How long should I study before retaking the ACT

Okay, so I took the ACT a couple of months ago, and honestly, I didn’t do as well as I needed to. My composite score was a 24, but I’m really aiming for at least a 28, ideally a 30 or higher. I want to go to a really good school, and I know a better ACT score will help a lot.

I’m thinking of retaking it sometime between October and December. I’m currently a junior, so I have some time, but I also don’t want to procrastinate. I’m already involved in a few extracurriculars (debate club and volunteer work at the animal shelter), and my classes are pretty demanding (AP US History, Honors Chemistry, Pre-Calc, and English Lit).

So, given my target score increase and my busy schedule, how much dedicated study time should I realistically aim for each week between now and my next test date? Should I be aiming for a certain number of hours each week, or should I focus on a different approach, like practice tests on the weekend? Also, are there any specific resources or strategies that would be particularly helpful for someone who’s already familiar with the test format but needs to significantly improve their score?

Answer

The ideal study time before retaking the ACT varies considerably depending on several factors, including your initial score, target score, the amount of time until the next test date, your study habits, and your individual learning style. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a breakdown of factors to consider and general guidelines:

Factors Influencing Study Time:

• Initial Score vs. Target Score: The larger the gap between your current score and your desired score, the more study time you’ll need. A student aiming to improve by 1-2 points might need significantly less time than someone trying to increase their score by 5-6 points or more.
• Areas of Weakness: If you have specific areas of weakness (e.g., Math, Science Reasoning), you’ll need to allocate more study time to those subjects. Identify those weaknesses through practice tests and focused review.
• Time Until the Next Test Date: The more time you have, the more gradually you can approach your studying and the more topics you can cover. If you have limited time, you’ll need a more intensive, focused approach.
• Study Habits and Learning Style: Consider how effectively you learn. Some students learn best through structured courses, while others prefer self-study with textbooks and online resources. How many hours a day or week can you realistically dedicate to studying without burning out?
• Content Gaps vs. Test-Taking Strategies: Are you missing fundamental knowledge, or are you struggling with test-taking strategies (e.g., time management, question analysis)? Addressing content gaps takes more time than refining test-taking skills.
• Prior ACT Experience: If this is not your first time taking the ACT, reflect on what worked and didn’t work in your previous preparation. Build upon what was effective and adjust your approach for areas that need improvement.

General Guidelines and Approaches:

1. Diagnostic Assessment: Begin with a full-length, timed practice ACT to establish a baseline score and identify areas of weakness. Analyze your performance to understand the types of questions you missed, the reasons you missed them (content, timing, carelessness), and the sections where you struggled most.
2. Targeted Review and Practice: Focus your studying on the areas where you need the most improvement. Use ACT prep books, online resources, and practice questions to reinforce your understanding of key concepts and strategies.
3. Consistent Study Schedule: Create a realistic study schedule that you can stick to. Consistency is more important than cramming.
4. Full-Length Practice Tests: Take regular full-length, timed practice tests under realistic testing conditions (same time of day, quiet environment, no distractions). This helps you build stamina, improve time management skills, and track your progress.
5. Review and Analyze: After each practice test, carefully review your answers, both correct and incorrect. Understand why you missed questions and identify any patterns in your errors.

6. Test-Taking Strategies: Practice effective test-taking strategies, such as:

   • Time Management: Pace yourself effectively and avoid spending too much time on any one question.
   • Process of Elimination: Narrow down answer choices to increase your odds of selecting the correct answer.
   • Reading Comprehension Techniques: Skim passages to identify key information and answer questions efficiently.
   • Guessing Strategies: If you’re unsure of the answer, make an educated guess rather than leaving the question blank.
7. Adapt and Adjust: As you study, monitor your progress and adjust your study plan as needed. If you’re not seeing improvement in certain areas, try a different approach or seek additional help.

Time Allocation Estimates:

• Small Improvement (1-2 points): 20-40 hours of focused study. This might involve reviewing specific concepts, practicing targeted questions, and refining test-taking strategies.
• Moderate Improvement (3-4 points): 40-80 hours of study. This typically requires a more comprehensive review of content, more extensive practice, and a greater focus on addressing areas of weakness.
• Significant Improvement (5+ points): 80+ hours of study. This often involves a complete review of all ACT subjects, intensive practice, and potentially seeking professional tutoring or enrollment in a prep course.

Example Study Schedules (Adjust to Your Needs):

• 3 Months Before the Test (Moderate Improvement):

  • Weeks 1-4: Diagnostic test, identify weaknesses, review fundamental concepts.
  • Weeks 5-8: Focus on math and English; practice targeted questions.
  • Weeks 9-12: Focus on reading and science; full-length practice tests every other week.
  • Week Before: Review weaknesses, take a final practice test, focus on test-taking strategies.

• 6 Weeks Before the Test (Small to Moderate Improvement):

  • Weeks 1-2: Diagnostic test, review most important concepts, create a study schedule.
  • Weeks 3-4: Focus on 2-3 subjects per week, practice questions daily, and review errors.
  • Weeks 5-6: Take 1-2 full-length practice tests, review, and work on any areas where improvement is needed.

Key Considerations:

• Quality over Quantity: Studying effectively is more important than studying for long hours without focus.
• Rest and Relaxation: Get enough sleep and take breaks to avoid burnout.
• Seek Help: If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help from teachers, tutors, or online resources.

Ultimately, the amount of time you should study before retaking the ACT depends on your individual circumstances and goals. By assessing your strengths and weaknesses, creating a realistic study plan, and consistently practicing, you can maximize your chances of improving your score.