The ACT is one of the very important entrance exams for students wishing to attend major universities within the United States. It consists of four test sections including English, mathematics, reading, and science. Mastering the ACT has its perks, including scholarships, entrance into special college programs such as honors colleges, and entrance into elite universities. Because the ACT is an extremely important exam, most students feel very pressured while taking it. Although the test is not easy, it is less stressful for students to take it when they are well prepared. As a current college student, there are a few tips that I believe that all students should know before they take the ACT.

Tip One: Get a good night's rest.

This tip might seem like the easiest, but many students choose to ignore it. If you want to do well on a test that takes about three to four hours to complete, you will definitely need to be well rested. Do not stay up and study all night the night before, or you will regret it. Go to sleep early, and do not wake up too late either, or you will risk being unattentive during the test.

Tip Two: Eat breakfast before you take the test.

Although the ACT has a break halfway through the test, I find it best to eat breakfast before taking the test. When you are stressed, you are more likely to be hungry, and the ACT is a very stressful test for most people. You do not want your stomach growling while you are taking the ACT. Not only is it a big distraction for yourself, but it is also a big distraction for others. To make the test easier for yourself and others, just eat something healthy before you take the ACT.

Tip Three: Do not cram for the ACT at the last minute.

The ACT is not a test that you can prepare for in one night, or even in one week. Instead, it takes lots of practice over the years that you are in school. If you want the best ACT score that you can possibly get, you should lay out some time each week to study for it. Just studying for an hour a week will give anyone great results.

Tip Four: Take advantage of ACT boot camps and workshops.

There are many ACT boot camps and workshops located around the nation that are very useful for boosting students' test taking skills. Some of them are even free. Every single piece of advice is helpful, and just one important tip could boost your score a point or two in a section. Students should sign up for these early, and begin prepping as soon as possible for the best results. Contact your counselor or search the internet to find test prep locations near you.

Tip Five: Watch online test prep videos.

The internet is a very beautiful resource. Students are no longer limited to textbooks and teachers for study materials. Instead, there is an entire world of opportunity literally at all of our fingertips. It is not difficult to find good ACT prep materials online. Websites like Youtube have thousands of videos devoted to different sections of the ACT. These videos are usually short enough to not grow boring, and they contain valuable tips or even practice problems.

Tip Six: Take lots of practice tests.

Taking practice tests is essential to get used to the ACT and its short time constraints. When you miss a question, go back and learn why you missed it. While you are taking practice tests, set alarms with the specific amount of time allowed for each section. When it goes off, stop immediately because your proctor will not give you any extra time during the real test. When you take the actual ACT, wear a watch that is easy to read. Time management will be vital to get a good ACT score.

Tip Seven: Limit your stress.

Along with time, stress will be another one of your biggest enemies while taking the ACT. Try to relax the day before the test to get yourself in a positive mindset. Do not stress the night before or the morning of the test. Go into the ACT and do your best. When you get your results back, be proud of whatever score that you get. You earned it.