ACT® Test Time Breakdown for Teachers

For many students, the ACT® feels like a race against the clock. With tight timing and fast-paced questions, the test requires more than just knowledge—it demands effective time management. By focusing on strategic pacing, students can build confidence, reduce stress, and maximize their scores.

ACT® Overview

• Sections: English, Math, Reading, Science (plus an optional Writing test).
• Time: 2 hours, 55 minutes (3 hours, 35 minutes with Writing).
• Content Style: Direct and fast-paced questions, often testing speed as much as knowledge. The Science section requires interpreting data rather than prior scientific knowledge.

Pacing Tips for the ACT®

The ACT’s® fast pace can be daunting, but strategic preparation can make it manageable. Each section requires tailored approaches:

1. Prioritize the Easier Questions

For sections like Math and Reading, where questions become progressively harder, students should focus on answering easier questions quickly. Encourage them to circle or mark harder questions to revisit later​​.

2. Leverage Even Pacing

Teach students to allocate time evenly across passages or groups of questions. This even pacing minimizes the risk of spending too much time on any one area​.

• English: 9 minutes per passage.
• Math: Spend slightly more time (about 35 minutes) on the second half of questions, as they are more difficult.
• Reading and Science: Roughly 8 minutes and 45 seconds per passage​​.

3. Don’t Leave Questions Blank

Remind students that there’s no penalty for guessing on the ACT®. If they’re running out of time, they should bubble in answers for unanswered questions before the section ends​​.

General Testing Strategies for the ACT®

1. Practice in Realistic Conditions

Use practice tests to simulate test-day conditions, including timing each section and providing breaks as scheduled. This builds familiarity with the test structure and helps students stay focused.

2. Use the “Two-Pass” Method

Encourage students to approach questions in two rounds. During the first pass, they should answer all the questions they’re confident about. In the second pass, they can tackle more challenging problems.

3. Identify Time Traps

Help students recognize which question types or topics slow them down. For example, inference questions in Reading or data-heavy passages in Science can be particularly time-consuming​​. With practice, they can learn to navigate these more efficiently.

4. Encourage Self-Reflection

After practice sessions, have students review which sections they struggled to complete on time and discuss strategies for improvement.

With effective pacing strategies, students can make the clock their ally rather than their enemy. Incorporating these techniques into classroom preparation can help students achieve their best possible scores.

Looking for more ACT® prep resources? Horizon Education offers benchmark assessments and curriculum-aligned practice tools to build confidence and pacing skills. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your school or district!