Practice Tests & Test Day

Keep moving on every ACT section

October 14, 2026 · 5 min read

If an item is still a wall after about 45 to 60 seconds, guess, flag, and move. One hard question is never worth three easy ones. Two-pass order is in the two-pass method.

Pause, then decide

If you are one step from the answer, finish. If you are rereading with no new information, leave. Math has a tighter skip, in the sixty-second skip. Predicting on Reading is the other leftover, in predict before you look.

The bottom line

Forty-five to sixty seconds, then assess. Stuck means move.

Start practicing

Start with a free diagnostic, then drill your weak spots with 15-question quizzes and track how you're doing across Reading, English, and Math. Compare plans whenever you're ready to go further.

This article offers general ACT prep guidance. The ACT can change from year to year, including its format, scoring, policies, test dates, and fees, so always confirm the latest details on the official ACT website at act.org before you make decisions. ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. thirty-six is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by ACT.