ACT Prep Tips That Get Results

Your 2025 Guide to Raising Scores Without the Stress

🎓 Why the ACT Still Matters in 2025

Even with test-optional admissions, a high ACT score can:

  • Strengthen applications to competitive schools

  • Qualify students for merit scholarships

  • Replace lower GPA trends

  • Keep options open for direct-entry programs (like nursing, business, or engineering)

In South Carolina, many public and private colleges still use ACT scores for aid.

How to Study for the ACT: Top Strategies

✅ 1. Know Your Baseline

Start with a full-length practice test to identify your strengths and weaknesses.

✅ 2. Build a Section-by-Section Plan

English

  • Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure

  • Study comma rules, conciseness, and transitions

Math

  • Focus on algebra, geometry, and trig

  • Memorize key formulas (they’re not provided!)

Reading

  • Practice active reading + line references

  • Skim effectively, then go back for answers

Science

  • This is a reasoning test, not a science knowledge test

  • Focus on interpreting graphs, trends, and experimental setups

Writing (Optional Essay)

  • Learn to structure a 5-paragraph essay quickly

  • Practice transitions, argument strength, and examples

✅ 3. Drill Timed Sections

The ACT is a fast-paced test.
Use a timer in every practice session, and build muscle memory on pacing.

✅ 4. Review Mistakes Strategically

Don’t just take practice tests—analyze them.
We help students log missed questions by topic and pattern to focus future prep.

🧭 ACT vs SAT: Which Should You Take?

If you can you should take both and use the best scores of either the ACT or SAT.

The ACT is more aligned to Engineering, Math and Science, so your student might score better in this. Also Engineering schools like seeing this instead of SAT scores.

The SAT is more known and utilized. High Schools normally have it as part of the curriculum as well. So take the free opportunity if you have access to it.

📌 College Refocus helps you choose the best test for your goals—and build a custom timeline.

📅 ACT Test Dates (2025)

Test Dates

Feb 8th

April 12

June 14th

July 12

Sep (TBD)

We help SC students align ACT prep with AP classes, sports, and scholarship deadlines.

🛠️ ACT Prep Support From College Refocus

We offer:
✅ Score goal setting & timeline building
✅ Section-by-section prep resources
✅ Tutor referrals (local + online)
✅ Feedback on test timing & retake strategy
✅ Motivation & accountability check-ins

💬 What Students Say

“I had no idea how fast the ACT was. College Refocus helped me prep smarter, and I went from a 23 to a 29 in two months.”
— James R., Simpsonville, SC

📞 Book Your ACT Strategy Session Today

Whether you're just getting started or want to retest for scholarships, we’ll help you create a personalized ACT plan.

🎯 Book a free ACT planning session to:

  • Choose the right test date

  • Build a realistic study schedule

  • Explore scholarship-linked score goals

👉 Schedule Free ACT Planning Call »

🔗 Helpful Links