Standardized testing can seem like an overwhelming hurdle in your college application process. For years, ACT scores  have been hyped up as one of the most important aspects of your application. Now that it’s finally time to start preparing for the test, you may not be sure where to begin. However, your test prep process doesn’t have to be stressful. . Here’s our simple, three-step process to craft a fool-proof ACT prep plan.

1. Take a diagnostic practice test

Taking a practice test will help you predict your overall score if you were to take the official test today. The process will also help you pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses in relation to taking that particular test and provide you with a benchmark you can return to and track your progress. In an in-depth review of your results, you will be able to see exactly what you need to work on within each section. Whether you’re running out of time while reading passages, spending too long on certain types of science questions, or needing to review algebraic concepts, taking a practice test will help make you aware of potential areas for improvement.

However, it is important to ensure that the practice tests you choose are accurate to the official test. You can take a Test Innovators practice test or find practice tests in prep books or all over the internet. Our system will provide you with critical diagnostic and timing feedback for free on our platform here.

2. Develop your overall strategy for score improvement

After you’ve taken a practice test, you’ll have a general idea of what your starting point is and how far you’ll need to go to reach your goals. The next step is to develop your strategy for success on the official test. Consider the following questions:

• What target scores are you aiming for
  This may require researching the colleges you’re applying to to find out what kinds of scores they generally accept from their admissions’ candidates.  are You can look up target ACT score ranges for the schools you’re interested in on CollegeBoard’s database of colleges and universities here.

• When will you take the exam, and how many times do you plan to take it?
  You can take the ACT up to twelve times total, but only six times per year. Be strategic about when you plan to take the test, giving yourself enough time to prepare on the front end, but also enough time afterwards to take it again if you score lower than you had aimed for. 

• Which areas do you need to work on the most?
  Which areas will you prioritize in terms of studying? You will want to hit all of them , but more than likely you will need to spend more time on certain sections than others, given your individual prep needs. 

• How much time will you invest per week?
  Do you have a year, or four months to prep? An hour a week over the course of a year or three hours a week over the course of four months will result in the same total number of hours you’ll spend studying. This question depends on how much time you have left before the official test, and how much practice you need to fit in before test day, based on your target scores.

• Which resources will you use to prepare?
  Will you consult a tutor or take classes? Do you plan on purchasing prep books, or using online materials? How many practice tests do you plan to take before test day? Pick your resources early on, and make sure that you choose a system (or multiple systems) where you will find value from your investment. 

Sometimes it helps to have a bit of guidance while thinking about your answers to these questions. Here at Test Innovators’ our expert tutors offer free consultations to help you develop your ACT strategy. You can schedule an appointment here!

3. Practice and improve

Once you have determined your plan for ACT success, your next task will be to put in the work. Improving your scores on the ACT requires dedication and consistency, and you cannot afford to put off your prep work until the last minute.

Stick to a routine  and hold yourself accountable, but remember that priorities will change as you improve and face new challenges. You should be adjusting and readjusting your strategy based on every practice test that you take, and re-determining your priorities based on your continual improvement in different areas. Mastered all of the math content? Time to improve your reading speed for reading passages. Mastered reading? Time to work on your time management in the science section.

Take your preparation one step at a time, and don’t get discouraged if you aren’t reaching your goals immediately or as quickly as you expected. Like any other difficult thing, test preparation is a process.

Get started with a full-length ACT practice test today!