The ACT is partly a test of knowledge and partly a test of stamina and strategy. Here’s what we walk our Denver-area students through.

What to bring

• Printed admission ticket and photo ID
• 2–3 sharpened pencils and a good eraser
• A calculator with fresh batteries (verify it’s on ACT’s approved list)
• A silent watch to track time
• Water and snacks for the breaks
• Layered clothing, since test rooms can be too warm or too cold

The week before

• Finish any last practice section early in the week, then review mistakes instead of cramming new material.
• Review your strategy sheet before every practice section so it becomes automatic.
• Do a full logistics check by Friday: route, arrival time, materials packed.
• Prioritize sleep and a normal routine.

Test-day mindset

• Arrive when doors open. Rushing raises anxiety.
• Use the breaks. Walk around, use the restroom, eat something.
• Use process of elimination on every question. Eliminating even one choice improves your odds.
• Mark uncertain answers (we use ~ for “not sure” and X for “total guess”) and move on. Return if you have time.
• Pace each section with a watch, and don’t let one hard question eat your time.

Section tips

English: Know the basics of clauses and punctuation, since many questions test them. Annotate what any question prompt is asking. Concise answers are often correct, but always read the full sentence before choosing. Math: Slow down on the early questions you know how to solve. Draw pictures. Underline given information and circle the question in long word problems. Reading: Skim for topic sentences and answer line-reference questions as you go. Remember that the first pass is about knowing where answers are. Science (if your student takes it): Practice reading graphs, tables, and experiment setups quickly.

Should you start prepping earlier?

Need a prep plan? Peak offers ACT and SAT prep in Greenwood Village. Schedule a free consultation or call 720-737-9221. Learn more about SAT & ACT prep at Peak.