Aiming for a Perfect ACT Score

I'm shooting for a 36 on the ACT. Any tips from those who've achieved this, or came close? Any help at all is appreciated.

Congratulations on setting such a high goal for your ACT score, shooting for a 36 is no small feat! Here are some tips that might help you on your journey:

Understand the ACT format: Before you start studying, make sure you have an in-depth understanding of the ACT structure. The test has four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Each of these sections tests specific skills, so familiarizing yourself with the layout will help you know what to expect.

Develop a study schedule: Consistency is key in test prep. Establishing a study schedule ensures that you're consistently reviewing content and practicing ACT-style questions. That can be doing a couple sections of practice tests each weekend or devoting an hour each day to a different subject. Just make sure it's something you can stick to.

Strengths and Weaknesses: Focus on your weaknesses, but also reinforce your strengths. Early in your studies, take a few practice exams to determine which areas are slowing you down or giving you trouble. Prioritize studying these topics. But also remember to revise what you are already good at, as it can help boost your confidence.

Take Practice Tests: This cannot be overstressed. Taking as many timed practice tests as possible can help you familiarize yourself with the test format and realize what strategies work for you. It not only helps with understanding types of questions, but also with time management skills.

Analyze your Mistakes: After each practice test, spend some time reviewing every question you got wrong or found tricky. Understanding where you made errors or got stuck is an excellent way to improve.

Read: This is especially valuable for the English and Reading sections. Regular reading of various genres and styles can help improve your reading speed and comprehension. It'll also help shore up your grammar and punctuation skills.

Review high school concepts: The ACT primarily focuses on high school curriculum, so one of your best study resources is your personal archive of high school notes. Make sure you brush up on the major concepts, principles, and formulas from your classes, particularly in Math and Science.

The Day Before: The day before the test, try to relax and avoid cramming. Make sure you have everything you need for the test (pencils, calculator, ID etc.) and know where your test center is so there is no last-minute panic.

During the Test: Make sure to pace yourself, don't spend too much time on a single question. Remember to breathe and stay calm, even if you come across a question that stumps you. Your attitude and mindset have a lot of influence on test performance.

Remember, aiming for a perfect score is a lofty aspiration, but it’s important to know that very few students achieve it. And that's okay. Many top colleges typically look for scores above the 30 mark. What’s more important is showing a balanced, high-achieving profile overall. Be proud of your diligence and the effort you're putting into achieving your goals - this dedication will serve you well not just in ACT prep, but in all areas of life. Good luck!