Crafting an ACT Study Plan can feel like a daunting task if you are unsure where to disperse your ACT test prep efforts. In our last blog, we discussed the importance of reflection as an ACT test-taking strategy for diagnostic tests in evaluating areas of strength and growth, which will be key in shaping your study efforts. You can find that blog here.
In this blog, we will look at the various factors that can mold your ACT prep plan and give you a sample of what an example plan could look like on the way to improving your ACT test score.
Step One: Evaluate Your Strengths and Opportunities
Taking a diagnostic test like the one offered in Peterson’s test prep course can help you identify subject areas for the ACT that need fortification and ones you are already proficient at. Based on your results, you should ask yourself:
- What are my score goals?
- Is there a minimum score I want to achieve?
- Are my goals even across test subjects or am I aiming to perform better on a particular section of the ACT?
- How can I best divide my study time to address my score goals?
Analyze your diagnostic test scores and think about your performance on each of the individual sections of your diagnostic test, writing down areas of improvement, challenges, and goals.
Step Two: Identify How Much Time You Can Commit Weekly to ACT Study
Determine how much time you have before the exam, how often you can study, and for what amount of time. Let’s say a potential test taker has a total of 25 hours total to devote to studying they could divvy up their time like this:
- 8 hours of Science
- 6 hours of Math
- 4 hours of English
- 3 hours of Writing
- 3 hours of Reading
- 1 hour of ACT practice test review
The above potential test taker desires to focus most of their efforts on science. Perhaps this is an area they need to see the most improvement. Alternatively, it could be a subject they are strong in and want to solidify the most. You may find it helpful to break down your study plan by days and weeks. To create a study plan that works for your goals ask the following questions:
- How much weekly time can I commit to studying for the ACT test?
- How do I want to divide that study time based on my diagnostic performance?
- What are some of the most important skills I want to work on overall?
- What are some of the most important skills I want to work on for each individual test within the exam?
- Given my study style, when would it be most useful for me to take an ACT practice test?
Step Three: Build Your ACT Study Plan
Do this in whatever format works best for you. We find it helpful to create this plan in your school planner if you have one, building out time blocks each day, week by week. If not, creating a simple table like the one below and checking off when you complete study sessions is a great way to track progress. You can see below that the potential test taker in this example designated an hour a day after school and used their total 25 hours of study time to focus on the areas that they designated above in step two.
Total weeks until test: 5
Time available: 1 hour a day after school
Total time: 25 hours
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
| Week 1 | Science | Math | Science | English | Reading |
| Week 2 | Science | English | Science | Math | Writing |
| Week 3 | Science | Math | Reading | Writing | Math |
| Week 4 | Science | English | Science | Math | Writing |
| Week 5 | Science | Math | English | Reading | Review |
Step Four: Action
Now that you’ve put in the work of creating a study plan, it’s time to follow through with your plan by studying and using proper ACT test prep so you can reach your goal of earning a high ACT test score. You’ve got this! Remember that you are not alone in this journey, our tutors are here to help you along the way if you have any questions while you go about implementing your winning ACT study plan.
