10 Tips on How to Score 36 on the ACT: Expert Strategies for Your Success

The ACT is a major milestone for high school students, and achieving a top score of 36 can significantly impact your college applications. But scoring a perfect 36 isn’t just about cramming or hoping for the best; it requires a well-structured strategy, discipline, and the right mindset. Whether you’re just starting your ACT prep or you’ve already taken the test, these 10 expert tips will help guide you to success.

1. Start With a Diagnostic Test

To begin your journey toward scoring a 36, you first need to understand where you stand. Taking a full-length diagnostic test will help you gauge your current performance across all ACT sections—English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing. This will allow you to identify your strengths and weaknesses.

Why It’s Important:

• Gives you a clear picture of what areas need more focus
  
  
• Helps you set realistic goals for each section
  
  
• Provides a baseline to track your progress
  
  

Remember, the first test is just a starting point. Don’t get discouraged if your score is lower than expected. Use it as a tool to create a study plan tailored to your needs.

2. Break Down the Test and Understand the Format

The ACT consists of multiple-choice questions and an optional writing section. Understanding the format and pacing of the test is crucial for managing your time effectively. Familiarize yourself with the structure of each section:

• English: 75 questions in 45 minutes (Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure)
  
  
• Math: 60 questions in 60 minutes (Algebra, geometry, trigonometry)
  
  
• Reading: 40 questions in 35 minutes (Passages with multiple questions)
  
  
• Science: 40 questions in 35 minutes (Interpretation, analysis, and problem-solving)
  
  
• Writing (Optional): 1 essay in 40 minutes (Argumentative writing)
  
  

Key Strategy:

• Practice timed sections to get comfortable with the pacing
• Know the types of questions asked in each section
  
  

3. Build a Consistent Study Routine

Consistency is key when preparing for the ACT. Aim to study regularly, even if it's just 30-60 minutes a day. Creating a schedule helps ensure that you’re covering all areas and not cramming at the last minute.

Tips for a Successful Study Routine:

• Study at the same time each day to build a habit
• Focus on one section at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed
• Incorporate a mix of review, practice tests, and timed drills
  
  

By sticking to a routine, you’ll improve your endurance and ability to focus for the entire duration of the test.

‍

4. Practice with Real ACT Questions

Using official ACT practice tests is one of the best ways to prepare. The test questions on practice exams are similar to what you will encounter on the actual test, making them invaluable for understanding how questions are structured.

Why Use Real ACT Questions?

• Familiarizes you with the actual test language and style
• Helps you adapt to the real test environment
• Offers insight into commonly tested concepts
  
  

The more you practice with real questions, the more comfortable you’ll feel when it’s time to take the test.

5. Focus on Time Management

The ACT is a timed test, so managing your time during the exam is essential. You need to balance speed with accuracy to avoid running out of time in any section.

Time Management Tips:

• Start with easier questions to build confidence and gain momentum
• Skip questions that are taking too long, and come back to them later
• Practice pacing with timed drills to get used to the clock
  
  

The key is to maintain a steady pace throughout the test without rushing. Time management is often the difference between a high and low score.

6. Take Care of Your Mental and Physical Health

Mental clarity is crucial during your ACT prep and on the test day. Taking care of your physical and emotional well-being will help you stay focused and reduce stress.

Health Tips:

• Get adequate sleep, especially in the days leading up to the exam
• Eat nutritious meals to fuel your body and mind
• Exercise regularly to keep your energy levels up
  
  

When you feel good physically, your mind will function better, which can directly improve your test-taking abilities.

7. Strengthen Your Weak Areas

Everyone has their weak spots, whether it's math, reading, or science. Identifying and focusing on these areas can significantly improve your overall score. However, don’t neglect your stronger areas entirely—maintain your skills across all sections.

Strategies to Improve Weak Areas:

• Spend extra time on difficult sections during your study sessions
• Use online resources or tutors for targeted help
• Review mistakes made on practice tests to avoid repeating them
  
  

By making your weak areas stronger, you can see a noticeable improvement in your overall performance.

8. Learn Test-Taking Strategies

There are several test-taking strategies you can use to improve your accuracy and efficiency. From eliminating obviously incorrect answers to using context clues for reading comprehension, these strategies can help you save time and increase your chances of getting the right answer.

Test-Taking Tips:

• For multiple-choice questions, use the process of elimination
• Read the questions before reading the passages in the Reading section to focus on what you need to find
• In Science, focus on the visuals and data first before reading the accompanying text

Learning these strategies and practicing them will help you feel more confident and prepared for the actual exam.

9. Review Your Mistakes

After every practice session, take time to review the mistakes you made. Understanding why you got a question wrong is critical for improvement. It also helps you avoid repeating the same mistakes on the test day.

How to Review Effectively:

• Analyze your incorrect answers and identify patterns (e.g., did you misinterpret the question? Did you miscalculate?)
• Focus on understanding the rationale behind the correct answers
• Use your mistakes as learning opportunities
  
  

By reviewing your errors thoroughly, you can improve your accuracy and avoid making the same mistakes in the future.

10. Stay Calm and Confident on Test Day

Finally, the most important tip is to stay calm and confident when you walk into the exam. Stress and anxiety can negatively affect your performance. Keep a positive mindset and trust in your preparation.

How to Stay Calm:

• Practice deep breathing exercises to calm nerves
  
  
• Remind yourself that you’ve prepared well and are ready for this challenge
  
  
• Arrive early to the testing center to avoid unnecessary stress
  
  

Confidence is key. If you’ve put in the work, believe in yourself and stay focused

Mastering the ACT’s Time Constraints

Additional Time Management Tips:

• Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Prioritize sections you're confident in to secure easy points, leaving more challenging sections for later.
  
  
• Practice Under Timed Conditions: Simulate test conditions to get used to pacing and make adjustments.
  
  
• Use the Process of Elimination: In multiple-choice sections, eliminate obviously incorrect answers quickly to increase your chances of guessing the correct one.
  
  
• Stay Calm: Don’t let the clock make you anxious. Focus on one question at a time and remember that you can always return to difficult ones if needed.

‍

How to Tackle Test Anxiety

Test anxiety is a real challenge for many students, and it can be especially overwhelming during high-stakes exams like the ACT. The pressure of wanting to score well, combined with the fear of failure, can lead to mental blocks, shallow breathing, and difficulty focusing. Tackling this anxiety requires a multi-pronged approach that includes both physical and mental preparation. Practicing mindfulness and deep breathing exercises in the weeks leading up to the exam can help calm your nerves and improve your focus. It's essential to train your body and mind to stay composed, even when you're under pressure.

Additionally, cultivating a growth mindset can help you reframe the exam experience. Instead of viewing the ACT as a final judgment of your abilities, see it as a valuable learning opportunity that will help you grow. Emphasize the effort you’ve put into preparing, and remind yourself that it’s okay to make mistakes. With a positive outlook, you can transform anxiety into motivation, using it to drive your focus and performance rather than letting it hinder your success..

Conclusion 

With these 10 tips, you're well on your way to acing the ACT and achieving your target score. Consistent practice, effective time management, and a strong focus on both your strengths and weaknesses will all contribute to your success. Don’t forget to maintain your well-being and stay confident throughout your prep and on test day.

Ready to take your ACT prep to the next level? Check out decimal.ai, an AI-powered exam prep platform designed to help you study smarter, not harder. Start your journey to a perfect score today!