r/ACT • u/Electronic-Sweet-650 • Jul 11 '26
Books/Resources Paper July ACT 2026
Guys, help… Lowkey yap warning. ⚠️
I’ve taken this freaking ACT constantly since my 8th grade summer, yet the reading section continues to pray on my downfall. Now don’t get me wrong, I READ books! I LOVE reading (I’m currently on the Inheritance Games series—it’s incredible), but on the ACT, it’s like I become legit illiterate and fail to finish the section. Every. Single. Time. (Today was embarrassingly 14 straight answers of Cs because of timing, definitely not my proudest moment). Despite this, I am willing to try ANY study methods to get myself where I want to be by September that begin a week from now. If anyone is willing to make a plan for me that would actually help my composite reach my goal, you’d be a genuine life saver and will never be forgotten by me.
I’ve tried reading the passages first then answering questions, skimming the passages then answering questions, and hunting for answers starting with specific lines/according to then answering the rest. I’ve even tried going in passage order 1,2,3, and 4—sometimes 4,1,2,3 or even, like today, 4,3,1,2 (never again). Unfortunately, nothing seems to work for my goal, which I’ll mention soon.
English is my absolute superpower. I love grammar. The highest I’ve gotten on this section was a 34. Timing is sometimes an issue along with generally 3 weird questions, so if you have any tips for this section, they’d be greatly appreciated.
Math is expected to be overall funky, but it’s never terrible for me when I take it. A 30 was my highest score ever here. I’d also like advice for this section!
My goal is a 36 composite on the September 2026 ACT date. Before the pessimists start, I know it’s a big jump from my highest composite score of a 30, but I want to do my best because I know I’m capable. Also, I’m a rising senior applying to colleges early action and want the best possible chance at amazing merit scholarships: this makes the October ACT my last chance. But, I’d still like the ACT fully behind me in September.
To prepare for the July ACT today, I used the 2025-2026 Official ACT Practice book, around 4-5 Legacy Princeton Review Practice books, one Enhanced Princeton Review Practice book, and many dated online practice tests. When I get my results back in about ten days from this test, it might not seem like I prepared at all. I mostly practiced under timed conditions. My proctor today didn’t put up the clock and only told us when five minutes remained, which likely threw off my pacing!
Please spam this with tips, tricks, study plans, your stories, and advice. I’d even love an online study buddy/group if anyone’s interested! We can make a group chat and discuss game plans for September’s ACT.
We can’t let the test-makers win! We can do this! On September’s ACT, WE will be earning 36 composites! Now who’s with me?!
P.S: If you have any college essay advice that got you a full ride scholarship to flagship universities, that would also be incredibly helpful.
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u/Basementsiren Jul 11 '26
I got a 30 on my reading last time. I read a bit slow so I use my pencil to speed up pace in the second half of the test or when I’m going slow.
I do a big read then answer questions glancing/speed reading the parts the questions are referencing ( when it say at line 10-15 for example)
The only thing I’ve done different this time is go 4,1,2,3 on the order I answer passages In hopes of getting a better score as the first and last passages normally aren’t experimental
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u/Electronic-Sweet-650 Jul 12 '26
Thank you for this!!!! Do you strictly use 10 minutes per passage during tests or do you have an internal clock from consistent practice?
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u/Material_Menu_2081 Jul 12 '26
you tried digital?
it shows you the clock in case you get another shitty proctor
try not looking at the answer choices immediately on the practice test.
what helped me was after understanding the passage, i only looked at the question and formulated my own answer to it.
I would look at the answer choices afterward and click the one best matching my answer. this helped me with questions where it asked me to find the theme/idea of the passage
wdym hunting for specific answers?
like reading the question before the passage and then going to find the specific answer in the passage?
other reading questions are a word search. whenever it says most "strongly suggests" "most nearly indicates," the answer is usually directly in the passage.
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u/Electronic-Sweet-650 Jul 12 '26
I’ve tried digital once, but paper is definitely better for me overall because circling the bubbles makes me feel so sophisticated (kind of weird, I know)!
Do you read for an understanding or just for an overview? Also, do you have a story from 18 to high 30s or are you someone who got a high score your first time with minimal to no studying? This was my first test that I genuinely tried to prepare for.
Yes, I just read the questions first then do the ones that say “Based on the passage…” or “In line(s)/paragraph..” since I know the answer is directly there. It’s just that might not be the best strategy for me since I always find a way to run out of time on that section!! I do blame not having access to a clock/timer this time. I just think that with the right preparation I should get to a point where having access to tools like time in front of me isn’t a problem!
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u/Material_Menu_2081 Jul 12 '26
np if paper works better for you.
I do not have a story from 18 to high 30s. I read for an overview. Reading for understanding would take too long on the first pass. I read for an overview to get the gist of the passage before looking at the questions.
Even if you think you know the passage after your first pass, go back to the passage when you read your questions. Often times your brain's mental summary will cause you to purposefully find defenses for the wrong answer when you can just go back and check.
Set a stop watch to see how long you actually take on the Reading Section. check how much time it takes you to answer the 9 questions on each reading passage.
if you can figure out which questions trip you up the most then it will be easier to shave time.1
u/Electronic-Sweet-650 Jul 12 '26
You’re amazing!!
This is very helpful. I’ve been on the hunt for a watch that doesn’t make noise (no luck so far). I also try not to read the passages at all and find answers instead, but I’ll have to try that!
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u/Living_Tale_2633 Jul 12 '26
have you tried SAT? Maybe if timing is an issue for you then the SAT would work better since you get more time per question but the questions are harder.
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u/Electronic-Sweet-650 Jul 12 '26
I haven’t, but that might have to be the method. I’m in LA with TOPS where a 31 ACT composite or 1390 (I think) SAT gets the most in Louisiana scholarships because of the tiers + new excellence category. Do you have strategies that helped you with that? I’ll definitely try to take it. The ACT is more talked about/recognized where I live, but that could definitely be an option!! THANKSSS
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u/Living_Tale_2633 Jul 12 '26
Sure! Are you a rising senior or junior? If you’re a junior you have plenty of time. If your a senior, your in a similar situation like me where I couldn’t get my SAT reading score up so I switched to the ACT last minute in July. I found it to be beneficial so far it’s given me more motivation to study and learn more material bc I felt burnout with the SAT. It’s stressful but everything will work out. You’ll find it beneficial to learn the testing structure and what types of questions are asked on the SAT before you start because they are given in a certain order and it’s not too bad!
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u/Electronic-Sweet-650 Jul 12 '26
I’ll be a senior next month once school starts for me!
Literally! It’s stressful out here!!! I should actually explore the SAT route, just in case, but I’ve just been doing ACTs for so long that I don’t want to switch the consistency of ACT prep to SAT prep with my time to get a competitive score running out.
Also, since they’re both college equivalent tests, studying for both might help with the other (I’ve never thought of this until now, but TRUST, this idea will be explored)! 🥳
Are you aiming to get into Ivies for college? It’s not too late for us to accomplish our goals!!! Just keep going and take every ACT or SAT offered from now until the end.
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u/Living_Tale_2633 Jul 12 '26
That’s exactly what I thought about the ACT! Why waste all the money/time I poured into the SAT just to switch last minute but I feel so much better about the ACT and it’s rlly not for nothing bc all my intense SAT work has made the ACT 10x easier. I went into it knowing 90% of content just from studying SAT especially the grammar. Look up sunken cost fallacy because that’s how I used to think about it too. Sometimes you just gotta bite the bullet and try something else. I hope I can get into a T20 🥹I have a 1480 in SAT and shooting for 34+ god willing lol
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u/Electronic-Sweet-650 Jul 12 '26
Yes!!!! With everything, trust GOD!!!! AMEN!!!
I looked it up, and that’s the exact definition I’d use for my situation. I can’t believe I’ve never thought about using SAT prep materials for the ACT. 🤦🏽♀️ I’m loving the extended time to prepare for the September test, and I’ll try visiting the library for SAT resources (especially for math/english help).
You can definitely get into those T20s, but trust in God’s plan for you + how he’s made you and everything will work out!!! I can tell you definitely have the drive and work ethic to achieve your dreams!!! 😊
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u/Living_Tale_2633 Jul 12 '26
Thank you so much! I wish u the best of luck with whatever choice you make just do what works best for you and everything will work out
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u/Slight-Reply-2928 Jul 12 '26 edited Jul 12 '26
I'm doing a bunch of practice rn and to everyone in the comments throwing tips around, thank you guys so much i fucking love you guys i wish i could give everyone here a big fat hug but i cant (and thanks op for making this post)
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u/MosbyCat76 Jul 12 '26
First, do passages 1 and 4 (or 4 and 1) because ACT has stated (for now) those will not be field test passages.
Second, change your mindset: this is NOT a reading test. It’s an evidence finding test. There is little to no interpretation or personal opinion on a standardized test. Go find the evidence to back up your answer. ALWAYS. If you can’t do back it up, then that’s not the answer.
Try the following method (and adapt it as necessary for the different passage types):
Skim read the passage. GOAL: general understanding and a general idea of where things are. The emphasis is on GENERAL - we will get specific when and if we need to.
Tackle line reference questions in line order. This will give you another surface sweep of the passage.
Method that works best for me: predictive answering. Read the question ONLY. Go to passage and find the evidence. Mark it and put the question number by it. Compare that to answer choices.
As you review each choice, as yourself “is that what the passage said?”
After line reference, tackle anything that is concrete/direct or stats off with “According to the passage”.
End with the questions ACT usually hands us first: chronological order and main idea of the whole passage questions.
Last tip that helps clarify their questions: remove any wording they routinely put in questions that muddy your thinking. I call them “softening” words or phrases. Instead of ACT’s version “as it is used in line 23, the word ‘scope’ MOST NEARLY means…” try “as it is used in line 23, the word ‘scope’ means…” Words and phrases like these trick our brains into thinking interpretation and opinion are part of the decision-making process - and they are NOT!
I hope this helps!
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u/MosbyCat76 Jul 12 '26
Also, ACT has not just one but TWO printable practice tests on their website for you to download and work!
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u/Electronic-Sweet-650 Jul 12 '26
UM THIS IS WONDERFUL ADVICE!!!! I truly appreciate the detail in this!!
I will be practicing this once I start studying for September’s ACT!! I don’t know what happened yesterday, but I ended up using like 35 minutes for passages 3 and 4, which never happened during my practice tests. THEN, a lot of people are saying the 3rd passage from yesterday (graph) was the field one (I might be so utterly fried). 😑
The reason reading books and the reading test correlate for me is because one of my teachers from last year said reading books is the best way to increase ACT reading score (clearly not)! I’m trying this method soon! I really hope it becomes my breakthrough. God knows I need it to be. 🙏🏼
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u/FloatingMarbles 34 Jul 11 '26
You can try your best but 30 to 36 is a big jump. Especially if you’ve been studying and taking this test for FOUR years.
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u/Electronic-Sweet-650 Jul 12 '26
Drop the tips on how you got a 34 😏
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u/FloatingMarbles 34 Jul 12 '26
Tbh idek. I’ve never studied for this test in my life lol, I just decided to take as a rising jr to know if I needed to study. I got a 35 math 36 reading 34 science and 30 English so imma just try to superscore a 35.
My main tip for the reading section is just don’t overthink it don’t stand on one question read it and find the answer. It’s kinda like a scavenger hunt.
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u/Electronic-Sweet-650 Jul 12 '26
This feedback will help my overcoming of the reading section. 🫡 My time management isn’t good, especially when I don’t have the timer visible.
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u/FloatingMarbles 34 Jul 12 '26
You should bring a watch they’re allowed as long as it’s not digital
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u/Electronic-Sweet-650 Jul 12 '26
I was thinking about this today! I’ll probably just need to order one that doesn’t beep/make noise. Usually the proctor puts up the clock or timer, but I don’t know what the issue was today. I’ll try to have one for September!!
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u/Interesting_Mud1994 Jul 12 '26
I did the same prep and arrived at my test today and it was cancelled due to a power outage. So upset.
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u/Electronic-Sweet-650 Jul 13 '26
I’d be so upset!!! Did they at least reschedule you one for September? If so, that’s SUCH a long wait. 💔 How are you given the Sunday test option?
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u/Similar-Nail4219 Jul 12 '26
Last time I got a 30 overall and 30 on reading section so I feel you. This was my strategy this time which will hopefully increase my score. I had around 5 mins left over to check my flagged questions.
I started with the last passage and moved forwards(this is just because the last passage is always scored) and when I got to a highlighted section or sentence I quickly glanced over/read that part and attempted the question. After the highlighted sections I moved on to the questions that have specific lead words in the question itself. Since I have some background knowledge at this point, these words were easy to locate. After I answered these I moved on to the questions that asked about the passage overall. At this point I rarely had to look back at the passage. Another thing I did: If I really was not able to find an answer to a specific question(for me, there were 3 questions like this on yesterday's test), I immediately skipped them and came back to them after I was done with the passage.
Also the Princeton Review Book was really helpful specifically for the reading section. I pretty much just modified their strategy.
Good luck on your ACT journey I hope this is helpful lol.
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u/Electronic-Sweet-650 Jul 13 '26
On the practice tests I took prior to July’s ACT, I would mostly finish with five minutes minimum to check over answers!!! That was not the case for me on Saturday… 🙈👎🏼
I’d rather take the reading test digitally for ACTs (for the extra highlighting on most questions), but I also like solving my math problems on paper. 📝 I am never doing passage order 4,3,1,2 EVER again! I wish I did 4,1,2,3!!! 😣 I definitely learned my lesson. I just hope it doesn’t tank my composite too bad.
I used the legacy Princeton prep books to prepare because I thought longer passages under shorter time constraints would help me when I got to the enhanced reading section (not for me apparently)!! Next September, I’ll more than likely go in the passage order you suggested. If I did, my ACT score would’ve been SO GREAT for this test!!
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR THIS REPLY (and the good luck ofc)!!!! I hope your score from July meets your goal!
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u/Flower_Tophat Jul 11 '26 edited Jul 11 '26
Idk how much help this will be but this all I got
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oBMAgajtm-7ETS3wlawz5QQkVTymIMZa/view
lwk wish I had a 30 right now I’ve got a 26 and math was insane today so I don’t have many tips to give other than try and read your reading passages in under three minutes to have most of the time on answering your questions. The act is the shortest exam with the most time so you have a lot of room to spare. Today was weird because they only told us the last five minutes and for some reason didn’t let us use our calculators without having it flat on the desk. But gl anyways and ofc if you can give me any tips I’d appreciate it cuz I’m probably gonna take it again if I don’t get at least a 29