ACT Science section timing advice?

I'm preparing for the ACT and I've been struggling with the timing on the Science section. It's really causing me stress. Do y'all have any advice on how to improve my timing for this section? Thanks!

Hello! Timing can be a significant challenge when taking the ACT Science section, but with the right strategies and practice, you can definitely improve. Here are some tips to help you enhance your timing on this section:

1. Familiarize yourself with the test format: Understanding the structure of the ACT Science section can help you better anticipate what to expect. The section consists of 40 questions to be completed in 35 minutes, which gives you less than a minute per question. There are typically 6-7 passages, with 5-7 questions each. Passages come in three types: Data Representation, Research Summary, and Conflicting Viewpoints. Knowing this format will allow you to focus better and allocate your time accordingly.

2. Read the questions first: Before diving into the passages, read the questions and underline or take mental note of important keywords. This will give you an idea of what to look for as you skim the passage, helping you locate relevant information more efficiently.

3. Prioritize data: Data Representation and Research Summary passages usually feature graphs, tables, or charts. You can often find the answers to the questions directly from this data. Make sure to understand what the axes and labels represent and how the data is organized to answer the questions more efficiently.

4. Manage your time: Break down the 35 minutes into manageable segments for each passage, aiming to spend around 5 minutes per passage. You might allocate slightly more time for Conflicting Viewpoints passages, as they tend to require more reading. Keep an eye on the time and pace yourself. It's better to answer all questions and guess intelligently for the couple of questions you are unsure about than to struggle with one question while running out of time.

5. Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice, the more efficient you'll become at navigating ACT Science passages. Time yourself during practice tests and analyze your results to identify areas for improvement. Make adjustments to your strategies accordingly and continue practicing until you feel comfortable with the pacing.

6. Stay calm and focused: Taking a deep breath and staying focused can help calm nerves and ensure you're able to concentrate. If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a moment to refocus, and then continue.

Remember that mastering the ACT Science section's timing takes practice, so be patient with yourself as you work through these strategies. Keep at it, and you'll likely see improvements in both your speed and overall performance. Good luck!