ACT Test Strategy · Lesson 6

Your test-day plan

On test day the sections come in a fixed order: English, Math, Reading, then Science if you registered for it, and Writing last if you registered for it. The only section where a calculator is allowed is the second one, Math.

Calculator: Math only, never Science, and every Math problem can be solved without one. If you test online, the Desmos graphing calculator is built into the Math section. If you bring your own, four-function, scientific, and graphing calculators are allowed unless the model is prohibited, and some models must be modified first, for example with the sound turned off. Prohibited: any calculator with a computer algebra system (CAS), calculators on phones, tablets, or laptops, and calculators with a QWERTY keyboard.

No blanks: there is no penalty for guessing, because only correct answers count. Before time is called in each section, every question should have an answer.

A sample last-week plan (advice, not ACT rules)
WhenWhat to do
5 to 7 days outOne timed section a day at its real length
3 to 4 days outReview those mistakes and redo the ones you missed
2 days outCheck that your calculator is allowed and works, or practice with Desmos if you test online
The day beforeLight review only, pack your bag, and get a full night's sleep

Worked example Easy

Leo registered for the ACT with Science but without Writing, and he owns an approved graphing calculator. Can he use it on the section that comes right after Reading?

  1. Yes, because the section after Reading is Math, where calculators are allowed
  2. Yes, because an approved calculator may be used in every section of the test
  3. No, because the section after Reading is Science, where no calculator is allowedAnswer
  4. No, because the section after Reading is Writing, which Leo did not register to take

How to solve it

  1. The order is English, Math, Reading, then Science, then Writing.
  2. Leo has Science, so Science comes right after Reading.
  3. Calculators are allowed on Math only, so he can't use it on Science.

Why each choice is right or wrong

  • A. Incorrect. Math is the second section, right after English; it comes before Reading, not after it.
  • B. Incorrect. Calculators are not allowed in every section; they are allowed on Math only.
  • C. Correct. Science follows Reading, and the ACT doesn't allow a calculator on Science.
  • D. Incorrect. Writing comes after Science, and Leo isn't taking Writing anyway; the section after Reading is Science.

Worked example Medium

Under ACT's calculator policy, which of these may Dev bring for the Math section?

  1. A graphing calculator without a computer algebra systemAnswer
  2. A graphing calculator with a computer algebra system
  3. A calculator app on a phone that is switched to airplane mode
  4. A small calculator with a full QWERTY keyboard

How to solve it

  1. Graphing calculators are allowed unless the model is prohibited.
  2. Prohibited: CAS models, calculators on phones, tablets, or laptops, and QWERTY keyboards.
  3. Only the graphing calculator without CAS avoids every prohibition.

Why each choice is right or wrong

  • A. Correct. Graphing calculators are allowed unless prohibited, and this one has no computer algebra system.
  • B. Incorrect. A calculator with a computer algebra system (CAS) is prohibited.
  • C. Incorrect. Calculators on a phone are prohibited; airplane mode doesn't change that.
  • D. Incorrect. Calculators with a QWERTY keyboard are prohibited, whatever their size.