The idea of a single ACT test determining so much for someone’s future seems at times unfair and flawed; however, it’s the reality of the world we live in. While some argue that a single test, such as the SAT or ACT, shouldn’t carry so much weight, these kinds of tests are one of the only ways to determine content knowledge in an unbiased and equal way. 

After all, schools teach content differently and use different methods of teaching. Even in the same high school, teachers may teach the same class a different way and grade with different levels of leniency. There are countless examples of a student having a lower grade in a class than another student in the same class but a different teacher, yet when the AP, ACT or other standardized testing comes around, the student with the lower score performs better.  

When looking at it this way, standardized testing doesn’t sound so bad. No student should be denied college or certification for a tough teacher’s grade when they are more qualified than peers with an easier teacher. 

There is one group who claim to “not be good test takers,” and while there are some cases where it could be true, most of it seems to be a myth that roots itself in not preparing for the test. 

One common issue with preparation is that many don’t know how to prepare well for a test. Everyone’s preparation should be a bit different and unique, but here are some ideas that can be beneficial.

Two to Three Months Away (Or Longer)

Choose a Date: This step may not seem like a big deal, but having a date in mind far out in advance will help to set up the rest of the process. Giving yourself at least two months will also keep it in the back of your mind and allow for additional study and preparation time.  

Start Preparation: There are dozens of options to prepare for the test, whether that’s purchasing a physical workbook, using online test preparation, or finding a local community college or high school course that offers specific training. 

Find a Mentor: Whether it be a teacher, parent, or a friend, have a mentor that will hold you accountable for preparing the ACT. Having someone check-in can be a huge asset to have. 

Take a Practice Test: Preparing for a test can be tough when you’re unaware of what to really prepare for. Taking a practice test will show which subjects or areas are weak and which ones may not need as much review. In this test, don’t worry about time limits or trying to simulate the testing experience. This is more of a content knowledge check.

Two to Three Weeks Away

Take Another (but different) Full-Length Practice Test: The ACT is not something that can be crammed for, so allowing another few weeks to prepare in specific areas is essential. The second test should be compared to the first test to see if the areas of improvement and focus have worked and if there are still some major gaps to fill. This test should follow all the time limits and be without distractions.

Review Test Day: The practice tests should be done in the time limits, but there are still some important test day situations to know about. What kind of calculator can you bring? Can you use any kind of pencil you want? Is the test the new online version? What time do you need to arrive, and how early? All of these situations need to be explored so there are no last second surprises. 

Day Before Test

Mental Preparation: The last thing any test taker wants regardless of the test is to be tired, stressed, and anxious. The ACT is a big test and does have some major consequences. A bit of nervousness is normal, but with the right preparation, any test taker can be confident. 

Physical Preparation: At this point, studying isn’t going to help. What will help is getting enough sleep, having everything set up for the morning including clothes laid out, making sure gas is in the car, and knowing what will be eaten for breakfast. 

Test Day

Confidence: You’ve got this. After taking at least two practice tests, having a mentor, studying, and preparing endless hours, you’ve done all can do. You can be confident that this is going to be a great test.

Celebrate: Have something to look forward to afterwards. This can be grabbing lunch, seeing a friend, or relaxing the rest of the day. After so much preparation, you should feel confident that the results will be what you want.