3 ACT Score-Boosting Secrets That Actually Work in 2025

The new ACT changed everything. Here's how to adapt your strategy and see real results.

The ACT isn't the same test it was two years ago. The digital format, new timing, and optional Science section have completely changed the game—but most Test Preppers are still using outdated strategies.

If you've been stuck at the same score or you're prepping for your first ACT, these three proven strategies will help you work smarter, not harder.

The Problem: Old Strategies Don't Work on the New ACT

What changed:

• Digital format now an option

• New timing patterns

• Optional Science section (but not really optional for competitive schools)

• Different pacing requirements

What hasn't changed: Most prep programs are still teaching 2019 strategies for a 2025 test.

The result? Test Preppers spending months studying with minimal score improvement.

Strategy #1: Target Your "Easy Win" Section First

The mistake most students make: Treating every section equally and trying to improve everything at once.

The better approach: Identify where small improvements create big score jumps.

How to Find Your Easy Win Section

1. Review your last practice test or official scores

2. Find your lowest-performing section relative to the others

3. Ask this key question: "Am I missing questions I actually know how to solve?"

Examples:

• ✅ Good target: Missing Reading questions due to time management

• ❌ Poor target: Missing Math questions on concepts you've never learned

Why this works: You get maximum score improvement for minimum time invested.

Strategy #2: Use "Time Batching" Instead of Question-by-Question Timing

Old advice: "Spend equal time on every question"
New reality: This approach will hurt your score on the digital ACT.

What Is Time Batching?

Instead of monitoring time per question, break sections into chunks with specific time targets.

Traditional approach:

• "I have 35 minutes for 40 Reading questions"

Time batching approach:

• First 10 questions: 8 minutes

• Next 10 questions: 9 minutes

• Continue with adjusted targets based on question difficulty

Why Time Batching Works Better

✅ Prevents time traps: No more spending 5 minutes on question 3
✅ Builds momentum: Hitting mini-goals creates confidence
✅ Adapts to digital format: Recognizes that not all questions are equal

Pro tip: Adjust your batches based on passage length and complexity as you practice.

Strategy #3: Follow the 3-Step Practice Test Review Method

The problem: Most Test Preppers take practice tests but don't review them strategically.

Taking practice tests without proper review is like working out without a plan—you're busy, but not making real progress.

The 3-Step Review Process

Step 1: Categorize Your Mistakes Don't just mark right/wrong. Group mistakes by type:

• Reading: Inference questions, main idea questions, detail questions

• Math: Geometry, algebra, trigonometry

• English: Punctuation, transitions, sentence structure

Step 2: Focus on One Pattern at a Time Pick your biggest mistake pattern and work on ONLY that during your next study session.

Step 3: Drill That Question Type in Isolation Before taking another full practice test, work through 15-20 questions of just that type from different tests.

Why This Method Works

• Targeted improvement: You fix specific weaknesses instead of hoping for general improvement

• Measurable progress: You can track improvement on specific question types

• Efficient use of time: No more random studying

Put These Strategies Into Action

These three strategies work whether you're taking the ACT for the first time or you've been stuck at the same score for months. The key is applying them systematically, not sporadically.

Ready for More Advanced Strategies?

If these three tips make sense to you, imagine what you could accomplish with a complete strategic framework designed specifically for the 2025 digital ACT.

The ACT Bootcamp covers these strategies plus:

• Section-specific timing approaches

• Question prioritization methods

• Advanced review techniques

• Digital ACT navigation strategies

Perfect for Test Preppers who:

• Are testing in September or later

• Know the content but struggle with test performance

• Want strategic training, not content cramming

• Are ready to try a different approach

Limited Time Opportunity

The next Bootcamp starts this Sunday (just 6 hours total over 3 days). After this weekend, the next session won't be until October—which means you'd miss the September test date.

Join the ACT Bootcamp →

Start Implementing Today

You don't need to wait to start using these strategies. Pick one and try it with your next practice session:

1. Identify your easy win section using the process above

2. Try time batching on your next Reading or Science section

3. Review your last practice test using the 3-step method

Remember: Your ACT score doesn't define you, but the right strategies can change your results.

Questions about these strategies? Drop a comment below—I read and respond to every one.

Ready to master all the strategies that work on the 2025 digital ACT? The Bootcamp starts Sunday →

Here are the resources mentioned in this episode:

·       Check out our ACT Bootcamp happening August 10, 17, 24 virtually.  It gives you specific strategies for the old vs. new format, plus specific strategies and content for each section of the ACT.  Grab your spot here-- https://upreptestprep.net/bootcamp

·       Check out the new Official ACT Test Prep books here: https://upreptestprep.net/my-favorite-links

·       Want free test prep resources each week?  Subscribe to our newsletter here: https://u-prep-test-prep.myflodesk.com/freebie-signup

Good luck on your test prep journey!

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