12 Cheap ACT Prep Ideas that make studying more effective

Take one timed diagnostic, then log every miss with the reason (concept, careless, timing). Review short timed rounds instead of marathons so improvement actually compounds.

Write timing checkpoints on scratch paper before you start a practice section. Review the error log twice a week so your effort stays efficient.

Do short sprints with a timer and one goal (accuracy or speed). Do accuracy days and timing days so improvement actually compounds.

Keep a leech pile for cards you miss twice. Mix accuracy days and timing days so burnout stays lower.

Sort your practice problems into three stacks by difficulty. Write the error log twice a week so improvement actually compounds.

Before you arrive, pick three places to learn: advising office, tutoring center, and one quiet study spot. Mix one page of high-yield notes so improvement actually compounds.

Write 10 mini stories you can reuse: challenge, leadership, teamwork, failure, growth. Review the error log twice a week so you build confidence fast.

Pick one short quote and one icon, then stick to two colors. Use one page of high-yield notes so improvement actually compounds.

Make a one-page handwritten sheet of formulas, rules, and common traps. Review one page of high-yield notes so you stop repeating mistakes.

Bring two wins and two specific questions for the teacher. Write one page of high-yield notes so your effort stays efficient.

Schedule two focused blocks per day (45-60 minutes) and keep evenings lighter. Review short timed rounds instead of marathons so your effort stays efficient.

Print 8 questions and ask the same ones each time (workload, support, culture, activities). Do the error log twice a week so you stop repeating mistakes.