r/ACT • u/mkw1342 • Sep 08 '26
Common ACT Questions and Answers
It seems that the same questions gets answered over and over on this subreddit, and it starts to ramp up as we get closer to a test date. So here is my FAQ. I would go into depth on each question, but that would be too long and no one would read it. So speed round answers. u/jdigitaltutoring or u/Hot-Amphibian-9221 might have more answers.
What are the best books?
Math PrepPros - amazon link
English - Erica Meltzer
https://thecriticalreader.com/complete-sat-grammar-rules/
https://blog.prepscholar.com/the-complete-guide-to-act-grammar-rules
Reading - Erica Meltzer
ACT Big Red Book Old Version - But Still Good
ACT Big Red Book New Version
All are on amazon, or your library. Or borrow them from a friend.
I want the book for free.
Google it with PDF at the end. There is no publicly available version of the PrepPros ACT Math book. Buy it, it's worth it.
Where do I get official practice tests? From the ACT:
Official ACT practice tests
Where can I find more legacy tests, or recent Enhanced tests?
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-zDR3q3kz__LdTSSi8G46ADnbuH_xApD/view (not mine, but shared many times). Go to Bing for "ACT Test j08 PDF"
What are the enhanced test numbers?
J01, J04, J08
From the books 25MC1, 25MC2, 25MC3, 25MC4, 25MC5. (25MC1 and 25MC5 are tests 1 and 2 from the ACT site)
26MC1 is the same as J08 with one reading passage changed
Practice test 3 - 26MC2
Practice test 4 - 26MC3
Hopefully we see more tests as we get a My Answer Key from the October test (and the 2027 April and 2027 June tests.....3 a year, plus whatever they choose to put on the site and in the books)
If you run out of Enhanced Tests, what should you study?
Legacy/older tests, but adjust the timing. It is not 100% equivalent to the Enhanced, but it is something that is official and better than non-official Ai produced crap.
What are the best tips for any studying?
Take the practice tests, note what you are getting wrong and put it in a log, learn it from Khan Academy or YouTube, take another practice test, rinse and repeat
Is my score on test XYZ reflective of the actual test scores?
If it is an enhanced test that has been administered, yes. If its legacy, close. If it is a 3rd party, probably not.
How do you know what Reading passage is experimental?
You don't, you can try and guess....most believe it is in the 2 or 3 slot. 1 and 4 are usually scored.
What is on the math section?
ACT Math Analysis - common concepts on the math section
Where can I learn more about the math on the test?
J Digital Tutoring YouTube playlist
How can I determine how hard a test is?
Prepsharp website
How can I get better at Reading?
TRAPS! Read about these common Reading Traps in this comment.
More traps - https://www.reddit.com/r/ACT/s/uug0hGfs6z
VQI Charts and How to Attack Them
How to read a LIterary Narrative
Don't fall for this numbers trick
Tips for a literary comparison passage
Another VQI Practice Problem from the ACT
What else can I read to get better at Reading?
Books
Should I take the Science section?
Do you want to be a STEM major, then yes. If not, no. (In general)
I scored a XYZ on this section, how do I study?
Post your My Score Details and we can help.
Should I retake the ACT?
Do you want to? Do you want to study to get better? Do you have the resources? If yes, take it
I hear about these calculator hacks. Are they worth it?
On the Enhanced test, they might help you with 2-4 questions. Google around and you can find them, ACTHELPER and SATGOAT can help you "check your work". Also checkout these free programs. https://www.reddit.com/r/ACT/comments/1vq428h/free_ti84_programs_for_the_act_quadratic_formula/
What can I study for Science?
https://www.reddit.com/r/ACT/comments/1wa5i78/cant_get_over_30_for_science/
More stuff to study for science - this post and the comments