The Ultimate ACT Prep Cheatsheet: Strategies, Tips & Formulas for Success

Introduction: Understanding the ACT

The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. It assesses high school students’ readiness for college-level work through four multiple-choice sections—English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science—plus an optional Writing section. Your ACT score (ranging from 1-36) can significantly impact college admissions decisions and scholarship opportunities, making effective preparation crucial for achieving your academic goals.

Core ACT Concepts

Composite Score: Average of the four required sections (1-36)

General Test-Taking Strategies

Before the Test

• Create a study schedule: Dedicate 6-8 weeks for preparation
• Take practice tests: Complete at least 3-5 full-length timed practice tests
• Review your results: Identify patterns in mistakes and weak areas
• Gather materials: Approved calculator, #2 pencils, eraser, watch, ID, admission ticket

During the Test

• Strategic guessing: The ACT has no penalty for wrong answers—never leave questions blank
• Pace yourself: Use the time recommendations per section
• Mark and return: Circle difficult questions and return if time allows
• Process of elimination: Cross out clearly wrong answers to improve guessing odds
• Bubble strategically: Fill in answers for a page at once to save time

Section-Specific Strategies

English Section (45 minutes, 75 questions)

Key Concepts:

• Grammar and usage
• Punctuation
• Sentence structure
• Rhetorical skills (organization, style, strategy)

Strategies:

• Read the entire passage first for context
• For “NO CHANGE” questions, don’t assume the original is wrong
• Check for subject-verb agreement, pronoun consistency, and parallel structure
• Choose the most concise option that maintains clarity
• When in doubt, choose the simplest, clearest wording

Common Grammar Rules:

• Subject-verb agreement: Singular subjects take singular verbs, plural subjects take plural verbs
• Pronoun agreement: Pronouns must match their antecedents in number and gender
• Comma usage: Use commas to separate independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction, items in a series, and nonessential clauses
• Semicolons: Connect closely related independent clauses
• Colons: Introduce lists, explanations, or elaborations

Mathematics Section (60 minutes, 60 questions)

Content Areas:

• Pre-algebra (20-25%)
• Elementary algebra (15-20%)
• Intermediate algebra (15-20%)
• Coordinate geometry (15-20%)
• Plane geometry (20-25%)
• Trigonometry (5-10%)

Strategies:

• Questions increase in difficulty within each topic
• Use your calculator strategically, but don’t over-rely on it
• Draw diagrams for geometry problems
• Write out steps for complex problems
• Estimate answers before calculating
• Verify your answer makes sense in context

Essential Math Formulas:

Algebra:

• Quadratic formula: x=−b±b2−4ac2ax = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 – 4ac}}{2a} x=2a−b±b2−4ac​​
• Slope: m=y2−y1x2−x1m = \frac{y_2 – y_1}{x_2 – x_1} m=x2​−x1​y2​−y1​​
• Linear equation: $y=mx+b$
• Exponential growth/decay: A=P(1+r)tA = P(1 + r)^t A=P(1+r)t or A=PertA = Pe^{rt} A=Pert

Geometry:

• Area of triangle: A=12bhA = \frac{1}{2}bh A=21​bh
• Area of circle: A=πr2A = \pi r^2 A=πr2
• Circumference of circle: $C=2\pi r$
• Area of rectangle: $A=lw$
• Volume of rectangular prism: $V=lwh$
• Volume of cylinder: V=πr2hV = \pi r^2h V=πr2h
• Pythagorean theorem: a2+b2=c2a^2 + b^2 = c^2 a2+b2=c2
• Special right triangles:
  • 30-60-90: sides are in ratio x:x3:2xx : x\sqrt{3} : 2x x:x3​:2x
  • 45-45-90: sides are in ratio x:x:x2x : x : x\sqrt{2} x:x:x2​

Trigonometry:

• Sine Law: sin⁡Aa=sin⁡Bb=sin⁡Cc\frac{\sin A}{a} = \frac{\sin B}{b} = \frac{\sin C}{c} asinA​=bsinB​=csinC​
• Cosine Law: c2=a2+b2−2abcos⁡Cc^2 = a^2 + b^2 – 2ab\cos C c2=a2+b2−2abcosC
• Basic trig identities:
  • sin⁡2θ+cos⁡2θ=1\sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1 sin2θ+cos2θ=1
  • tan⁡θ=sin⁡θcos⁡θ\tan \theta = \frac{\sin \theta}{\cos \theta} tanθ=cosθsinθ​

Reading Section (35 minutes, 40 questions)

Passage Types:

• Prose fiction/literary narrative (25%)
• Social science (25%)
• Humanities (25%)
• Natural science (25%)

Strategies:

• Skim passage first to grasp main ideas
• Read questions before detailed reading to know what to look for
• Refer back to specific lines/paragraphs when answering questions
• Look for evidence in the text to support your answer
• Watch for shifts in tone, perspective, or argument
• Don’t bring outside knowledge into your interpretation

Question Types:

• Main idea/theme
• Detail/fact
• Vocabulary in context
• Author’s purpose/tone
• Inference
• Organization/structure

Science Section (35 minutes, 40 questions)

Format Types:

• Data representation (30-40%)
• Research summaries (45-55%)
• Conflicting viewpoints (15-20%)

Strategies:

• Focus on graphs, charts, and tables—most answers are found there
• Read the captions and legends carefully
• Understand experimental variables (independent vs. dependent)
• Identify patterns and trends in data
• Understand competing hypotheses in conflicting viewpoints passages
• Science knowledge is less important than data interpretation skills

Key Science Skills:

• Interpreting tables, graphs, and diagrams
• Identifying variables and controls in experiments
• Understanding correlation vs. causation
• Analyzing experimental design
• Comparing and contrasting viewpoints

Writing Section (Optional, 40 minutes, 1 essay)

Structure:

• Introduction with clear thesis addressing the prompt
• Body paragraphs analyzing perspectives
• Your own perspective with supporting evidence
• Conclusion

Strategies:

• Plan for 5 minutes, write for 30, review for 5
• Take a clear stance
• Analyze all three perspectives provided
• Use specific examples from history, literature, current events, or personal experience
• Vary sentence structure and use precise vocabulary
• Address counterarguments to strengthen your position

Scoring Criteria:

• Ideas and analysis
• Development and support
• Organization
• Language use and conventions

Common Challenges and Solutions

Time Management Issues

• Challenge: Running out of time
• Solution: Do timed practice sections regularly; develop a section-specific pacing strategy; tackle easiest questions first

Test Anxiety

• Challenge: Freezing or panicking during the test
• Solution: Practice relaxation techniques; simulate test conditions during practice; focus on one question at a time

Content Knowledge Gaps

• Challenge: Specific topics you struggle with
• Solution: Create targeted study guides for weak areas; use online tutorials or a tutor for difficult concepts

Careless Errors

• Challenge: Missing questions you know
• Solution: Double-check work when possible; circle questions to review if time permits; practice identifying common mistake patterns

Best Practices for ACT Preparation

Study Timeline

• 3-6 months before: Take a diagnostic test, create study plan
• 2-3 months before: Content review and targeted practice
• 1 month before: Full-length practice tests, timing strategies
• 1 week before: Light review, rest, and prepare materials

Practice Test Strategy

• Take full tests under timed conditions
• Simulate real testing environment (morning start, limited breaks)
• Review ALL questions, not just incorrect ones
• Analyze patterns in your mistakes
• Track progress to identify improving/declining areas

Day Before the Test

• Review key formulas and strategies lightly
• Prepare all materials
• Get a good night’s sleep (8+ hours)
• Avoid introducing new concepts

Test Day

• Eat a protein-rich breakfast
• Arrive early to the test center
• Wear comfortable clothes in layers
• Bring a watch, #2 pencils, calculator, water, and snacks

Resources for Further Learning

Official Resources

• The Official ACT Prep Guide (physical book)
• ACT Online Prep (act.org)
• ACT Academy (free practice portal)

Online Resources

• Khan Academy (free practice)
• UWorld ACT Prep
• Magoosh ACT
• ACT practice tests from crackact.com

Books

• Barron’s ACT 36
• Princeton Review’s Crash Course for the ACT
• McGraw-Hill Education: Top 50 ACT Math Skills

Mobile Apps

• ACT Online Prep
• Ready4 ACT
• ACT Prep: Practice Tests

Remember that consistent practice with proper review is the key to ACT success. Target your weak areas, but maintain proficiency in your strengths. Good luck with your preparation!