Whether you want to raise your teenager’s ACT score by a few points or shoot for a perfect 36, efficient study is a must. Going over flashcards or taking a few practice tests isn’t enough to make the future the brightest it can be. ACT prep needs to be driven by ambition, self-examination, and effective learning. The following guide looks at the best methods of getting your student to the next level on test day.

How to Maximize the ACT Score

1. Take a Diagnostics Test

First, make sure the ACT is the best fit for your high-schooler. Students should take a diagnostic test with a tutoring service to determine their strengths and weaknesses and whether they would perform better on the ACT or SAT. The test should break down why the ACT is the right fit for your teen’s skillset and offer a path for improvement. Then you can decide on a game plan to move forward and work on test-taking habits and preparation.

2. Determine Common Mistakes

Everyone makes small mistakes when testing. Unfortunately, on the ACT, multiple errors can lower the score drastically. When your child takes practice tests for ACT prep, thoroughly review where they went wrong and why. Catching mistakes and making a concentrated effort to reduce them can improve the score on the big day.

3. Get Help From a Tutor

If the first shot at the ACT was dissatisfying, your child shouldn’t try to tackle it again on their own. Your student needs someone outside of their own head who can see the mistakes, struggles, and weaknesses that they might be missing. A well-trained tutor will offer constructive advice and show real ways to progress in ACT prep, each step customized to your teenager’s needs, personality, and areas of improvement.

4. Practice With Quality Material

When it comes to academics, quality will always outweigh quantity. Hours of ACT prep with just any material will not maximize the chance of success. The formatting and expectations for the ACT are much different from standard school tests, so you need practice material that reflects this. Make sure the practice tests your student is taking accurately mirror the type of material they’ll see on the ACT itself.

5. Find Ways to Lower Stress

There’s no avoiding the fact that preparing and practicing for the ACT can be stressful. The test looming on the horizon can be intimidating. But while working on perfecting their score, your child needs to practice self-care. Make sure they get plenty of sleep, exercise, and healthy foods to keep the mind sharp. Scheduling breaks with fun and relaxing activities will prevent them from experiencing burnout.

If you’re in need of ACT or SAT prep that gets the results your child is aiming for, contact Peach State Tutoring & Test Prep. This tutoring center serves the Roswell, Johns Creek, Milton, Cumming, Duluth, Norcross, Suwanee, and Alpharetta, GA, area with ACT prep, SAT prep, and academic tutoring that will take your teenager’s performance to new heights. Their tutors—all of whom have a master’s degree or Ph.D—will focus on specific problem areas that need improvement, continuously checking for progress along the way with top-quality practice tests. They also provide a free diagnostic ACT vs. SAT test to show students which test best aligns with their strengths. Visit them online or call (678) 824-6890 to learn more about what they can do for your student.