Step One: Familiarize yourself with the content and timing of the section.

How do I do this?
Take a timed practice test or practice section. You can take a proctored ACT with ArborBridge or purchase a book of practice tests directly from the ACT or another test prep company.

Step Two: Grade your exam and identify your weaknesses.

How do I do this?
Carefully consider the types of questions you got wrong. On the Math section, categorize your mistakes into these four categories to the right:

Algebra
Did you struggle with problems involving variables, including problems that asked you to use variables to produce and solve your own equations?
Arithmetic
Did you make computational errors? Were you unsure of how to deal with things like exponents, logarithms, or order of operations?
Word problems
Did you struggle turning longer questions into math equations?
Geometry
Did you struggle on questions that included geometric figures or described shapes? Feeling unsure about trig functions?

Step Three: Establish a plan for preparation.

How do I do this?
If you took a practice test with ArborBridge, we will provide you with a detailed score report that includes a prioritized list of topics that you need work on. If you used The Official ACT Prep Guide, there are detailed explanations for each question. Read the explanations for all of your incorrect answers and look for patterns.

Then, develop a list of topics that you want to review. For example, your list might look like this:

My list of topics to review:
  • Understanding the equations of lines

    I need to understand how to calculate slope/gradient and how to create equations of lines in standard form.

  • Logarithms

    I’ve never seen these! What are they and how are they tested?

  • 3-dimensional shapes

    I feel confident about 2-dimensional shapes, but I answered some questions incorrectly that dealt with cubes and spheres. I need to learn the equations associated with these shapes and determine how to best draw these shapes in my test booklet.

Step Four: Identify resources and practice!

How do I do this?
Ask your friends and teachers or go online to find whatever resources you think are relevant and helpful.

Recommendations for Resources:

  1. WolframAlpha is a mobile phone app that provides step-by-step solving instructions for any math equation. It doesn’t include instruction, but it’s a great way to check your work or identify where you made a mistake.
  2. The Official ACT Prep Guide is another great resource. In addition to providing practice tests and clear explanations, this guide includes instruction on a variety of math topics.
  3. There are number of great online resources that do a good job of explaining the math topics that are tested on the ACT. ArborBridge’s personal favorites are www.purplemath.com and https://www.khanacademy.org/math.

Step Five: Track your progress.

How do I do this?
When you feel ready, take another timed practice section. Grade your exam, see where you’ve improved, and repeat Steps 2–5 if necessary.

PLUS, even more tips from our test prep experts...
Write it all down!

Write down your work directly on the page. This helps you visualize the problem and eliminate silly mistakes.

Start each math session by reviewing what you studied last time.

No one has perfect recall. It usually takes at least three times practicing a technique to fully internalize it.

Take a free practice ACT with ArborBridge!

Students who take practice tests with ArborBridge receive a complimentary score report, fully customized for each individual student. We break down each of your answers to every question on the test and pinpoint your main weaknesses, which ultimately leads to more efficient test prep.