How to Prepare for the ACT Math Section: Expert Tips and Tricks

Understand the Format of the ACT Math Section

The first and most vital tip for success in the ACT math section is to understand the format of the exam. Those sitting the exam—which consists of four sections, including math—have 2 hours and 55 minutes to complete a total of 215 questions. The math section, specifically, consists of 60 questions and candidates have 60 minutes to complete this section. As noted by the ACT Education Corporation, the content covered in the math section “emphasises the major content areas that are prerequisites to successful performance in entry-level courses in college mathematics”. In practical terms, this means questions on topics like number and quantity, algebra, functions, geometry, and statistics and probability. All questions are multiple choice. 

How the ACT Math Section is Scored

Not only is it an important tip to have an awareness of the format of the exam, candidates must also know how the math section of the ACT is scored. First, all of a candidate’s correct answers are counted. This is called a raw score. From here, raw scores are converted to ‘scaled scores’, which number between 10 and 36. The highest possible score a student can achieve in the ACT math section is, therefore, 36. A score of anywhere between 25 and 36 is considered to be above average and demonstrates exceptional performance in the ACT math section. 

Key Math Topics to Master for the ACT

For students aiming to reach up to 36 in their ACT math exam, it is recommended to master a certain number of key topics. For example, under algebra, candidates must be comfortable in interpreting and using many different kinds of equations, such as linear, polynomial, radical, and exponential relationships, while tackling functions, students will need to understand linear, radical, piecewise, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions. To ensure that students sitting the ACT are aware of the type of questions and, therefore, topics, present on the math exam it is recommended not only to closely examine past papers but also to review the ACT’s own preparation guide. 

How to Create an Effective Study Plan for ACT Math

Creating an effective study plan is another essential tip when preparing to sit for ACT math. First, it is important to select an exam session that offers ample time for revision. All too often do candidates, through a lack of forethought, end up with only a few short weeks to revise ahead of an exam session. This causes undue pressure. So, if you are interested in attending university in the United States, plan ahead. Look at the calendar for ACT exam sessions and choose wisely. From here, it is about constructing a daily study schedule. 

A revision plan should aim to bolster weaknesses in a subject, while maintaining current strengths and reviewing foundational knowledge. Candidates should carefully assess the types of questions asked and topics covered in the ACT math. Foundational knowledge should be established for each topic as well as personal strengths and weaknesses. From here, time should be divided in such a way as to cover each of these bases, while also incorporating ACT exam papers. 

For example, if a student is denoting 2.5 hours of study on a given day to ACT math, in particular geometry, they may wish to spend 30 minutes reviewing foundational knowledge, such as essential formula, before moving on to  revising an aspect of the topic they feel more confident in for a further 30 minutes. The remaining time can then be divided across reviewing more challenging aspects of geometry—one hour of study—before attempting some ACT math questions on the topic in the final 30 minutes.

How to Manage Time During the ACT Math Section

Considering the nature of the ACT math section, which contains 60 questions to be completed in 60 minutes, time is of the essence. Thus, a vital tip for ACT math candidates is to incorporate a timer into their work. Initially, students can time themselves to gain an understanding of how long it takes for them to complete one, five, or ten questions and then, more broadly, the entire math section. This data functions as a base time. Now it is a matter of reducing it. To do so, drilling is crucial. Students can work on single questions, or in groups of fives or tens, with the goal of spending a maximum of 60 seconds per question. It is a tall order but entirely doable with enough practice. Lastly, don’t be afraid to skip a question and circle back later, while prioritising easier questions is also a valid approach.

Utilise ACT Math Practice Resources and Mock Tests

All ACT candidates should utilise practice resources and mock tests when preparing for the exam. Attempting to sit the exam without having done so is not recommended. Thankfully, there are countless resources available online that students can benefit from. For example, the ACT hosts free sample questions for students to work on. Another batch of free math questions is also available elsewhere on their site, in addition to recommended books, like prep guides and specific subject guides. All of these resources should be availed of by those sitting the ACT exam.

How to Approach Word Problems in the ACT Math Section

Word problems can often pose a challenge in the ACT math section. However, there are some tips to help improve in this area. First, make sure to read all word problems twice. It can be easy to misread information in the rush and end up making needless mistakes. So, take an additional moment to reread the question. On this second read through, take note of what is being required, acknowledging key words, as well as what units are at play, what is being solved for, and so on. Next, look over the answers. As is normally the case, one to two of these can be dismissed outright as unlikely. The remaining answers—two or three—will offer a range in which the correct answer falls between. Then it is a matter of attempting an answer. Due to the difficulty students face with regard to word problems, it is important to go easy on the timing at first. Allowing an extra 30 seconds as a buffer is a good place to start. Then, over time, this should be reduced. 

Use the Calculator Efficiently During ACT Math

The ACT math exam permits the use of calculators. However, students should carefully review the ACT calculator policy before their examination to make sure they comply with the rulings. Certain calculators are not allowed to be used during the exam, namely those containing computer algebra systems (CAS). Moreover, it is important that ACT math candidates be aware of the shortcomings of a calculator. For example, among Casio machines as well as other brands, squaring a minus number without placing the number within brackets will result in another minus number. This is, of course, incorrect, yet may be missed by a student due to exam anxiety. Be aware that calculators are not a silver bullet and can make mistakes, too. 

Final Review Tips Before the ACT

As time ticks closer to the exam, there are a number of final review tips that can benefit those sitting the ACT math examination. Students should do a last-minute review of key formulas and concepts that not only commonly occur but that they find most challenging. Being aware of any weaknesses and working to mitigate them is essential for success. Moreover, relaxation is important when going into an exam. Practising mindfulness techniques may be beneficial to reduce stress and create a sense of calm before heading into the ACT math exam. Rest and proper nutrition are also important, as fatigue will do nothing but hamper cognition. 

Contact an ACT Math Tutor at BartyED

At BartyED, we understand the distinct challenges of the ACT exam. Not only is the paper itself gruelling in terms of the number of questions and the time allotted to complete them, but the revision can be challenging too and requires a considerable amount of time and effort. Our expert ACT math tutors have guided innumerable students successfully through the ACT exam and on to success at their dream U.S. universities. Each session with a BartyED ACT tutor is tailored specifically to the student as a means to achieve greater subject mastery. If you think that you or your child could benefit from the guidance of an experienced ACT math tutor, reach out to us today by phone (+852 2882 1017) or email (enquiries@bartyed.com). 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Achieving a score of 36—59-60 questions answered correctly—in the ACT math section requires a considerable level of subject mastery. Consequently, the guidance of an experienced ACT math tutor is essential to reaching the top of the ACT mark band.

  • Based on the results of ACT exams taken between 2022 and 2024, the average ACT math score is 19.1.

  • The math section of the ACT exam assesses student skill level up to Grade 12.

  • No, the ACT math exam does not contain any question on calculus.

  • With the considerable amount of content that is encompassed within the ACT math exam, it is recommended that students take no less than three months to revise for the paper.

  • Yes, however all ACT candidates should read the ACT calculator policy carefully before sitting their exam.

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ACT, MathematicsMark Malone