5 THINGS TOP ACT SCORERS DO RIGHT

Cracking the ACT is more than just being “good at school.” Students who earn top scores—33, 34, 35, even a perfect 36—approach the test with strategy, discipline, and the mindset of a competitor. Whether you’re aiming for Ivy League admissions, merit scholarships, or simply your personal best, here are five things the highest ACT scorers do differently:

1. They Study the ACT Like a Game

Top scorers understand that the ACT isn’t just a test of knowledge—it’s a predictable system with repeatable patterns. They learn the structure of each section, from how reading passages are presented to the typical traps in math questions. They use this insight to anticipate what's coming, just like a chess player seeing three moves ahead.

Pro Tip: High scorers don’t “wing it.” They practice with official tests under timed conditions to build muscle memory and test-day confidence.

2. They Practice Timing—Relentlessly

One of the hardest parts of the ACT is the pace. Top scorers know their biggest threat isn’t content—it’s the clock. They drill until they can pace themselves strategically.

Pro Tip: Use a digital watch in silent mode and train to “beat the buzzer,” especially on Reading and Science, where time pressure is most brutal.

3. They Review Every Mistake Until They Get It

Top scorers treat mistakes like gold. When they get a question wrong, they dig deep to understand why—not just what the right answer was, but why they chose the wrong one. Then they practice similar problems until the error is eliminated.

Pro Tip: Keep an “error log” with every missed question, categorized by type (e.g., “careless math,” “misread science graph,” etc.) and review it weekly.

4. They Master the English and Math “Rules”

ACT English and Math don’t test obscure knowledge—they test rule-following. Comma placement, subject-verb agreement, geometry formulas, and function basics come up again and again. Top scorers build a personal “rulebook” and use it like a playbook during practice and real exams.

Pro Tip: For English, learn the grammar rules the ACT loves (like semicolon use and modifier placement). For Math, focus on high-frequency topics like functions, algebraic manipulation, and word problems.

5. They Get Help from Experts

Behind many top scorers is a coach, mentor, or tutor who helps them cut through the noise and stay accountable. They don’t waste time on YouTube rabbit holes—they use strategies that work, customized for their strengths and weaknesses.

Pro Tip: Don’t go it alone. A top-tier tutor can shorten your prep time, boost your score, and help you approach the test with calm and clarity.

Ready to Join the Ranks of Top Scorers?

At Bowie Strategies, we specialize in helping high-achieving students unlock elite ACT scores through personalized, expert tutoring. Whether you're stuck at a plateau or just starting out, we’ll build a plan to help you dominate the test and maximize your admissions and scholarship potential.

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Your ACT score can improve your future. Let Bowie Strategies help you improve your ACT score!

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