Take the ACT during your sophomore or junior year. This will allow you to get a realistic idea of what will be expected of you on the test, as well as ample time to improve your score. Most colleges will take your highest score, so there is little risk of retaking the test multiple times.
Enroll in an ACT prep course. Test preparation companies and community colleges offer ACT prep courses around the country. Many high schools also offer a course during the summer or as part of the regular curriculum. This course will give you an opportunity to take free practice tests and will typically pay for one ACT testing fee. The course will also help you learn how to manage your time effectively, as well review your work for mistakes.
Take timed practice tests several months before you take the real test. Be sure that you mark the answers on a bubble sheet, rather than circling them in your practice test booklet, to simulate test conditions and manage your time effectively. Gradually decrease the amount of time you allow for each section until you can complete each section in five minutes less than the allotted time.
Read the questions on the reading comprehension section before reading the passage. In this manner you can determine what information you need to pay attention to. Also, mark the passage for questions that direct you to specific lines. Be sure that you read two sentences before and after the referenced lines to get the context of that portion of the passage.
Save mathematical formulas on your graphing calculator prior to testing. Be sure that you review the formulas and know what the notations signify. Use the graphing calculator that you use on a regular basis so you will be comfortable with it on the day of the test. If you do not own a graphing calculator, borrow one ahead of the test and become accustomed to it.
Review basic grammatical information, including punctuation, sentence structure and parts of speech . Also, review lists of common ACT vocabulary terms. On the day of the test, mark out obvious wrong answer choices to narrow down the possible answers.
Remember that the science section does not typically require any advance knowledge. You should be able to read and understand graphs and tables, and should easily master these skills after taking practice tests. Be sure that you pace yourself and save some energy for the science section since it is the last section of the test.
Wear a watch on the day of the test and pace yourself as you work through the test. You will have less than 30 seconds on some questions, so do not get hung up a particular question. Guess if you do not know, mark the question in your booklet and return later if time allows. Maintain a focused and calm attitude during the test. Remind yourself you can always retest if necessary to ease your anxiety.