First pass: take every item you can answer in one look. Second pass: come back to the rest. Do not let one hard question eat the easy ones behind it. This is order inside a section, not the sprint-versus-hunt shift across sections, in dual pacing.
Bank the easy points
Math later items can be harder, but not always. Flag and move. Reading and Science: skip a passage type you hate until the second pass only if you still have time for it. Flagging on the digital test is in flagging questions.
Guessing on whatever is still blank is in guessing on the ACT. A letter of the day fills those blanks fast, in letter of the day.
The bottom line
Easy first. Hard second. Nothing left blank on purpose.
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.