Why Retaking the ACT ?
Retaking the ACT can feel like a mix of déjà vu and pressure to do better, but don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many students take the ACT more than once, and most see improvements the second time around. The key is to approach your prep strategically, especially during that first crucial week. Whether you’re aiming for a higher composite score, targeting specific sections, or meeting scholarship requirements, how you begin can shape your entire prep journey. Let’s walk through exactly what you should do in…
1.Get Familiar with the Latest ACT Changes
Understanding the current format of the ACT is key—getting familiar with any recent updates can ensure you’re not wasting time preparing for something that’s no longer relevant.Before diving into practice tests or study guides, take a moment to catch up on how the ACT has evolved:
Shorter Testing Time: The ACT now runs about 125 minutes instead of nearly 195, which makes it more manageable and less tiring overall.
Reduced Number of Questions: With 44 fewer questions than before, you’ve got a little more time to think through each one.
Science Section Is Optional: You can choose to skip the Science section if you want. If you do take it, it’ll be scored separately and won’t impact your main composite score.
Updated Scoring Method: Your composite score now reflects just three sections—English, Math, and Reading. Writing and Science scores stand alone if you opt to complete them.
So why is this important? Because your prep should match the actual test format. Studying with outdated materials could mean wasting effort on content that won’t even show up on test day.
2. Review Your Previous Test Performance
Reflecting on your past performance is the best way to pinpoint exactly where you need to improve and avoid repeating the same mistakes.
Look at Your Score Report: Identify which sections pulled your score down. Were you rushing in Math? Did you run out of time on Reading?
Pinpoint Specific Mistakes: Did you misread the questions? Struggle with particular grammar rules or math concepts? Knowing the “why” behind missed questions is key.
Consider the Environment: Were you tired on test day? Distracted? Not familiar with the online format? These factors matter too and can be addressed this time around.
If you ordered the Test Information Release (TIR), use it to go over each missed question and understand the correct logic. If you didn’t, even just reviewing your sectional scores can give you helpful insights.
3. Set Clear, Achievable Goals
Setting specific, realistic goals gives you a clear direction and keeps you motivated throughout your prep.Saying “I just want a higher score” is a good start—but let’s get more specific.
Figure Out Your Target Score: Look up the typical ACT scores for the colleges on your list. Knowing what you need gives your prep real direction.
Break It Down Section by Section: Aiming for a 30 overall? You might need something like a 32 in English, 28 in Math, and 30 in Reading, depending on your strengths and weaknesses.
Understand Superscoring: Some schools look at your best section scores across multiple test dates. If that’s the case, you can focus your energy on boosting just one or two sections instead of all four.
Write your goals down somewhere you’ll see them—on your desk, a sticky note, your phone’s lock screen—whatever works. Clear goals can help keep your momentum going when prep gets tough.
4. Build a Study Schedule That Actually Works for You
The first week of your prep is all about creating a plan you can realistically stick to—not one that burns you out by day three.
Make It Routine: Try to block out 60–90 minutes a day, five days a week. Spread it out so your brain has time to absorb the material.
Start with a Practice Test: Kick things off with a full-length, timed test. It gives you a fresh baseline and helps highlight where you need to focus your efforts.
Give Each Week a Theme: Instead of cramming everything at once, organize your study time around specific topics. For example, you might dedicate Week 1 to grammar and algebra basics.
This way, you’re not just studying hard—you’re studying smart.
5. Improve Time Management
Time can slip away fast on test day—mastering your pacing early on can make the difference between a rushed guess and a confident answer.With fewer questions and slightly more time per question, pacing is important:
Use a Timer During Practice: Simulate real conditions. It’ll help you feel more comfortable on test day.
Learn to Prioritize: If a question stumps you, skip it and return later. One tricky question shouldn’t cost you easy points.
Use the Process of Elimination: Especially in Math and Reading, knocking out obviously wrong answers increases your odds even if you’re guessing.
6. Rebuild Your Content Foundation
Test strategies only take you so far—building a strong foundation in core subjects is what truly sets you up for success.The ACT isn’t just about tricks—it tests real academic skills:
English: Review punctuation, sentence structure, and transition words.
Math: Brush up on algebra, geometry, and some basic trigonometry. Don’t skip word problems!
Reading: Practice active reading. Skim with purpose, underline main ideas, and anticipate questions as you read.
This week, focus more on review than drilling. Build up that base before diving into repeated practice sets.
7. Decide on the Optional Sections
Not every section affects your composite score, but understanding their impact on your college applications can help you decide whether to include them in your prep.
Check Your College List: If your target schools require or recommend the optional sections, include them in your prep.
Consider Your Strengths: If you’re strong in science reasoning or essay writing, a high score here can boost your application, even if it doesn’t affect your composite.
If you plan to skip them, that’s totally fine—but make that decision now so you’re not second-guessing later.
8. Stay Motivated and Hold Yourself Accountable
Let’s be honest—prepping for the ACT again can feel like a grind. That’s why it’s important to keep your motivation up and stay organized:
Track What You’re Doing: Use a notebook, planner, or app to log your study sessions, scores, and even your mood. It helps you spot progress and patterns.
Find an Accountability Partner: Whether it’s a friend, classmate, or tutor, having someone to check in with—even just once a week—can really help you stay committed.
Celebrate Small Wins: Scored higher on a practice section? Wrapped up a tough study topic? Give yourself some credit! Those small victories add up and keep the momentum going.
9. Prep for Test Day Early
The earlier you start preparing for test day logistics, the less stressful it will be when the big day arrives. Getting the details right now can help you focus entirely on the test itself. It’s never too soon to think ahead:
Register Early: Pick a test date that gives you enough prep time—ideally 6–8 weeks from when you start.
Know the Format: Will you be testing online or on paper? At a school site or at home (if available)? These details can affect your comfort level.
Start Building Your Routine: Sleep well, eat right, and start getting used to waking up early if needed.
Use Trusted Resources for Prep
When it comes to ACT prep, having the right resources can make all the difference. We all know that preparing for the test can feel overwhelming, so it’s helpful to have some solid materials and support to guide you through it.
Whether you’re into self-paced study or prefer something a bit more structured, we’ve got options to fit different styles. If you’re someone who thrives with a bit more direction, you can go for our live courses, where you get to interact with instructors who know their stuff. But if you’re someone who needs the flexibility to study when you can, the self-paced routes work just fine.
What’s really great is the feedback—those practice tests aren’t just for checking how much you’ve learned. The detailed score reports help you pinpoint what needs more attention, so you can focus on what matters most. It’s kind of like getting a cheat sheet on where you can improve.
No matter how you like to study, having resources that suit your needs makes prep feel a little less daunting.
Final Thoughts
Retaking the ACT isn’t a setback—it’s a second chance to show colleges your full potential. And the first week of your prep sets the tone for everything that follows. By analyzing your past performance, setting smart goals, reviewing updated test changes, and creating a realistic plan, you’re already ahead of the game. Keep going—you’ve got this.