How to manage your time effectively on the ACT test

The ACT test is a critical step in the college admissions process for many students. 

It assesses your readiness for college-level work and is a significant factor in determining your admission to the college of your choice. 

With multiple sections covering English, math, reading, science, and an optional writing component, the ACT can be a difficult challenge, especially when it comes to managing your time effectively.


Effective time management is key to success on the ACT. 

Properly allocating your time ensures that you have ample opportunity to answer each question accurately and completely, maximizing your overall score. 

How to prepare for ACT Test online for beginners tutorials

Some essential strategies to help you manage your time effectively on the ACT test are as follows

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Test Format: 

Before the test day, familiarize yourself with the format and structure of the ACT. 

Understand the number of questions in each section, the time allotted for each section, and the order in which the sections appear. 

Knowing what to expect will help you plan your time more effectively during the exam.

2. Practice Under Timed Conditions: 

Practice taking full-length ACT practice tests under timed conditions. Mimic the actual test environment as closely as possible, including taking breaks at the designated times. 

Practicing under timed conditions will help you develop a sense of how much time to allocate for each question and section.

3. Use a Watch or Timer: 

Bring a watch or timer with you on test day to keep track of time. 

Keep it visible on your desk so that you can easily monitor the time remaining for each section. 

Pace yourself accordingly to ensure that you complete each section within the allotted time.

4. Read Instructions Carefully: 

Take a few moments to read the instructions for each section carefully. 

Understanding the instructions upfront can save you valuable time during the test by avoiding misunderstandings or errors.

Click expert to start preparing for ACT Test

5. Skip Difficult Questions: 

If you encounter a particularly challenging question, don't dwell on it for too long. 

Instead, skip it and move on to the next question. 

Mark the skipped question in your test booklet so that you can easily find it later if you have time to revisit it. 

Focusing on easier questions first allows you to maximize your score potential within the time constraints.

6. Budget Your Time Wisely: 

Allocate your time strategically based on the number of questions and the difficulty level of each section. 

For example, the ACT Math section typically has more questions than the other sections, so you may need to budget your time more carefully to ensure that you can answer all the questions.

7. Practice Efficient Reading Strategies: 

In the Reading section, practice efficient reading strategies such as skimming passages for main ideas and focusing on specific details only when necessary. 

This will help you answer questions more quickly without sacrificing accuracy.

8. Manage Your Energy: 

Pace yourself throughout the test to avoid burning out too quickly. 

Take short breaks between sections to rest your mind and recharge. 

Use this time to stretch, take deep breaths, and mentally prepare for the next section.




9. Review and Guess Strategically: 

If you have time remaining at the end of a section, use it to review your answers and check for any errors. 

Additionally, if you are running out of time, make educated guesses rather than leaving questions blank. 

There is no penalty for incorrect answers on the ACT, so guessing increases your chances of getting additional points.

10. Stay Calm and Focused: 

Finally, stay calm and focused throughout the test. 

Don't let stress or anxiety overwhelm you. 

Remember that you've prepared diligently, and you have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed.