The ACT can open doors to your dream college—but only if you approach it the right way. While many students spend months studying for the test, even the most prepared ones fall into avoidable traps that hurt their scores. Whether you’re just beginning your ACT practice online or nearing test day, knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to study.
Let’s dive into the top 10 most common mistakes students make on the ACT—and how you can steer clear of them.
1. Not Having a Study Plan
A major mistake students make is diving into prep without a strategy. Randomly solving questions or hopping between topics without a timeline creates confusion and inconsistency.
How to Avoid It:
- Set a weekly study schedule covering all four sections.
- Allocate more time to your weak areas.
- Use planners or digital tools to track progress.
Structure gives your study time direction, making each session more effective.
2. Ignoring the ACT Format
Many students jump into prep without really understanding the ACT structure—how long each section is, how it’s scored, or what kind of questions are asked.
How to Avoid It:
- Familiarize yourself with the test’s layout: English, Math, Reading, Science, and optional Writing.
- Know the number of questions, time limits, and scoring for each section.
This foundational knowledge sets you up to maximize your strengths and manage your time.
3. Not Taking Full-Length Practice Tests
Practicing a few questions here and there is not enough. Without full-length timed tests, you won’t build the endurance needed for this nearly 3-hour marathon.
How to Avoid It:
- Take at least 3–5 full-length ACT practice tests before your exam.
- Simulate test conditions—quiet room, time limits, no distractions.
- Review your mistakes thoroughly after each test.
Practicing under pressure trains your brain for test day.
4. Cramming at the Last Minute
ACT success doesn’t come overnight. Trying to learn everything in the last week increases anxiety and leads to burnout.
How to Avoid It:
- Begin prepping at least 2–3 months in advance.
- Break your study sessions into short, focused blocks.
- Revise regularly and take breaks to avoid fatigue.
Consistent prep beats chaotic cramming every time.
5. Skipping Over Weak Areas
It’s easy to avoid topics that frustrate you. But ignoring them can cost you serious points.
How to Avoid It:
- Identify your weakest subjects early using diagnostic tests.
- Spend extra time reviewing those concepts.
- Don’t just practice—understand why you’re getting questions wrong.
Remember: Improvement happens outside your comfort zone.
6. Not Reviewing Mistakes
Many students practice dozens of questions but never review them properly. They miss out on learning from their errors.
How to Avoid It:
- After every act practice online session, analyze every mistake.
- Ask: Did I rush? Did I misread the question? Was my approach flawed?
- Keep a “mistake log” and revisit it before the test.
Reviewing mistakes helps prevent them from happening again.
7. Poor Time Management During the Test
Running out of time is one of the most common reasons for a lower-than-expected ACT score. Some students spend too long on early questions, leaving little time for the rest.
How to Avoid It:
- Learn the time-per-question ratio (e.g., ~36 seconds per English question).
- Use a watch or timer during practice tests.
- If a question stumps you, move on and return later if time allows.
Time awareness can be a game-changer on test day.
8. Guessing Blindly
The ACT doesn’t penalize for wrong answers, so guessing is smart—but that doesn’t mean guessing without logic.
How to Avoid It:
- Eliminate obviously wrong answers to increase your odds.
- Use logic and context clues.
- If completely stuck, make an educated guess—but avoid random guessing when possible.
Even smart guessing is a skill—practice it.
9. Overlooking the Writing Section
Though optional, the ACT Writing section is often required by selective colleges. Many students either skip it or don’t prepare for it at all.
How to Avoid It:
- Check if the schools you’re applying to require the Writing section.
- Practice a few essays under time constraints.
- Focus on clear structure: introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
A good essay can give your application a competitive edge.
10. Not Using the Right Prep Resources
Not all ACT materials are created equal. Using outdated books or low-quality practice questions can derail your preparation.
How to Avoid It:
- Use materials created or recommended by experts.
- Opt for the best online ACT prep platforms that offer structured courses, interactive tools, and personalized feedback.
- Don’t rely solely on free content—investing in the right resources pays off.
Your prep is only as good as the tools you use.
Final Thoughts: Avoid Mistakes, Boost Your Score
Success on the ACT doesn’t require perfection—it requires preparation, awareness, and strategy. By avoiding these 10 common mistakes, you can gain a real advantage and perform at your best on test day.
But why do it alone?
Turito offers comprehensive ACT prep courses tailored to every student’s pace and level. Whether you need targeted help on weak sections or a full test strategy, Turito’s expert tutors, live sessions, and full-length practice tests ensure you’re 100% ready. Their flexible scheduling and two-teacher model make it one of the smartest choices for serious test takers.
Don’t just aim for a good score—aim for your best.
Check out Turito’s ACT prep programs and take the next step toward your dream college today!