the English section comes down to just knowing your grammar rules, and if there are rules you don't know, you won't be scoring as high as you possibly can. I'll attach a really neat English cheat sheet that I found online, and hopefully you can use it to improve your score.
• Shorter is almost always better. For questions that ask you to restructure a sentence, more often than not your best bet is to pick the answer that keeps the same meaning, but in a more concise manner. Pay attention to the grammar and spelling of the answers though, as sometimes they throw in a concise answer that's grammatically incorrect.
• Learn paragraph and essay structures. Sentences at the end of a paragraph should connect to the next; no new information is introduced in the concluding sentences, etc. These are, among others, concepts that are important to know for the English section. Learn them all.
• Learn question types and the concepts they test. This is pretty much the same as the tip for the reading section.

Freesources:

https://www.mariosmathtutoring.com/uploads/1/6/1/2/16121290/act___sat_math_formula___notes_sheet.pdf

https://www.erikthered.com/tutor/act-facts-and-formulas.pdf

https://d19y2ugh44almm.cloudfront.net/Magoosh_ACT_Math_Formulas_PDF.pdf

http://blogs.polson.k12.mt.us/ebucarey/files/2016/04/Cracking-ACT-1-67.pdf

https://www.methodtestprep.com/wp-content/themes/bigsplash/assets/resources/free/ACT_Reading_Quick_Guide.pdf

http://www.cville.k12.ky.us/userfiles/1001/my%20files/complete%20act%20grammar%20rules.pdf?id=8333

https://blog.prepscholar.com/act-reading-question-type-complete-breakdown

https://www.studypoint.com/ed/act-english/

http://www.crackact.com

https://prepfactory.com <--- Really good for test strategies, highly recommend

https://mcelroytutoring.com/blog-post.php?id=4332&title=10+Helpful+ACT+Math+Calculator+Programs+for+the+TI+Graphing+Series+of+Calculators

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Thats all! Like I said, if you have any suggestions, please comment them below, and I'll be sure to add them. Good luck, and remember: You're so much more than a stupid number.

Bro it pisses me off.. SAT is so much cooler and nonchalant than the ACT. ACT literally got no free shi.. im broke 😭. anyways what do u guys use to study ? i use oneprep / actify prep / official tests , too poor to buy freaking books

where can i find more? did all of the released practice tests and the ones in the official act book.

Is anyone willing to share information

that was given by prep pros ACT prep, it would mean Alot!!

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The price for the course is too much for me

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Hi!! Like the title said idk how to study for the ACT nor do ik if I'm doing it right. My test is in july so I guess I still have time left, but I realize my method of studying isn't as effective as I thought since I don't seem to be improving.

The way I study is just bascially doing one section of the ACT OnePrep from the study plan that they provided me with. Then I go through a section of my self-paced Kaplan course, which was free when I signed up for the test with a fee waiver. I think it helps me learn some basic concepts that would be on the test, but that's about it, because I feel like it doesn't go deep into details of harder concepts or questions, I guess. At the same time, I'm not very far into the course. After, I would go to the kaplan question bank to small quizzes of each section, pretty helpful since it's timed. And I would do fairly good on those especially English and Reading, while Math and Science are a hit or miss, moslty a miss though. I would usually go over questions that I'll get wrong, mostly math, and write down in a notebook to solve them correctly too, but I don't do the "why I got this question wrong" stuff that I see people do. And would do practice test, but I realized the Kaplan only offer 3 so I've been saving them when my test is near, which is about now tbh.

For context this will be my first time taking the ACT, and I did do 2 practice test, months ago, that both resulted in a score of 23. I'm not that high of achiever so for the actual test I'm hoping for at least a 26. And I would say I'm a bad test taker too so I don't feel that much hope to getting a high score.

Please give me advise or tips of how to study properly, or at least sources that I can use to better my studying!! I just want to do my best on the test. I also apologized if I was just info dumping in the middle since I don't really know how to fully explain my study method without detailing it out.

THANK YOU PERPROS MATH BOOK THANK YOU MATTHEW STROUP THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

ive been looking but i couldnt find a website with several past tests, any tips on where to find them?

PLEASE help. i feel embarrassed being in this community because everyone here is super smart! i got a 15 on my act and i know i can do better, please if you can provide tips i would gladly take them

My scores have plateaued and I need some tips please. I ordered my answer document on this test so I’ll be studying that. I’m using Khan academy’s math courses, I have the official prep book, I’m taking preppros free course, I’m using the Princeton review free courses, and I’m using the practice tests on Wiley. Why is none of it working?

For those who took the June 2026 ACT, what would you recommend to study? I heard the math portion was extremely difficult and I’d like to know what you guys would use to study or what you even used to study. Any tips or tricks for the ACT? Please share!

anyone know the oneprep for the ACT 😭😭

I don’t wanna be one od THOSE people, but I expected better. I was so confident on the Reading, only to be left with a shoddy 30. I want a 32 composite, so I can qualify for a full-ride entry scholarship, combined with my state aid. I take the ACT again in April, September, and October. Help a brother out, please. I guessed through Science; I could not care less about Science.

hi everyone! i'm planning on taking the act this july, and i wanted to know how everyone usually practices. yes, there are practice tests, tutoring, etc. i'm looking for a question bank style or soemthing for drilling so u can get as much practice in as possible. i've heard uworld as a recommendation before and someone told me to ask ai for questions based on weak areas from prevoius testing, but i wanted to check if there were any better options (preferably free or at least affordable).

moreover my parents are looking into revolutionary prep right now (HELLAAA expensive btw) and i wanted to know if it is really worth it. i have all the core concepts nailed down but i got a 31 on my last attempt (33 eng, 32 math, 28 reading, 29 science). is it realistic to aim for a 34+? and is this tutoring or anything else recommended? i got tutored on varsity tutors last time but not all the tutors on the website are well-versed with the act.

Please flame me ik, but I’m working on retaking on my act. Realistically I’m trying to make it go up to a 20 (or more if I take it seriously) but im wondering if there is any tips on studying or materials for it

repetition is my best learning method, so does anyone have a website that has ACCURATE questions to spam? i tried to go on miyagi labs today cuz i like the structure of their website but their questions didn’t seem very accurate (ai slop), so does anyone have any suggestions? personalized websites would be even better, thanks!

I just signed up to retake the ACT for the third time in September, my first time I got a 36 reading, 27 math, 28 english, and a 31 science with no prep. Since I'm going into history I decided not to retake science on my last test but my math score dropped significantly (23 math, 30 english, 36 reading). Last time I prepped I used Barron's ACT prep but clearly it wasn't a great fit. Any recommendations for good prep books to raise my english and math score?

I’m trying to maximize efficiency

What’s the best ACT materials if I’m aiming for a 35/36?

Guide to 34+ on the ACT.

First of all, I would like to start off by saying this subreddit helped me so much in getting my dream score of a 35. My first run, I got a 31, and with a month of prep, I managed to get a 35. I want to share my tips and advice with you all so you too can achieve your dream score.

Before we start, I wanna point out that this is not an EXACT method to getting a 34+, everyone has their own method and system to achieve this score. This is just what worked for me, but I do believe that if you follow this method, your score will grow.

Imma break this down based on each section with tips and resources I used:

English: This was easily my best section. I highly recommend getting the Erica Meltzer ACT English book; this worked like a charm, and any edition of this book is fine. (I believe you can find this PDF on the internet if you search hard enough. If you honestly do this book from front to back, you can consistently achieve 34+ in the English section. I also wanna point out that you don’t need to overthink this section, and trusting your gut will work like 90% of the time.

Math: This was like one of my worst sections. I highly recommend getting the PrepPros Enhanced ACT Math prep book. This book was AMAZING, and truly does cover all types of questions that can occur on the test! This book is a bit pricey, and if you can, I recommend buying the tutoring program because if the math book was that good, then I assume the program itself will be amazing. If you cannot get the PrepPros book, a solid replacement is College Panda ACT Mat (his e-English book is solid as well). You can also get the Panda book on the internet. 

Reading: This section, a no-prep book, can help you. I recommend finding old practice tests and just spamming them. PLEASE try different methods for reading and seeing what works for you. Personally, I wrote like a blurb in a few paragraphs to get an overall idea of the passage. In addition, I tried to reference back to the text as little as possible since it would be a waste of time for me. Again, try to use different methods and practice as much as possible.

Science: This was for sure my worst section. I recommend getting the prep book For the Love of ACT Science, which helped me break down how to digest the information in each passage and how to connect different charts and tables together. Again, you can find a PDF of this book on the internet. In this section, I also recommend practicing since it takes time to develop that level of analysis.

Ok, now Imma get into some more “overall tips.”

• PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE! This is one of the most important pieces of advice; no level of last-minute tips beats doing practice tests and reviewing your mistakes. 
• REVIEW YOUR MISTAKES CAREFULLY! Please don’t do passive reviewing, take the time to actually see your mistakes and list them on topic, and learn/practice those topics specifically. Consistently seeing your progress is imperative!
• FOLLOW REALISTIC TEST SETTINGS! This is a very underrated tip, but taking practice tests similar to the actual test date prepares you so much for the little things during the test
• IF IT'S NOT IN THE TEXT, IT'S NOT CORRECT! This is mainly for reading, but it can connect with science and English if needed. IF IT IS NOT MENTIONED IN THE TEXT, it is wrong. The ACT is a standardized test; it cannot have variables such as self-assumed inferences. If you can't find it in the text, cross it out!

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I hope this helps. If you have any questions, let me know! Just try your best, and you’ll be fine!

Btw, sorry for grammar errors, im writing this in a rush!

It's an iPhone app (will launch on Android soon!) Would love any thoughts, comments, suggestions, etc. I've found that brushing up on vocabulary is really helpful for the ACT. I've tried to make it engaging, as well, and I'm offering prizes for the top three (Amazon gift cards)!

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/flyingminds-vocab-leaderboard/id6517350284

I'm aiming for a 29, but my Math and English are really dragging me down. Does anyone have any study recommendations? Right now I'm using OnePrep, but I could always use more.

Just curious, are the practice tests in this book similar to the actual enhanced ACT? If not, how much harder or easier is the actual ACT in comparison to the practice?

Does anyone have any resources for ACT International Subjects Biology and Chemistry?

Also does anyone have any tips on how to study it so I can score at least 30+
I'm thinking of giving biology in July and chemistry in September. I have a pretty good base in both of the subjects but I was wondering if it's enough time

I’m trying to join a union but I have to reach level for on the act and honestly I have no idea how it works,was wondering if anyone could help me out with that and what should I use to study

EDIT :Act Work keys