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 Science section, categorize your mistakes into these three categories to the right:

Graphs and tables
Place any data-based questions that required you to find information in a chart or related figure into this category.
Overall understanding of the passage
While some questions are easily answered from a specific piece of information, others require you to have a firm understanding of what was being investigated in the experiment or study.
Underlying science
Some questions require you to have knowledge of outside science topics.

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:
  • Identifying relationships between variables given in tables

    The information in the graph is right in front of me. I just need help “seeing” these relationships when they are presented in table form.

  • Increasing my speed

    I’m answering questions accurately, but it takes me too long to read and understand a passage. How can I maintain my accuracy but increase my speed?

  • Genetics questions

    I missed three questions in a genetics passage because I’ve never studied this topic in school. I need to familiarize myself with gene-crossing so I’m comfortable with this topic.

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. Use amazon.com’s “Look Inside” feature to get a preview of a few commercially-available test prep books from major tutoring companies. Choose the one that you think best addresses the plan you created in Step 3.
  2. Use available practice tests—either from the book you selected in #1 above or from The Official ACT Prep Guide—to practice answering questions. ACT Science passages are very unique, so the best way to prepare is often simply completing practice passages.
  3. If pacing is an issue, check out our blog post on how to finish sections on time on the ACT.

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...
Experiment with not reading any of the passage.

You heard us right. Quickly glance at the data and move directly to the questions. You might be surprised at how easy the questions are!

Take a few minutes before each study session to set your goals.

List content areas you’d like to learn about or techniques you want to practice. Students with established plans study more efficiently.

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.