How to Ace the ACT's

Scoring a perfect 36 on the ACT is a major accomplishment. It’s rare, challenging, and yet it’s absolutely doable… if you know how to prepare.

Every year, thousands of students take the ACT. A small percentage hit that perfect score, but many more make massive improvements simply by preparing the right way. Whether you're starting at a 28 and dreaming of the 30s, or already in the 34–35 range and chasing perfection, your goal is achievable.

I’m Mr Q — a professional maths tutor and test prep coach. I’ve helped students significantly increase their ACT and SAT scores. In this post, I’ll walk you through what it really takes to work toward a perfect ACT score — a smart, sustainable plan that gets results.

Step 1: Understand the ACT Like an Insider

Before you can master the ACT, you need to understand what you're dealing with.

The ACT includes four core sections:

• English (45 minutes) – 75 questions which test grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills.

• Math (60 minutes) – 60 questions, covering algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and a little pre-calc.

• Reading (35 minutes) – 40 questions designed to measure reading comprehension under pressure.

• Science (35 minutes) – 35 questions, testing data interpretation, scientific reasoning, and analysis.

• Optional Essay (40 minutes) – Analyzes your ability to argue and write clearly.

  
  

As with all tests, timing is everything. In Maths, Reading and Science you have approximately a minute a mark - English is significantly less than that.

Step 2: Set a Baseline, Then Build Up Strategically

The first step in any serious prep plan is to take a diagnostic test — a full-length, timed ACT under realistic conditions. This gives you:

• Your starting composite score

• Sub-scores for each section

• Data about your pacing, focus, and stamina

• A reality check — what’s already strong, and what needs work?

The ACT test board has free diagnostic tests here.

From there, you can set a realistic but ambitious goal. If you’re scoring 30–32, a 36 is within striking distance with hard work. If you’re in the mid-20s, aim to first break into the 30s — every 1-point increase can open up more doors for scholarships and admissions.

Step 3: Create a Personalised Study Plan (And Stick to It)

You wouldn’t train for a marathon by jogging once a week and hoping for the best. ACT prep is no different.

I advise all my students to build a weekly study plan which includes:

• Content review – Brush up on math topics, grammar rules, and reading strategies.

• Timed section practice – Practice individual sections under time pressure.

• Full-length practice tests 

• Error review – Arguably the most important step. Learn from your mistakes. Reflect on past tests, and practice the questions you lost marks on.

• Drills – Short, targeted sets of problems focusing on one skill at a time.

  
  

Start by focusing on your weakest section, but don’t completely ignore your strengths. Sometimes, it’s easier to gain 1–2 points on a stronger section with just a few tweaks.

Step 4: Master Time Management

The ACT is fast-paced. If you can’t finish, you can’t score well — even if you know the content.

Here's how to beat the clock:

• Practice with a timer every time.

• Learn to skip and return. Don’t let one question derail your pacing.

• Practice a skimming strategy to find key information quickly, particularly in reading and science.

• For Math, know which formulas to memorise, and practice mental math and estimations. Review the ACT formulae sheet to ensure you understand all the formulae.

  
  

Step 5: Review Every Mistake Critically

Improvement doesn’t come from doing hundreds of questions — it comes from reflecting on the ones you got wrong.

After every practice test or drill:

• Log every incorrect answer carefully

• Identify the reason: careless error, misunderstood concept, ran out of time, misread question?

• Re-do the question without pressure.

• Review related content to reinforce that skill.

Over time, you’ll see patterns — and more importantly, you’ll break them.

Step 6: Think Like a Test-Taker, Not Just a Student

It’s easy to fall into the trap of studying for the ACT the same way you study for school. But the ACT isn’t about deep understanding — it’s about speed, pattern recognition, and strategy.

Some test-taking techniques that make a big difference:

• Process of elimination – Especially useful when you’re unsure.

• Plug-in numbers – Great for algebra problems with variables.

• Backsolve – Try the answer choices in reverse to find the correct one.

• Bubble timing – Don’t waste time bubbling one by one; try batching every 10 questions.

• Confidence marking – Mark questions you're unsure about so you can review if time allows.

Step 7: Build Mental Toughness and Stamina

A full ACT takes almost three hours — longer if you take the essay. You need to be focused, hydrated, and emotionally steady the whole time.

To prepare:

• Practice under test-day conditions: no phones, breaks, or distractions.

• Start practice tests at the same time as the real exam (usually 8:00 AM).

• Train your brain to stay sharp, even in the final section.

• Get enough sleep and maintain a good routine in the weeks before test day.

And on the day itself? Stay calm. You’ve done the work — now trust your preparation.

Step 8: Know When "Perfect" Isn't the Goal

Let’s get real: you don’t need a 36 to get into a top college. A 33–35 already places you in the top 1% of test-takers. Combine that with a strong GPA, thoughtful essays, and meaningful extracurriculars, and you’re in great shape.

If you’ve hit a plateau after months of prep, it’s okay to shift your energy toward the other parts of your application. The ACT is important — but it’s not everything.

Final Takeaway

Scoring a perfect ACT is a challenge — but it’s not a mystery. It’s a formula:

Smart study plan + consistent practice + honest reflection + strong mindset = massive score improvement.

Want Personal Help Getting There?

If you're serious about ACT prep and want expert guidance, I’m here to help.

I’m Mr Q — a Mathematics teacher professional tutor with over 15 years of experience helping students ace the ACT, SAT, IB, IGCSE, and beyond. I offer:

• Personalized ACT prep plans

• 1-on-1 tutoring focused on your goals

• Weekly accountability and progress tracking

• Honest feedback, effective strategies, and zero fluff

  
  

DM me on Instagram: @mr.qmaths

Visit my website: www.mrqmaths.com

Schedule a free introductory call: https://www.mrqmaths.com/contact

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