ACT Prep Guide 2026: Science Section Tips and English Strategy
The ACT is a 2-hour 55-minute college admissions test with four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Unlike the SAT, the ACT has a dedicated Science section and tests English grammar with high specificity. Average composite score is around 20.9; most selective colleges look for 28–34+.
This guide covers the ACT's most misunderstood sections — Science and English — plus a 4-week study plan and score-improvement strategies.
ACT vs. SAT: Which Should You Take?
| Factor | ACT | SAT |
|---|---|---|
| Science section | ✅ Yes (40 questions) | ❌ No |
| Math calculator use | Allowed throughout | Only on Module 2 |
| Grammar questions | High volume, specific rules | Lower volume |
| Reading passages | 4 passages, 40 questions | Shorter passages, integrated |
| Time pressure | Tighter (especially Science) | More relaxed |
Take both once using free official practice tests. Compare your scaled scores. Most students score higher on one test — that's the one to prep for seriously.
ACT English Section: What It Actually Tests
The ACT English section has 75 questions in 45 minutes — that's 36 seconds per question. It tests grammar rules, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills (improving clarity and organization).
The High-Yield Grammar Rules
These rules cover ~70% of ACT English questions:
Commas:
- Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) joining two independent clauses
- Do NOT use a comma between a subject and its verb
- Use commas to set off non-essential clauses (those that can be removed without changing the main meaning)
Apostrophes:
- Possessive singular:
student's notes - Possessive plural:
students' notes - Contractions:
it's= "it is";its= possessive (no apostrophe)
Subject-verb agreement:
- The verb agrees with the subject, not with a noun closer to the verb
- "The box of flashcards is on the desk" (subject = box)
Transitions:
- Addition: furthermore, additionally, moreover
- Contrast: however, nevertheless, on the other hand
- Cause/effect: therefore, consequently, as a result
Conciseness rule: When two answer choices are grammatically correct, choose the shorter one. ACT English consistently rewards concision.
ACT Science Section: It's NOT About Science Knowledge
This surprises most students: the ACT Science section requires almost no science content knowledge. It tests your ability to read graphs, interpret data, and compare experimental results — skills you already have.
What the Science section actually contains:
- Data Representation (30–40%): Read graphs, tables, and figures. Identify trends, values, and relationships.
- Research Summaries (45–55%): 3 experiments presented with results. Compare methods and conclusions.
- Conflicting Viewpoints (15–20%): Two scientists hold opposing views. Identify where they agree and disagree.
Science Section Strategy
For Data Representation and Research Summaries:
- Don't read the passage first — go directly to the question
- Find the relevant figure referenced in the question
- Read the axis labels carefully before identifying the answer
- Most answers are directly readable from the figure with no inference required
For Conflicting Viewpoints:
- This is the only section where you MUST read the passage first
- Take 30 seconds to note what each scientist claims
- Questions will ask you to match specific claims to the correct scientist
Time management for Science: 35 minutes for 40 questions = 52.5 seconds per question. Conflicting Viewpoints takes longer — do it last. Spend 5 minutes on each of the other 5 passages.
ACT Math Section Overview
The ACT Math section has 60 questions in 60 minutes. Unlike the SAT, a calculator is allowed for all questions. The content ranges from pre-algebra to basic trigonometry:
- Pre-algebra and elementary algebra: ~40%
- Intermediate algebra and coordinate geometry: ~30%
- Plane geometry: ~23%
- Trigonometry: ~7%
Trig is the highest-yield topic for students already scoring 28+ who want to reach 33–36. For students below 24, pre-algebra and algebra are where the fastest score gains come from.
4-Week ACT Study Plan
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | English: Study all grammar rules. Math: Pre-algebra and algebra review. Science: Do 2 practice Science passages per day to build data-reading habits. |
| Week 2 | Reading: 1 full Reading section timed. Math: Geometry and coordinate geometry. English: 1 full English section timed + error review. |
| Week 3 | Full practice test under real conditions → full review of all sections. Science: conflicting viewpoints passages specifically. |
| Week 4 | Targeted drilling of weakest section. Final full practice test Day 5 of Week 4. Light review only after that. |
Practice tests to use:
- ACT Official Practice Tests (free at actstudent.org — 5 official tests)
- The Real ACT Prep Guide (6 additional full tests)
Score Improvement by Section
| Current Score | Fastest Path to +3–4 points |
|---|---|
| English 18–22 | Master the grammar rules above; focus on conciseness questions |
| Math 18–22 | Pre-algebra accuracy; stop making arithmetic errors |
| Reading 18–22 | Time management; stop spending >12 min on any passage |
| Science 18–22 | Practice data-reading speed; go directly to figures |
| English 26+ | Focus on rhetorical skills questions (transitions, purpose, organization) |
| Math 26+ | Trigonometry and functions |
| Science 26+ | Research summary comparison questions; conflicting viewpoints |
TikoNote for ACT Prep
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I study for the ACT?
Most students see meaningful score improvement (2–4 composite points) with 4–8 weeks of structured prep including 3–5 hours/week. Students targeting competitive scores (32+) typically prep for 8–12 weeks. Taking a full diagnostic test on Week 1 and identifying your weakest section gives you the most efficient path to score improvement.
Is the ACT or SAT easier?
Neither is objectively easier — it depends on your strengths. Students who are strong in science and prefer straightforward grammar rules tend to score better on the ACT. Students who prefer a slower pace and integrated reading/writing format tend to score better on the SAT. Take one official practice test for each and compare.
How is the ACT scored?
Each of the four sections is scored on a scale of 1–36. The composite score is the average of all four sections, rounded to the nearest whole number. The optional Writing (essay) score is reported separately and not included in the composite.
Does the ACT have a penalty for wrong answers?
No. The ACT does not subtract points for wrong answers. Always answer every question, even if you're guessing — a blank answer scores zero, while a guess has a 1-in-4 chance of being correct.
What is a good ACT score for college admissions?
A composite score of 28+ places you in the top 25% nationally. Most selective colleges (top 50) report median ACT scores of 30–34. The national average is approximately 20.9. Check each college's Common Data Set for their reported 25th–75th percentile ACT ranges.
The Bottom Line
The ACT Science section rewards speed and data-reading, not science content. The English section rewards knowing 8 grammar rules cold. Together these two sections are where most students leave the most points on the table.
Action step: Download a free official ACT practice test today. Score it section by section. Your lowest section score tells you exactly where to focus the first two weeks of your prep.
Also read: SAT Formula Sheet and How to Raise Your SAT Score
Written by TikoNote Team
AI learning researchers & cognitive science enthusiasts building tools that help students study smarter with evidence-based methods like active recall, spaced repetition, and the Feynman Technique.
