Are You Making These Mistakes?

Test Prep+ Podcast with Aimee Urdiales

Navigate the new enhanced ACT with confidence. Avoid the critical mistakes that are crushing students' scores in 2025.

🚨 August 2025 Update 🚨

All ACT testing is now enhanced format. Classic ACT ended July 2025.

The 5 Critical Mistakes

Mistake #1: Not Understanding the New Composite Score

Your composite score is now calculated from English, Math, and Reading only—Science is separate like Writing always was.

Key Takeaway: Prioritize 70% of prep time on English, Math, and Reading sections

Mistake #2: Using the Wrong Test Prep Materials

Students using 2023-2024 prep materials are training for a different test. Enhanced ACT has fewer questions, shorter passages, and embedded field test questions.

Key Takeaway: Only use materials labeled "Enhanced ACT" or with 2025+ copyright dates

Mistake #3: Not Knowing Basic Test Information

Families don't understand registration deadlines, format options, science choices, or college requirements for the enhanced ACT.

Key Takeaway: Research before registering: deadlines, format, science requirements, college policies

Mistake #4: Starting Test Prep Too Late

Two weeks isn't enough time for meaningful improvement. You need minimum 4 weeks for intense prep (1+ hours daily) or 6+ weeks for moderate prep (30 minutes daily).

Key Takeaway: Plan backwards from test date: realistic goals need realistic timelines

Mistake #5: Not Understanding Superscoring Changes

Classic ACT (ended July 2025) and Enhanced ACT have different composite calculations. Some colleges won't superscore across versions.

Key Takeaway: Research each target college's superscoring policy for enhanced vs. classic ACT

Listen Now

• Apple Podcasts

• Spotify

Key Resources

• Official Enhanced ACT Info

• Enhanced ACT Practice Tests

• College Science Requirements

• Free Resources

This Week's Action Plan

1. Download official enhanced ACT practice test from ACT.org

2. Research your target colleges' science requirements

3. Take one timed section using enhanced materials

4. Plan your testing timeline for fall 2025

Ready to Master the Enhanced ACT?

Join thousands of students who are successfully navigating the new ACT format with our expert guidance and resources.

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Test Prep+ Podcast helps students navigate standardized testing with expert strategies, current information, and practical advice. Hosted by Aimee Urdiales.

Here are the resources mentioned in this episode:

·       Check out our ACT Bootcamp happening September 21, 28, & October 5 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

·       ·      FREE WEBINAR on the changes to the ACT: Join us for our “Navigating the New ACT” webinar—several opportunities throughout September.  Check it out here: https://upreptestprep.net/free-act-webinar

• 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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