A big challenge for students on the ACT is finishing each section within the time limit. Maintaining the right pace is essential, so students benefit tremendously from tips and tricks to manage time and pacing.
Why is all this so important?
In our blog, 24-Hour Countdown: Everything You Need Before Test Day, we advised that you bring a watch without an audible alarm to your exam. Remember: If you have anything that beeps during the test, your test is automatically canceled, and it’s taken away from you! So tip #1 – don’t bring anything that could beep.
The test rooms are supposed to have a clock, but you never know if it’s going to work or if it’s going to be in an awkward location where you have to turn around to look at it. Tip #2 – wear a watch (back to tip #1 – a silent watch will do the trick). And, having chosen your watch, practice with it in advance so you know how to pace yourself.
Next, you need to know our two time-tested tricks to make pacing simple. These tricks are designed to avoid the additional anxiety for students starting a section at 11:17 and trying to add 35 minutes to that to then keep track of an ending time of 11:52. All of that just adds extra stress that we’re trying to eliminate with these tricks, which are based on the fact that the actual time of day isn’t important. What’s important is just how much time you have left for each section.
Please try each trick when you take practice tests to see which you prefer.
TRICK 1: Start at noon
Before each section begins, set your watch to noon. Watch the minute hand to quickly tell you how much time you’ve spent in the section. You’ll be able to quickly calculate how many minutes remain.
|
ACT |
||
| Section | Time Allowed | Time to End Starting at Noon |
| English |
45 |
12:45 |
| Math |
60 |
1:00 |
| Reading |
35 |
12:35 |
| Science |
35 |
12:35 |
TRICK 2: End at noon
Before a section begins, backtrack to a starting time based on ending at noon. Set your watch as follows, and check your watch regularly, knowing that your time is up at 12:00.
|
ACT |
||
| Section | Time Allowed | Time to Set to End at Noon |
| English |
45 |
11:15 |
| Math |
60 |
11:00 |
| Reading |
35 |
11:25 |
| Science | 35 |
11:25 |
For more advice to maximize your potential on the ACT, see these top tips for maximizing performance on test day.
Do you like what you’ve read? Please click the links to share with friends who would also benefit from knowing tips to keep track of time during the ACT.
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I wish I had this clever trick for when my son took these. That is a great point
We’re thrilled you think the trick is clever. : ) We do too!
I think this is excellent. It gives you an idea of good time management when taking the ACT’s. We didn’t have things like this when I was testing. And the school seems exceptional.
Yes, it’s so important to consider everything that contributes to a student being able to maximize his or her potential on the ACT. Time management is a big deal, and these tricks can assuage their additional anxiety about keeping track of time.
Great advice! College prep is scary stuff! Every bit of help is appreciated!
Absolutely Amanda! We always want to find ways to make it less scary. Teens are already so stressed (and so are their parents). We’re thrilled you found the tips helpful.
This seems like very helpful information. Thanks for sharing!
Sure thing Kathy! I’m thrilled you found the advice helpful.
Taking these tests is so stressful to my grandkids and this is good to know how to plan for the tests. Thanks for sharing!
Absolutely! Best of luck to your grandkids.
These are really good tricks and ill be using them!!!
Great Teresa! Good luck!
helps the students do their best
You got it Lisa! That’s the goal!
This is amazing! I will definitely use these tricks!
We’re thrilled to hear that. Best of luck Julie!
Some great tips. Thank you for sharing this.
Sure thing Terri! We’re glad you found the tips helpful.
thank you for this, we are really unprepared for standardized tests here
You’re welcome Molli. We hope the tricks help you feel a bit more prepared.
Neat tips!
Would’ve been nice to have something like this when I was younger!
Yes, they’re very helpful tips!
Thanks for sharing these great tips I will keep them in mind.
We’re thrilled to hear that!
Thanks for the helpful tips.
You’re so welcome Jodi. We’re so happy you found the tips helpful!