20 2026 | Tennessee College Guide ships and financial aid grants. So yes—it’s important, but no—there is nothing you should stress about. In fact, stressing out about the test is probably the worst thing you can do. The best thing, is to spend some time getting comfortable with how the test is structured and the types of ques- tions you can expect on it. Here are a few suggestions about how you can prepare for the test, and ways to make it an enjoyable, rather than stressful event. ACT Preparation Resources There are a host of different resources available to help you prepare for the test. One of the cheapest and easiest ways to get an idea what to expect is by taking the ACT sample test available online. Taking the sample test will familiarize you with how it works and help you approach your test day. The questions on the sample test won’t be the exact ones on the test, but they will give you an idea what to expect. Talk with your school counselor about any resources (books, tapes, etc.) they recom- mend and how best to use them. What To Do On Test Day The most important thing you can do on test day, begins the night before. Make sure you get plenty of sleep so you are well rested and your mind is sharp. Don’t get anxious on the morning of the test, but stay relaxed. Your memory does its best work when relaxed, not stressed out. Take the time to check the ACT website to make sure you have everything you need on test day. This will include your printed ACT admission ticket, a photo identification, sev- eral #2 pencils, an approved calculator, etc. The ACT website provides details on which calculators are permitted, so be sure to ver- ify whether you have the correct one. Also, make sure your calculator has fresh batter- ies. Nothing worse than having your calcu- lator die in the middle of the test! One of the most important things to remem- ber is to answer every question! Your scores on the multiple-choice tests are based on the number of questions you answer cor- rectly. There is no penalty for wrong an- swers, it is calculated by the number you get right! So guessing is better than just leaving a question blank. At least you have a chance of getting it right. Another huge mistake occurs when students get their questions and answers out of order, meaning, you are reading question 17, but filling in your answer on question 18’s place. It’s wise to verify before you shade in each answer that you are on the correct number. Most of all, don’t get stressed out. If you hit a series of questions that you’re not sure about, don’t panic! Take a deep breath— relax to keep your mind focused, and move on the next question. ACT Scores & Retaking the Test ACT scores range from a low of 1 to a high of 36. In 2024, the average ACT score nationally was 19.4. Scores of 28 or higher put you in the 90th percentile, or the top ten percent of those testing in your state. If you score low on your first at- tempt, don’t get upset. One of the great things about the ACT is your ability to take the test multiple times. When you reg- ister for the test, it gives you the option to have your scores automatically sent to the colleges you are interested in. Some stu- dents like this convenience. But if you plan to take the test multiple times, you might be wise not to have your scores sent until after you complete the last test, and are ready to send your highest scores achieved. Statistics show that the lower your initial ACT score, the more likely you will score better the second time. Conversely, the higher your initial ACT score, the more likely you will score the same or lower the second time (See chart on page 21). Since you are in control over which scores are ultimately shared with colleges, there are no risks in retaking the test multiple times. After you get your first scores back, check the ACT website for the future test- ing dates you would like to consider for your second attempt. While the ACT score isn’t the only thing colleges look at when deciding whether to accept you or not, it is still a very important factor. Even raising your score one or two points is worth your extra time. Like all aspects of taking the next step from high school to college, allow the ACT Test to be a positive time rather than a stressful one. Stay focused and deter- mined, but also confident and relaxed. It is just one of the many steps you will take as you begin your college years. You have a lot of people supporting you—so always remember—you can do this! The New Enhanced ACT Test: More Time and Less Questions
