Podcast Episode #50

Emergency Test Prep:

What To Do When Time is Running Out

EPISODE # 49

Listen to our episode right here!

It's Monday. The ACT is Saturday. Here's Your Game Plan.

Test Prep+ Podcast with Aimee Urdiales

Five days until the ACT and feeling unprepared? This special episode gives you a strategic day-by-day game plan from Monday through Friday. No cramming. No panic. Just smart refinement of the skills you already have, combined with mental prep strategies that actually work.

🚨 Special Bonus Episode 🚨

This episode is dropping off our regular schedule because when the ACT is THIS SATURDAY, waiting isn't an option. Whether you're testing this weekend or saving this for future test prep emergencies, this framework will help you maximize your performance when time is running out.

Your 5-Day Strategic Game Plan

Monday: Assessment & Strategy (Tonight)

What to do: Quick diagnostic—15 minutes per section to see where you stand right now. Identify your three focus areas for the week.

Key Takeaway: Take inventory of your reliable point-getters. These are your foundation for Saturday.

Tuesday: Refine Your Strongest Skills

What to do: Practice 20-30 questions in your two most confident sections. Build automaticity so these question types become second nature.

Key Takeaway: Making strong skills bulletproof is more valuable than trying to learn brand new concepts.

Wednesday: Targeted Weak-Spot Work

What to do: Focus on ONE area you have some foundation in but need to sharpen. Do 30-40 practice problems with full understanding.

Key Takeaway: Quality over quantity—understand the pattern of every mistake.

Thursday: Full-Length Practice Test

What to do: Take a complete ACT under real testing conditions. Morning timing preferred. Review for patterns, not perfection.

Key Takeaway: Mental rehearsal prepares your brain for the actual test experience.

Friday: Confidence Day & Rest Mode

What to do: Light review only (60-90 minutes max). Done by 6 PM. Pack your bag, review your one-page cheat sheet, and REST.

Key Takeaway: Sleep is non-negotiable. Your brain needs rest to consolidate what you've practiced.

The "Refine, Don't Learn" Principle

With five days until test day, you're in REFINEMENT MODE, not learning mode. This episode teaches you how to:

✅ Sharpen timing and pacing
✅ Perfect your process for each section
✅ Build automaticity in what you already know
✅ Focus on execution over new content

Bottom Line: You know more than you think you do. This week is about polishing those skills and preparing your mindset.

Enhanced ACT Format: What You Need to Know

Saturday's test is the enhanced ACT format—a shorter, streamlined version with updated question types, especially in Science. But here's the good news: the core skills remain the same.

  • English: Grammar and rhetorical skills (fewer questions)

  • Math: Same content areas (shorter section)

  • Reading: Similar format with updated passages

  • Science: More integrated reasoning, still focused on data analysis

Key Takeaway: Don't panic about format changes. Your skills transfer directly.

Friday Night Protocol (Non-Negotiable Rules)

🛑 Stop studying by 6 PM
🛑 No electronic devices after 5 PM
🛑 Pack your test bag and lay out clothes
🛑 Get 7-9 hours of sleep
🛑 Practice relaxation techniques before bed

Your brain consolidates information during sleep. Last-minute cramming only increases anxiety without improving performance.

🎁 FREE DOWNLOAD: ACT Last-Minute Checklist

Your complete printable checklist covering:

  • ✅ Test day materials

  • ✅ Personal items to bring

  • ✅ Site location planning

  • ✅ Sleep & rest protocol

  • ✅ Nutrition & hydration guidelines

  • ✅ Final review strategy

  • ✅ Mindset & relaxation techniques

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE CHECKLIST HERE

This Week's Action Plan

  1. Do tonight's 90-minute diagnostic to identify your reliable point-getters

  2. Download the Last-Minute Checklist and print it out

  3. Follow the day-by-day schedule outlined in the episode

  4. Watch the companion video for your final pep talk: https://youtu.be/vqlDHqx7atg

  5. Execute your Friday night protocol (no studying after 6 PM, no devices after 5 PM)

Saturday Morning Test Bag Checklist

Make sure you have:

  • ☐ Admission ticket

  • ☐ Acceptable photo ID

  • ☐ No. 2 pencils with erasers (bring at least 5)

  • ☐ Approved calculator with backup batteries

  • ☐ Watch to track time (NOT a smartwatch)

  • ☐ Snacks (granola bar, fruit) and water for the break

  • ☐ Comfortable, layered clothing with sweater/jacket

Arrive at least 30 minutes early! Plan for traffic and construction.

Ready to Execute Your Final Week?

This emergency prep framework works whether you're testing this Saturday or preparing for a future test date. The key is strategic refinement of existing skills combined with mental preparation.

Connect with us:

Follow @upreptestprep on Instagram & Facebook!

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

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Here are the resources mentioned in this episode:

Good luck on your test this Saturday! You've got this, Test Preppers! 💪

Trust Your Prep. Trust Yourself.

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U-Prep Test Prep sends out free resources for both the ACT and SAT each Tuesday. Click below to sign up for these weekly resources.

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Share This Episode

Know someone taking the ACT this Saturday? Share this emergency prep guide with them!

Related Episodes:

  • Episode 48: The Psychology of Test Day - Conquering ACT Anxiety

Ready to Master the Enhanced ACT?

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

Connect with us:

  • Follow @upreptestprep on Instagram & Facebook!

  • Subscribe to our Newsletter to receive FREE test prep resources each week! Click here!

  • Subscribe to the Test Prep+ Podcast

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

Good luck on your test prep journey!

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Listen to this special episode to find out what to do during that last week of test prep before the ACT!

 

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ACT Cheat Sheets

  • These cheat sheets have important reminders about each subject test on the ACT. Click here to receive the FREE download.

  • Click here for your FREE download.

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