ACT Science Strategies and Tips

Understanding the ACT Science Section

The ACT Science section consists of 40 multiple-choice questions based on scientific passages. You have 35 minutes to complete the section, giving you just under 1 minute per question. The questions cover three main areas:

• Data Representation (38%): Graphs, tables, and charts
• Research Summaries (45%): Experiments and research studies
• Conflicting Viewpoints (17%): Disagreements or differing interpretations of scientific data

While the ACT Science section is based on scientific concepts, you don’t need to have advanced scientific knowledge to succeed. The key is the ability to interpret data and draw conclusions from experiments and graphs.

ACT Science Strategies

To succeed in the ACT Science section, you need to develop a strategic approach. Here are some proven strategies to help you tackle the questions effectively:

1. Read the Questions First

Before reading the passage or data, start by reading the questions. This will give you a sense of what you should focus on as you analyze the information in the passage. Knowing what information is being asked about will help you save time and prevent you from getting overwhelmed by the details.

2. Focus on Data Interpretation

The ACT Science section frequently includes graphs, tables, and charts. Focus on understanding the data rather than the science behind it. Pay attention to units of measurement, trends, and labels in the charts and graphs. Being able to extract the right information from these visuals is key to answering many questions correctly.

3. Don't Get Stuck on Scientific Jargon

While the passages in the ACT Science section may contain scientific terminology, you don’t need to be an expert in the subject matter. Focus on what the question is asking and avoid getting bogged down by unfamiliar terms. The most important part is your ability to understand and interpret the data presented, not to memorize complex scientific concepts.

4. Eliminate Wrong Answers

Use the process of elimination to narrow down your answer choices. Often, one or two options will be clearly wrong, leaving you with a better chance of selecting the correct answer even if you’re unsure. If you’re stuck on a question, rule out the least likely options and make an educated guess.

5. Manage Your Time

With 40 questions in 35 minutes, time management is critical. Don’t spend too much time on any one question. If you’re struggling with a particular passage or question, move on and come back to it later if there’s time. Prioritize answering the questions you find easiest, then tackle the harder ones once you've built up some momentum.

6. Stay Calm and Stay Focused

Because the ACT Science section is fast-paced, it’s important to remain calm and stay focused. Don’t let one difficult question throw you off. If you find yourself spending too much time on a question, skip it and return to it later. Keep your composure, and trust your ability to interpret the data provided.

ACT Science Tips

In addition to strategies, here are some specific tips to help you perform better on the ACT Science section:

1. Practice Interpreting Graphs and Tables

The ACT Science section includes many questions that require you to interpret graphs and tables. Practice reading and analyzing graphs, charts, and tables. Focus on identifying trends, comparing data, and making predictions based on the information presented. The more comfortable you are with these types of questions, the faster you’ll be able to answer them on test day.

2. Understand Experimental Design

Many questions in the Research Summaries section will involve understanding the setup of an experiment. Review the basic structure of scientific experiments, including independent and dependent variables, control groups, and sample sizes. Knowing these concepts will help you answer questions about experimental results more easily.

3. Practice With Conflicting Viewpoints

The Conflicting Viewpoints section involves understanding different interpretations of scientific data. This can be challenging, but the key is to read carefully and look for subtle differences in the way data is presented. Pay attention to the wording and the tone of each viewpoint, and be sure to compare them to see which answer choice aligns with the data provided.

4. Use Process of Elimination

For questions that seem unclear or difficult, use process of elimination. Often, there will be one or two answers that can be ruled out immediately. Narrowing down the options will improve your chances of selecting the correct answer, even if you’re unsure about the details.

5. Familiarize Yourself with Scientific Topics

While you don’t need to be a science expert to succeed on the ACT Science section, it’s still helpful to have a general understanding of basic scientific concepts. Brush up on topics like biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth science to feel more comfortable with the types of passages you’ll encounter.

Final Preparation Tips

As you prepare for the ACT Science section, follow these final tips to ensure you're fully prepared for test day:

• Take Practice Tests: The best way to prepare for the ACT Science section is by taking full-length practice tests. Practice with timed conditions to simulate the test day experience.
• Review Your Mistakes: After completing practice tests, go over your mistakes and figure out why you got a question wrong. This will help you understand what areas to focus on during your final review.
• Stay Calm on Test Day: On test day, stay calm and focus on the task at hand. If you encounter a difficult question, take a deep breath and keep moving forward.
• Get Plenty of Rest: Ensure you get a good night’s sleep before the test to keep your mind sharp and focused during the exam.
• Eat a Healthy Breakfast: A healthy breakfast will help you stay energized and focused throughout the exam.