Stop Wasting Time on ACT Prep: How to Know What you Should REALLY focus on

Stop Wasting Time on ACT Prep: The Ultimate Guide to Focusing on What Matters Most

When it comes to preparing for the ACT, one question seems to stump students and parents alike: Should you focus on strategy or content? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It all depends on where you’re starting from and where you want to go. In the latest episode of the Test Prep+ Podcast, ACT-certified instructor Aimee Urdiales breaks down this critical question with practical advice you can use right now.

The Strategy vs. Content Debate

Think of ACT prep like climbing a mountain. Strategy is your climbing technique, and content is the strength in your legs. You need both to reach the summit, but the balance depends on your current fitness level—or in this case, your starting score.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what Aimee shares in the episode:

• Strategy: Time management, question prioritization, educated guessing, and even bubble-sheet tricks can help you maximize your score.

• Content: Grammar rules, math formulas, reading comprehension skills, and science reasoning abilities are the foundation of your test-taking success.

To know where to focus, you need to identify your strengths and weaknesses.

A Roadmap for Every Score Range

Aimee offers a customized plan for every score range. Here’s a sneak peek:

• Scores Below 18: Focus 70% on content. Build foundational skills in math, grammar, and reading comprehension. Strategies are secondary until you have the basics.

• Scores 18-23: Split your focus 50/50. Work on refining your content knowledge while practicing time management and question prioritization.

• Scores 23-27: Shift to 60% strategy and 40% content. At this level, mastering efficiency and avoiding common traps can push you closer to a top-tier score.

• Scores Above 27: Spend 70% of your time on advanced strategies, like managing test-day stress, eliminating careless errors, and optimizing timing for each section.

Key Takeaways from the Episode

Whether you’re just starting or looking to perfect your approach, every student needs a strong foundation. Here are some essentials Aimee highlights:

• Understand the format and timing of each section.

• Use official ACT materials to practice.

• Create a study schedule that includes full-length practice tests.

Action Steps to Get Started

Ready to take your ACT prep to the next level? Here’s your game plan:

1. Take a diagnostic practice test to identify your weak areas.

2. Use Aimee’s score-based recommendations to create a personalized study plan.

3. Dedicate consistent time each week to both content and strategy.

4. Reassess every two weeks with a new practice test and adjust your plan as needed.

Your dream score is closer than you think! 💪✨

Check out all of the resources mentioned in this episode:

You FREE guide to the perfect mix of content and strategy for the ACT: https://u-prep-test-prep.myflodesk.com/utvy61qru0

Register for our ACT Bootcamp Live coming this February (Session 1: Sun., Feb. 15th 2-4 pm) Session 2: Sun., Feb. 22nd 2-4 pm).  Use code OFF75 to get $75 off this bootcamp just for listening to this episode!  https://upreptestprep-site-1ee6.thinkific.com/products/live_events/act-success-live-event

Subscribe to our newsletter for free weekly resources: https://u-prep-test-prep.myflodesk.com/freebie-signup

Check out all of our practice tests for the ACT: https://upreptestprep-site-1ee6.thinkific.com/collections/practice-tests

·      If you are looking for personalized test prep, click here: https://upreptestprep-site-1ee6.thinkific.com/courses/act-personalized-course

Good luck on your test prep journey!

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