When it comes to the SAT and ACT, knowing the material is only half the battle — the other half is managing your time effectively on test day. Many students run out of time, mismanage pacing, or spend too long on tough questions. The good news? With the right strategies, you can make the clock work for you instead of against you.
Here are 10 proven time-management strategies to help you maximize your score:
1. Know the Test Format Inside Out
Before test day, review the number of questions and the time allotted for each section. For example, the SAT Math (No Calculator) section gives you 25 minutes for 20 questions, while ACT Reading gives you just 35 minutes for 40 questions. Knowing the structure helps you plan your pace.
2. Set a Time Budget per Question
Divide total time by number of questions to estimate how long you can spend on each one. For instance, on the ACT English section (45 minutes, 75 questions), you get about 36 seconds per question. This doesn’t mean you need to time each question, but it sets a pacing guideline.
3. Start with Easier Questions
Don’t get stuck at the start. Skim through a section and answer the questions you find easiest first. This builds momentum and secures points quickly, leaving more time for the tougher problems.
4. Use the Two-Pass Method
On your first pass, answer all the questions you know or can solve quickly. Mark the harder ones to revisit later. This prevents you from spending five minutes on a single question and running out of time for the rest.
5. Keep Track of Time
Glance at the clock every 5–10 minutes to stay aware of your pace. If you’re consistently behind, adjust by speeding up slightly or skipping more difficult questions sooner.
6. Don’t Overthink
These exams are designed with straightforward answers. Spending too long second-guessing usually lowers your score. Trust your preparation and move forward.
7. Bubble Efficiently
On paper tests, bubbling in after each question can waste precious seconds. Instead, consider bubbling in chunks of 5–10 answers at a time — just be careful to avoid misalignment.
8. Practice Under Timed Conditions
Taking practice tests under strict timing is one of the best ways to simulate real test-day conditions. The more comfortable you are with the pressure, the more natural pacing will feel.
9. Use Educated Guesses
If you’re stuck, eliminate wrong answers quickly and make an educated guess. Remember, there’s no penalty for guessing on either the SAT or ACT.
10. Save Time for Review (If Possible)
Aim to finish a section with 1–2 minutes left to double-check bubbling, revisit marked questions, or quickly verify tricky math problems.
Time management can be just as important as content knowledge on the SAT and ACT. By practicing these strategies, you’ll walk into test day more confident and more prepared to finish strong.
At Advanced Test Prep, we help students master both the content and the strategy to maximize scores. Ready to boost your performance? Contact us today to learn how our customized tutoring can make a difference.
