If you are a junior at Enloe, the third quarter may be a living hellscape. On top of all of your upcoming AP exams, extracurriculars, etc. etc. there is another thing that you should be dedicating your time to, the ACT. Not to fret, with this simple guide we will all be passing with flying colors. 

The ACT will take place on March 21, 2023 at 7:30 AM. This date is closer than it may seem so it is important to study early and often, for small chunks of time. If you are stumped on resources to study, here are a few ways you can prepare:

• Onlineprep.act.org is a great interactive resource for casual studying
• Using review books like the Official Act Review or Princeton ACT Review books will best familiarize yourself with ACT format and using paper will closely simulate the test day conditions.
• When taking practice tests, try to time yourself and avoid distractions
• Getting a tutor or joining study groups can help you get motivation from people who are taking or have already taken this test and can give you tips on how to be successful.

On the day of the test, it is important to make sure you have all of the items you will need to make everything run smoother (starting earlier means ending earlier). Arriving at 7:30 AM on the day of the ACT is only going to prolong the session so make sure you are arriving before time with all of your resources. 

Be sure to bring: 

• Photo ID: only hard plastic IDs such as driver’s licenses and student IDs
• Snacks and a water bottle (only to be accessed during designated break times)
• Pre-approved calculator: calculator policy (only to be accessed in the calculator active portion of the math section) 
• Two sharpened number 2 pencils (will be provided before testing if needed)

Don’t bring:

• Wearable smart devices 
• Highlighters, colored pens/pencils, mechanical pencils
• Notes, scrap paper

Taking care of your mental health is equally as important as studying. The night before, make sure you are getting plenty of sleep so you don’t fall asleep during your test. Doing things that relax you like listening to music or exercising beforehand can help you decompress. Make sure you also eat a filling breakfast the morning of. 

Overall, preparing for the ACT takes patience and discipline but with the right preparation and resources, you can achieve your goals.