The ACT Science section can be tricky, but the right strategies are going to help you come out of it with confidence and with the extra points on your exam. Whether you analyze data, understand experiments, or compare several viewpoints, there is always a tip or trick that will make all the difference. Mastering timing, knowing what to look for, and practicing efficiently are good indicators to improve performance and make the most out of your test prep. Here are your top 10 tips to getting good scores in ACT Science.

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Did You Know Facts About ACT Science Tips? 

• ACT Science passages fall into three categories: Data Representation, Research Summaries, and Conflicting Viewpoints.
• Time management is essential; you have about 52 seconds per question.
• Much of ACT Science involves interpreting graphs, tables, and charts.
• Avoid overthinking; the answers are usually pretty obvious from the data.
• The average ACT Science score in 2024 is 19.6, so with proper preparation, you may do better.

ACT Science Section

The ACT Science section consists of 40 questions that need to be completed within 35 minutes. It includes passages from biology, chemistry, earth/space sciences, and physics. Even though the questions are science-based, the student does not need to memorize specific facts but rather analyze, interpret, and evaluate data presented in charts, graphs, tables, and diagrams. This section requires students to demonstrate their understanding and make inferences based on what is given, rather than memorizing scientific facts.

• The ACT Science section has 40 questions to be answered in 35 minutes.
• The topics include biology, chemistry, earth/space sciences, and physics.
• Passages come in three formats: Data Representation, Research Summaries, and Conflicting Viewpoints.
• No recall of specific scientific facts but focus on data interpretation and analysis.
• Students analyze graphs, tables, and diagrams to answer questions.

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ACT Science Tips

The ACT Science section is a synthesis of critical thinking, data interpretation, and good time management. Maximizing the score requires passage types, question formats, and test-taking strategies. Here are key tips to get you up to speed in performing at your best, listed from foundational skills to advanced time management techniques. 

ACT SCIENCE TIP 1: Develop a Strategic Approach

An appropriately planned approach for the ACT Science section can actually make a real difference in the performance. One should not go through everything carefully but understand for what purpose that passage and its experiment is to be read.

• Identify what the main topic of the passage is and what the experiments were set up
• Determine what the scientists measured, controlled and discovered
• Compare similarities and differences between experiments or viewpoints.
• Pay attention to keywords like "NOT," "Experiment 1," or "Table 1" in the question stem to avoid mistakes.
• Try to finish at least three passages and 20 questions by the 17-minute mark.

ACT SCIENCE TIP 2: Know Key Scientific Terms

Knowing the key vocabulary will help you understand the goals of experiments and presentations of data in a fraction of the time.

• Independent Variable: The thing that scientists try to change
• Dependent Variable: The value that is measured in response to the independent variable
• Constants: Things that stay the same throughout an experiment
• Direct Relationship: One variable goes up, and so does another.
• Inverse Relationship: One variable goes up; the other variable goes down.

ACT SCIENCE TIP 3: Look for Patterns in Data

Many ACT Science questions require you to analyze trends in tables and graphs.

• If a question asks about an unseen data point, extend the trend logically.
• Use existing trends to estimate missing values in tables and graphs.
• Mark or underline important data points in your test booklet to stay organized.

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ACT SCIENCE TIP 4: Always Revisit the Passage

Since the ACT Science section presents a lot of information, relying solely on memory is not effective.

• Skim the passage to get an overview, but always go back to the text for details.
• Underline key findings, circle numerical data, and jot down short notes.
• Use arrows or brackets to connect related information within the passage.

ACT SCIENCE TIP 5: Become the Manager of Time

Time is the major challenge of the ACT Science section, so it's really important to pace yourself right.

• Spent no more than 5-6 minutes per passage in order to stay on track.
• If you're having a hard time with time, begin with five passages and work your way up to six or seven.
• If accuracy begins to drop with more passages, consider aiming for five strong attempts and guessing on the last one.

ACT SCIENCE TIP 6: Know Different Types of Questions

There are three main question types in the ACT Science section, each of which calls for a different strategy.

• Data Interpretation: This one involves analyzing tables, graphs, and figures.
• Scientific Investigation: This one requires understanding experimental setup and methodology.
• Evaluation of Models & Theories: This calls for assessing scientific explanations and deciding on logical conclusions.

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ACT SCIENCE TIP 7: Mark Important Details in the Passage

Taking quick notes or underlining important points will allow you to pay attention and be able to respond to questions accordingly.

• Marked differences and similarities between experiments.
• Underline necessary findings, numbers, and trends in the data.
• Organize information by means of simple marks (arrows, circles, or brackets).

ACT SCIENCE TIP 8: Apply Specific Strategies for Different Passage Types

The ACT Science section consists of three types of passages that need to be approached differently.

• Data Representation (2 passages): Understand graphs, tables, and charts. Identify variables, units, and patterns.
• Research Summary (3 passages): Summarizes experiments. Understand the purpose, methods, and results. Compare similarities and differences between experiments.
• Conflicting Viewpoints (1 passage): Offers multiple theories or perspectives. Be sure to pay more attention to variations in reasoning than to scientific evidence.

ACT SCIENCE TIP 9: Know the Types of Passages 

Knowing the types of passages will help you cruise through them without difficulty.

• The Summary of a Research Experiment (3 passages): Centers on experiments and demands understanding of experimental setup, method, and results.
• Data Representation (2 essays): These contain graphs and tables, so be prepared for a quick interpretation of visual data.
• Conflicting Viewpoints (1 essay): This essay contains multiple theories about a topic and challenges your ability to compare and contrast arguments.

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ACT SCIENCE TIP 10: Save Time and Guess

When you encounter a difficult question, resist the urge to endlessly reread the passage or scrutinize the figure. Instead, rely on the process of elimination to rule out clearly incorrect answers. If you're still unsure, make an educated guess from the remaining options and move forward. This approach helps you save time and keeps you from getting stuck on a single question.

• Use the process of elimination to cross out incorrect answers.
• Make an educated guess from the remaining options.
• Don't get stuck on one question; keep moving forward.
• Save time and focus on the next question.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is all about critical thinking, time management, and having a clear understanding of the types of passages to be able to succeed on the ACT Science section. Applying these strategies—such as knowing key scientific terms, identifying patterns in data, and how to efficiently manage your time—you will have an increased chance of getting a better score. Just stay organized, focus on the core concepts, and do not overthink questions. With regular practice and by mastering these tips, you’ll be equipped to confidently tackle the ACT Science section and maximize your test performance.